START tech > Ear Candy

1. JVC HA-DX1 ($129.95) - Digital-reference stereo headphones Best for: DVD, CD, minidisc The verdict: "The low end was pretty nice. With some headphones, if you're watching movies and there are explosions or something like that, the sound starts to break up from the lack of bottom end. I had these cranking, and there was no distortion."

2. Sony MDR-NC11 ($149.99) - Noise-canceling headphones Best for: Everyday use The verdict: "The idea is cool, but there's a suction effect that makes me feel claustrophobic, like I'm underwater. They get rid of all the background noise, but these aren't the most comfortable. I think I'd rather deal with the background noise."

3. Altec Lansing AHS30 ($24.95) - Multimedia stereo headset with microphone Best for: PC or Mac interactive audio The verdict: "There's a lot of stereo definition but not much in the way of great sound. But these are good. They hold up pretty well at high volume. They're well enclosed, and the bonus is the added microphone. So it's more about the cool factor."

4. Pioneer SE-DJ5000 ($175.00) - Closed stereo headphones Best for: Pro DJ The verdict: "It's heavy on the midrange but lacking in bass. The padding on the right side is the cool thing about these. The mono switch is cool depending on how you like to cue. But in a nightclub where it's hot, your ears are going to be dripping with sweat. I had these on for 20 minutes, and my ears were wet."