Grado GR8 in-ear headphones

Grado has built a reputation for offering excellent quality across its range of over-the-ear headphones, which start at around £60. Grado's first in-ear headphones, the GR8, cost £295, a price that sets it in the sights of only the most dedicated mobile music lovers.

The GR8 headphones come with a selection of three silicon ear tips of different sizes. Once the appropriate pair had been fitted we found the small size of the headphones fitted comfortably and securely in the ear.

However, we were disappointed to find that such an expensive item, designed for portability, was not supplied with a protective carrying case. The lack of a clip to attach the main wire to an article of clothing, which prevents the headphones being inadvertently tugged out of your ears by body movements, was equally mysterious.

There is no denying that the level of quality is impressive, if a little flat. Bass tones were clear, rather than the muddy response from many in-ear headphones and the musical detail often submerged by the thud of enhanced bass in cheaper products came through.

The problem is that while headphones around the £50 to £100 mark cannot match the GR8 for tonal range, most will do a pretty good job in the environments where most portables are used: in the street or on the train or bus.

Grado's GR8 in-ear headphones provide great quality, although not to the same degree as the over-the-ear designs the company has built its reputation on. We are not convinced that there is a market for headphones that cost twice as much as the basic iPod Touch.

Grado's iGi in-ear set retails at a more affordable £88 and although we have yet to try them, we would advise anyone who is thinking about spending this much money on portable headphones to give the cheaper version a listen before purchasing.

UK distributor Armourhome provides information on Grado retailers selling the GR8 and iGi headphones on its website.