Sennheiser PMX 90

Sennheiser PMX 90

"What's the least amount of money I can spend on a pair of headphones and not end up with crap?" Forget that this question, which I hear on a weekly basis, is backward in its logic - people should be spending less on iPods that need to be replaced every few years, and more on quality headphones that will sound great and last a long time if cared for. Sennheiser's PMX 90, at $69.95 list, is priced about as low as you can go if you want any semblance of bass response or quality audio in a pair of headphones. If you're on a budget - and an on-ear, behind-the-skull headband is an ideal fit - the PMX 90 is a solid choice. The black headband for the PMX 90 wraps around the back of your head. It's slightly bendable and loops over and behind the ears to stay in place. Padded black-and-gray ear cups with silver-colored trim feature the Sennheiser name and logo, punctuated with perforated dots in the shape of the Sennheiser "S." These dots actually emit some quiet sound outwards, not unlike the open design of the Grado SR60($70, 4 stars). At 3.9 ounces, the PMX 90 is lightweight and perfect for exercise or travel, at least in the sense that it won't cause fatigue over long listening periods. People sitting near you for long periods of time may experience some fatigue, however, as they are likely to hear much of your music.