Sonomax Eers PCS-150

The Sonomax Eers PCS-150 manages to break new ground within the sub-category of custom molded earphones by being the first do-it-yourself custom-fit pair. At $199.99 (direct), these aren't exactly cheap earphones. But compared to most custom-fit options, which generally start at about $500, like the Altec Lansing A1 Custom Single Driver Earphone ($499.95, 4 stars) and continue well beyond the $1,000 mark, like the JH Audio JH16 Pro ($1,149, 5 stars), they're a bargain. They fit in each ear canal securely with the aid of an over-the-ear loop, and of course, they stay in place better because after a short, safe process, they're molded to fit your ear canal. The process is simple and effective, making the Eers PCS-150 a standout budget option in the often-exclusive realm of custom earphones. By the way, they sound pretty stellar, too.

Design
The Eers PCS-150 is eye-catching primarily because of the bright orange audio cable, which leads to black earpieces with flexible ear loops. But the truly bizarre-looking aspect of the Eers is a contraption that you will only use once, and probably not in public. This boxy-looking headband that the earphones come attached to is the device that makes your custom-fit happen. Once the molding process is complete, your earphones easily snap off the headband, which vaguely resembles military equipment or a bizarre medical device.

Here's how it works: After you lubricate each eartip with some gooey "fitting solution" (a bottle is provided), you put the headband on securely, position the eartips firmly into your ear canal, lubricated ear goo and all, and release a switch on each boxy compartment over the left and right ears simultaneously. This sets off a rather magical process that you can definitely feel and hear?though nothing is ever uncomfortable. The eartips steadily expand and conform to the entry of your ear canal.

This process is not unlike getting ear molds professionally done, but it's certainly a lot cheaper. Be advised, however: You only get one shot at this. If you screw it up, your custom fit will likely disappoint, so read the instructions thoroughly (they are simple). The good news is that, at least on my try, I was able to get a pretty good molding. It takes about five minutes.

Even if you're careful, your results are not likely to be as ideal as a professional ear-molding from an audiologist?but that's why most pairs that involve visiting an audiologist for a molding cost substantially more money. For example, the fit is looser than a custom, audiologist-molded pair like the Altec Lansing A3 Custom Triple Driver Earphone ($999.95, 4 stars)?an even more expensive Altec custom offering?or the aforementioned JH Audio line, but it's more secure than a typical in-canal pair with standard silicon ear tips.

The Eers PCS-150 ships with the aforementioned headband contraption and bottle of fitting solution, as well as a zip-up protective case. Unfortunately, there are no replacement ear tips, so if you do screw up the custom process, you'll likely be calling customer service, as there is no way to replace the ear tips with the materials included.

The orange cable also houses a universal mobile phone call answering button and microphone. On most phones, the button pauses and plays music, and on the iPhone, multiple taps skip a track forward or backward.

Performance
The goofy-looking headband used during the molding process almost looks like a gimmick. It's easy to see pictures online and feel a bit skeptical. And even though the customization does work, it would be a gimmick if the earphones didn't sound great?after all, less than $200 will get you some high-quality non-custom pairs, like the excellent Bowers & Wilkins C5 In-Ear Headphones ($179.95, 4.5 stars).

Fortunately, the Eers PCS-150 do not disappoint on the audio front. On deep bass tracks, like the Knife's "Silent Shout," there is no distortion at all, even at maximum volume?and these earphones get quite loud, so I'd advise avoiding maximum volume if you'd like to retain your hearing. The low frequencies on deep bass tracks are delivered with a definite thump that might turn off some audiophiles seeking flat response. But the overall frequency response feels generally balanced, which means there is definitely a bit of tweaking on the high frequencies, too.

This sound signature lends itself particularly well to modern pop, hip-hop, and rock mixes. Radiohead's "Staircase" is delivered with a nice warm low-end but enough crispness to let the tight drum work stand out along with the vocals.

On instrumental pieces, like John Adams' "The Chairman Dances," the low-end presence lends the lower-register strings and percussion a nice bit of added push that might be a turn-off for purists, but adds a bit of body to the mix nonetheless.

The phone controls work simply and well, with good call clarity for both you and your call partner.

The Eers PCS-150 is not the absolute best earphone pair in the $200 range, but it competes quite well, without a doubt, with non-custom models like the B&W C5. Add in the custom molding, and you've got a winner. It's hard to really compare this pair to any other we've tested other than custom earphones?and this is the only DIY custom pair, so even that makes the playing field less level. Regardless, the PCS-150 holds its own. If you're looking for a custom-molded in-ear pair and can't quite afford the typical prices associated with them, Sonomax's solution is practical, well-implemented, and provides strong audio performance.

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eastman kodak richard cordray shannon de lima joe torre west virginia university michele bachmann jessica biel