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Klipsch Image S4 Noise Isolating Earphones Review

Author Hugo Jobling
Published 6th Jun 2009
Manufacturer Klipsch
Supplier iHeadphones
Price £52.17 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed £59.99 (Inc VAT)
Latest Price
Design & Features Score 7 for Design & Features
Sound Quality Score 8 for Sound Quality
Value Score 8 for Value
Overall Score 8 for Overall
Klipsch Image S4 Noise Isolating Earphones
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It's slightly disappointing that after the wonders of the Image X10 and Custom-3 earphones from Klipsch the Image S4 'phones fall short of being revolutionary. I'm not suggesting for a minute that they're not good, because they are, but unlike the Image X10s which were ludicrously light while still sounding awesome or the Custom-3s which gave the Shure SE420s a real run for their money at close to half the MSRP to be listening to a pair of Klipsch 'phones which are merely very competent seems a bit of an anti-climax.

That said, for the £60 being asked for the Image S4s I'm probably pushing my luck expecting miracles. Agreed, you could get an entire MP3 player with built-in earphones - in the form of the Sony NWZ-W202 for £60 but the comparison isn't really fair.


The Image S4s aren't much to look at but they're not awful. The design is fairly stylish, I suppose, with its combination of shiny black and silver plastic. Obviously the metal casing of the Image X5 and X10 'phones is preferable, but the S4s stand up in comparison to Apple In-ear Headphones; in my eyes anyway.

The earpieces are pleasingly lightweight, but seem more prone to falling out of the ear than both the X10 and X5 Images. That isn't helped by the provision of only a too-large (for me at least), small or too-small double-flanged tips. A medium pair would have suited my ears perfectly but the small tips were okay with a little wiggling to wedge them in place.


Furthermore, while the design looks okay, there's a slight budget feel to the Image S4s, the thin cable doesn't seem as if it would cope with much stress and I wouldn't want to put the 'phones in a pocket I was going to sit on. Not that I would do that with any other earphones as a matter of course, but if it happens by accident it would be nice to think it won't cost £60 in replacements.

Also included with the Image S4s is a metal case for transportation, which holds both the silicone tips and an earwax removal tool. It's a pretty sparse offering, but that's par for the course at this price point. The tin at least feels rigid enough to survive in a backpack should you wish to store your earphones there when not in use.

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comment overthere said on 6th June 2009

Do you think they'd have a secure enough fit to use while running?

comment LostHawk said on 7th June 2009

They definitely will stay in your ears while running. That's sure for at least 2 of the included plugs. The third one probably too but they won't fit my ears.

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