Sennheiser and Adidas teamed up and created the ultimate sports line of headphones. The Sennheiser CX 685 Adidas has Sennheiser’s balanced forethought when dealing with music and the rugged exteriors of Adidas. We are so thankful that they did not interfere with each other’s job. It’s a true partnership where both sides seem to have chiseled down each other’s rough edges and pooledin their talents. The resulting CX 685 is an IEM that’s sports-oriented with every fiber of its being but dexterous enough to be your everyday earphones, even for the precisionist music-fanatic. These in-ear headphones are a sure-shot for everyone’s workout wishlist, provided you take care of your earphones.
Audio Performance
Sennheiser’s mature outlook on music has definitely paid off with the CX 685 in-ear headphones. Most brands like Skullcandy strive to color their music red with bass. So-much-so, they are ready to pinch on the sonic detail to boost the bass in their audio response, especially for sport headphones. It’s true that bass can help you drive yourself with more energy and get spruced up enough to pump some iron. But the truth is there’s no substitute for balanced music, not even bass on steroids. This is where CX 685 headphones shine. They are not overtly bass-sensitized but they have just the right amount of punch to make the music exciting. The nice, tight bass element is more attention-garnering than attention-stealing. Sennheiser has enhanced the sub-bass region for a visceral impact which makes it the perfect mix. So Black Eyed Peas’ Boom Boom Powwill rock your world through the sit-ups.
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The fall-guy for good bass is always mids. They usually have a difficult relationship which just needs the right circumstances. Fortunately, CX 685 has created a safe home for both of them. Mids and vocals are beautifully executed with no bass encroaching upon their territories. Bass has a camaraderie with them rather than bullying them. Vocals and guitar have a way of coming live in these headphones. You will find yourself singing along the heart-rending Nothing At All with Musiq Soulchild and Santana’s divine guitar. Highs do not get sibilant until the volume is all the way up. Treble detail is sufficient to pair properly with the other elements of music.
Pec exercises aside, the Sennheiser CX 685 Adidas sports in-ear headphones can also make you sail through the day with good music in your ears. The 18Hz-20,000Hz frequency range gives you a small allowance of sub-bass along with clarity in mids and highs.
Design and features
Since the CX 685 sports headphones demand good fit by their very nature, they have been designed so, under Adidas’ purview. The headphones look pretty solid in construction although that’s not a popular opinion. Fitment is supported by the hooked extensions from the earpieces that curve around the crook of the ear, locking CX 685 on to your ears. The eartips themselves are fairly invasive and sit inside the ear canal. These sports headphones come with Silicone headphones of many sizes. You must select the one that fits you best. This will get them to latch on tight when you work out and shut your ears off to majority of the external noises. CX685 is sweat resistant and will survive through the sessions on treadmill even if you sweat profusely.
CX 685 headphones sport a 1.2m cable than ends in an angular plug. A shirt clip is provided in the box which lets you pin up extra length, if any, on to your clothes and keep them safely away from yanking tendencies. It has been a bone of contention for many users as to why these IEMs do not have an inline mic and remote. Sennheiser took note of these issues and debuted the CX 685G with Android-friendly inline remote and the CX 685i with iPhone-compatible in-line controls.
Additional Features
Accessories:The Sennheiser CX 685 Adidas sports headphones come with a substantial box. It contains silicone eartips in different sizes, a shirt clip to keep the headphone wire from straying, a cleaning tool and also a pouch with Velcro snaps for easy storage.
Pros:
- Tonally balanced with slightly enhanced sub-bass
- Good fitment
- Y-cable that is long enough for sports use
- Sweat-resistant design
- Hooked extensions for secure fit
- Storage pouch and cleaning tool included
Cons:
- No in-line remote in the initial model
- Cable is not tangle-free
Verdict:
Sennheiser CX 685 Adidas Sports in-ear headphones got a mixed reception from the users who were driven by widely different ideas of good ‘workout audio’. If you are a total basshead who needs his or her core shaken by music when you hit the gym, CX 685s may fall short. They are more appropriate for the users who like to keep a good physique and a discerning taste in music. They are not as bassy as Beats headphones or SkullCandy IEMs. Rather, they produce clear and natural sound that treats bass with caution and do not sacrifice details. You can turn to the Sony XBA-S65 if bass is all that you need. They can be worn around the house or at work for your regular musical needs. They will fit well if you choose the right eartips to go with them. If you need to stay connected to the world, then do consider the versions of these headphones with in-line remotes. Rounding up the accessories and their ergonomic fit, we would say that the CX 685s are worth their price.
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