Function over form would’ve had me purchase another set of Shures, but I decided to try these frighteningly stylish headphones instead.

Sound-wise, they’re pretty bass heavy (not as strongly skewed as EX71s), but otherwise adequate enough. The fit and seal is decent, but it’s not foam or anything.

But it’s the lovely rubbery tagliatelle cables that really stand out to me: I really appreciate how well they reduce tangling, even though it’s mainly an aesthetic thing if I’m honest. Points also go to the premium packaging, however superfluous.

Mine now say JAY on each earbud. JJ72¹ are basically the band of my teenage years.

This matte black aesthetic does seem to match items I’ve purchased recently — the Intuos4, Diamondback and Pre all share a similar feel, a specific combination of materials that provide a certain warmth and comfort to using the product.

My next post will be better.