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Thinksound, a headphone manufacturer known for using environmentally friendly materials both in their packaging and their headphones, has introduced the Rain canal phones. Designed specifically for audio purists, the Rain puts an emphasis on clarity and accuracy rather than overwhelming bass.

With environmental concerns growing more than ever, it is smart of Thinksound to head into this direction. “Green” products from electric cars, to dye-free detergents are growing in popularity; so why not create a set of headphones that are as environmentally conscientious as you are? Thinksound uses packaging made from recycled materials, PVC-free cables, renewable wood, and even a bleach-free carrying pouch.

There are currently two Thinksound models to choose from. The Thunder has an MSRP of $75 and features a 10mm driver, passive noise cancelation and a strong emphasis on bass, The Rain has an MSRP of $99, uses a 9mm driver, and targets audio purists. Both models are considered IEM (in-ear monitor) canal headphones because they sit inside the ear canal with a snug fit. Because of this unique design, and with the correct-fitting silicon tips, you should expect upwards of an 80% reduction in outside noise, also known as passive noise cancellation.

The Thinksound Rain canal phones come with three extra silicon tips (total: XS, S, M and L) so you can find the one that fits best, a canvas carrying pouch and an optional clip that you can use to attach the headphone cable to your shirt or jacket.

The Thinksound Rain comes with a slightly smaller 9mm driver housed in a wood enclosure, and feature a 20Hz to 20 KHz frequency response in addition to a 3.5mm gold plated plug and a 6-month warranty. The Rain headphones are slightly lighter than the Thunders, weighing in at 9.6 grams.

We tested the Thinksound Rain using our Apple iPod, Apple iMac internal sound card and a PC using the Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme Audio sound card. Music used in our tests included Bob Acri, Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D., Linkin Park’s live performance Road to Revolution, Weinland’s La Lamentor, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. As we mentioned in our Thinksound Thunder review, we feel that a 40-hour break in period is sufficient and will really open these canal phones up.

The Rain canal phones produce exceptional clarity, and true to the manufacturers claim, a very flat frequency response. Bass is controlled and accurate, but will definitely bottom out rather than go deeper than the aforementioned Thunders. Soundstage and imagery really depends on the genre of music you are playing, but overall we thought the Rain had a relatively wide soundstage. Hip hop, Electronica and techno enthusiasts will be immediately turned off, but we suspect they are not the targeted audience anyways. Audiophiles will be extremely pleased with the performance of the Rain; they feel light, sound great and have a great balance of warmth and precision.

The sound quality of these headphones really depends on the genre of music you enjoy. Audio purists will find that the Rain really excels when it comes to acoustical, classical or vocal genres. Those into hip hop, heavy rock, or other genres that really rely on bass or a broad frequency range will want to look elsewhere; the Thinksound Rain are great sounding headphones that will cater to a particular listener. With a street price under $60, the Thinksound Rain gives the bargain hunter a lot to search for. Audiophiles on a budget will want to pull up a good book, plug-in, and enjoy the music they have been missing all along.