Headphone Tests: Denon AH-C452 and JBL Reference 220

Today we're looking at two fairly mainstream in-ear headphones, right in the middle of their manufacturer's ranges.  These selections contain products that really cost more than £100, if we're being generous.

The latest two products to meet this criteria are the Denon AH-C452s and the JBL Reference 220s.  Although the former are relatively recent, the latter have been on sale for several years, but have never been renewed.  Both are in-ear headphones produced by well-known audio equipment manufacturers.  Will they be as talented at producing in-ear headphones though?

Denon AH-C452: this is a pair of in-ear headphones with a slightly unusual design, but without many interesting accessories.  Do they add anything to headphones available at half the price?

JBL Reference 220: these headphones have been on sale for over four years, and are still going strong.  With plenty of extras, have they stood the test of time?

> Product Survey: Headphones