Page 2: Testing Protocol, Ergonomics, Sound, Conclusion
Testing Protocol
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like a headset.
Ergonomics
As ergonomics are such an important factor when choosing earbuds, having ones that don't quite fit can be a deal breaker regardless of anything else. Therefore, as is the case with the E361 series, the inclusion of 3 different pairs of ear caps for the earbuds help alleviate any fitting problems. The E352 earbuds also don't use a bent casing design like the E361 series does; There shouldn't be as much of a potential problem in ergonomics in the first place.
Sound
The actual performance of the earbuds was something that peaked our curiosity due to the specifications chart on the back of the packaging. The E361 series had quality so good that it was hard to tell that they were even earbuds and it was important to note how well the more-expensive E352 series held up in comparison (even though the E352s weren't performance oriented). With that in mind, the results were rather mixed. While the earbuds didn't have the overwhelming bass that the E361 had, it could largely come down to personal preference as to whether that is a detriment or not. The E352 earbuds handled lows and mediums just as well (the high quality lows being particularly notable, as the lower amount of bass makes them stand out more). However, when it came to highs, the E352 began showing weakness compared to the E361 model. There is a noted tinniness in the highs that presents itself in spots; While the sound is still acceptable as far as earbuds go, they unfortunately still come off as rather disappointing.
As far as sound isolation, the E352s do a good job at keeping outside sounds out. There is minimal sound leakage, and while they don't have the bent case design of the E361 (or the resulting comprehensive isolation that said design allowed), it speaks of the design quality that Arctic Cooling was able to get such good isolation out of the more traditional earbud shape.
Conclusion
The Arctic Cooling Arctic Sound E352 earbuds present an interesting question. Are you willing to give up some audio quality over other comparative Arctic Sound models in order to have some of the most stylish earbuds on the market? At nearly $70, the E352 series is also nearly $20 more expensive than the base model E361 series, and $30 more expensive than the functionally similar E351 series. Even though the earbuds clearly target the style conscientious (rather than the performance crowd), the price and performance drawbacks are enough for ASE Labs to not recommend the Arctic Sound E352 series. The price is simply too high and the performance isn't really there.
That being said, the styling of the earbuds is quite fantastic. Arctic Cooling's dedication to the design of the Arctic Sound E352 series has to be commended. We applaud them for making such a interesting approach to product style.
ASE Labs would like to thank Arctic Cooling for making this review possible.
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like a headset.
Ergonomics
As ergonomics are such an important factor when choosing earbuds, having ones that don't quite fit can be a deal breaker regardless of anything else. Therefore, as is the case with the E361 series, the inclusion of 3 different pairs of ear caps for the earbuds help alleviate any fitting problems. The E352 earbuds also don't use a bent casing design like the E361 series does; There shouldn't be as much of a potential problem in ergonomics in the first place.
Sound
The actual performance of the earbuds was something that peaked our curiosity due to the specifications chart on the back of the packaging. The E361 series had quality so good that it was hard to tell that they were even earbuds and it was important to note how well the more-expensive E352 series held up in comparison (even though the E352s weren't performance oriented). With that in mind, the results were rather mixed. While the earbuds didn't have the overwhelming bass that the E361 had, it could largely come down to personal preference as to whether that is a detriment or not. The E352 earbuds handled lows and mediums just as well (the high quality lows being particularly notable, as the lower amount of bass makes them stand out more). However, when it came to highs, the E352 began showing weakness compared to the E361 model. There is a noted tinniness in the highs that presents itself in spots; While the sound is still acceptable as far as earbuds go, they unfortunately still come off as rather disappointing.
As far as sound isolation, the E352s do a good job at keeping outside sounds out. There is minimal sound leakage, and while they don't have the bent case design of the E361 (or the resulting comprehensive isolation that said design allowed), it speaks of the design quality that Arctic Cooling was able to get such good isolation out of the more traditional earbud shape.
Conclusion
The Arctic Cooling Arctic Sound E352 earbuds present an interesting question. Are you willing to give up some audio quality over other comparative Arctic Sound models in order to have some of the most stylish earbuds on the market? At nearly $70, the E352 series is also nearly $20 more expensive than the base model E361 series, and $30 more expensive than the functionally similar E351 series. Even though the earbuds clearly target the style conscientious (rather than the performance crowd), the price and performance drawbacks are enough for ASE Labs to not recommend the Arctic Sound E352 series. The price is simply too high and the performance isn't really there.
That being said, the styling of the earbuds is quite fantastic. Arctic Cooling's dedication to the design of the Arctic Sound E352 series has to be commended. We applaud them for making such a interesting approach to product style.
ASE Labs would like to thank Arctic Cooling for making this review possible.