Many noise-reducing headphones feature large, over-the-head or behind-the- neck headbands, making them rather bulky to use while traveling or working out. Not so the Sony MDR-EX71SLA Fontopia headphones, whose ultra-light, in-the-ear design sounds great while minimizing distracting ambient noise. The closed-type construction makes the headphones a perfect fit for airline, train, or bus travel, or while dancing or skating to your own tunes. The phones owe their audio performance to the extra- small 9 mm drivers and neodymium magnets fitted inside each earpiece. The drives and magnets combine to generate high-intensity sound, with a deeper-than-expected bass response (as low as 6 Hz) and refreshingly crisp mid- and high-range tones (all the way up to 23 kHz). Listeners will also dig the three sizes of earbuds that come with the headphones, ensuring that users find the right match for their individual ear shapes while enjoying long-lasting comfort. And thanks to the dual cord lengths--1.65 feet (original) and a 2.3-foot extension--the phones are great for both iPods and MP3 players on armbands or belt clips.

Other details include an oxygen-free copper cord that reduces noise and improves signal transfer, a gold-plated mini-plug that resists corrosion, a stylish neck chain cord, and a streamlined carrying case that slips easily into a shirt pocket. The 100 mW phones, whose black color matches many MP3 players, is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and a 90-day warranty on labor.