Naturally enough, the Custom-2s from Klipsch come between the Custom-1s and the Custom-3s.  The latter are excellent, and the former more than decent: so what exactly is on offer in the mid-range?

What's in the box?
There's nothing to add when it comes to Custom's design: either you'll love it or you'll hate it.  One thing that's worth nothing is that that the Custom-1s looked rather refined with white lettering on black headphones, and the Custom-3s added a touch of elegance with copper-coloured lettering.  Here though, the Custom-2s look a little tacky in sparkly silver with the Kiplisch logo in black.

As always with Klipsch, the box contains all sorts of extras: traditionnal sound-isolating sleeves and double-flanged versions, cables, ear gels; ear tip cleaning tool and a large case.  Everything you need is there, but some foam tips would have been welcome. The memory wire can be bent and twisted over the back of your ear to ensure a comfortable, custom fit.

Sound Quality
It's difficult for the Custom-2s to distinguish themselves from their two siblings.  While the Custom-3s had a playful dynamic with bass that was powerful where it matters and treble that was always on the mark, the Custom-2s sound tired.  When they should be energetic and punchy, they're heavy, muffled, and almost pounding, but when you do want something pounding and heavy, there's nothing to be heard no matter how hard you listen.

Moving up into the treble, it isn't any better than the bass, or even there at all.  It's mostly the range reserved for vocals where the Custom-2s do well.

Let's not be overcritical: these are good headphones, but we certainly expected more.  The only place where the Custom-2s are at home is with rootsy, dub music where they sound great.