In-Ear Headphones for MP3 playing?

[jamesj1k]

Does anyone recommend any earbud headphones that they have been using to listen to their mp3's on the clie?

James

[phattie]

Sony MDRE888

[rhart00]

search the forums. everyone seems to loves their fontopia earphones. I know I do

[elf]

On a side-note, has anyone used the active noise-cancellation head-phones (Sony or other brands)?

How well do they work?

[Jeffry]

Originally posted by phattie
Sony MDRE888

That's freakin expensive.

[Rizal]

I just got a pair of Koss earbuds called "the Plug" they work great for me as they are comfortable, sound great and block out some ambient noise. I can't wait to try them on a plane. They were $20

The Plug (http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/SPdispCall?ReadForm&THEPLUG)

[Miatamatt]

Sony MDR-J10's... Over the ear design, comfortable, stay in place while I'm playing roller hockey, and only $10!

[DanT]

Originally posted by Rizal
I just got a pair of Koss earbuds called "the Plug" they work great for me as they are comfortable, sound great and block out some ambient noise. I can't wait to try them on a plane. They were $20

The Plug (http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/SPdispCall?ReadForm&THEPLUG)

I have one.  It works great in the plane and while riding lawnmower.  It's well worth $20.  My ear can't tell the difference between this and the Sony earbud that my brother spent $50 for it.

[jmg_NX21]

My bro has 2 sets of Noise Cancelling Headphones (from Sony) Buds & other type (compact tho) AND on long flights THEY do a NICE job of cancelling that HISS... I had the BEST rest when wearing these just to sleep on trans-atlantic flights... BUT both have been 100+

I am tempted to buy these PLUG... comfortable and SOME noise cancelling ability?

[hausponce]

It's funny. I put a pair of foam covers(from an old pair of earbuds) on the earbuds that came with my NZ. What a difference in sound quality. Try it. The Sony MDR-E828 aren't bad ($20.00US)

[elf]

Hmmm...I did a search on some of the suggested earphones and came across an interesting site:

http://www.epinions.com/

They have reviews of the MDRE888 [1] (summary: excellent overall sound reproduction, but poor bass; fragile) and the Koss Plugs [2](summary: uncomfortable).

[1] http://www.epinions.com/elec-Audio-Headphones-All-Sony_MDR-E888LP/display_~reviews

[2] http://www.epinions.com/Koss_The_Plug_In_Ear_Headphones_Headphones/display_~reviews

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Rizal
I just got a pair of Koss earbuds called "the Plug" they work great for me as they are comfortable, sound great and block out some ambient noise. I can't wait to try them on a plane. They were $20

The Plug (http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/SPdispCall?ReadForm&THEPLUG) I just bought those as well, but am returning them. The sound is too bass-heavy IMO. I think I'll go back to the over-the-ear design (damn cat pissed on my gym bag, and my headphones in the process!).

[madkins007]

The Plug from Koss is also my favorite. Some find them uncomfortable or bass-heavy, while I find them delightfully comfortable and well-balanced. I suspect that the balance/settings of your device and the type of music you listen too is a factor in this.

Radio Shack carries their own brand of ear buds, including one that is identical to The Plug, down to the little pouch. They were recently on sale for $14.95.

Lately, I have noticed that most of the stores are carrying a pretty pitiful selection of earphones, but the Shacks selection seems to be getting a bit bigger and more name-brand oriented.

[wellsjs]

Originally posted by Rizal
I just got a pair of Koss earbuds called "the Plug" they work great for me as they are comfortable, sound great and block out some ambient noise. I can't wait to try them on a plane. They were $20

The Plug (http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/SPdispCall?ReadForm&THEPLUG) "The Plug" gets my vote as well! Been using mine since Christmas. They do what over-the-ear earphones don't - block ambient/background noise. I have a teenage son who is learning to play the drums on a complete drumset in the basement! :eek: With my "Plugs" in, I can't even here him. I love my "Plugs!"

They are very comfortable. I use them when taking long walks as well! For the too heavy bass comment, did you turn the bass enhancement button off on the Sony player? I won't claim that these Koss Plugs are better than the more expensive ones, but for the money, they are excellent! ;)

[Flash-57]

Well, I may be unique in that I only use my earbuds as a last resort. I've tried many kinds of earbuds and, even though some are better than others, they are all pretty lousy compared to over-the-ear headphones.

So, I really don't spend much time thinking about earbuds. I got a pair of Koss earbuds when they went on sale for free at an office-supply store ($20 rebate) and they are quite adequate.

Someone mentioned listening to MP3 files while mowing the lawn. Holy Deafening Roar! I can't imagine trying to listen to music while standing two feet from a lawn-mower engine, no matter what kind of headphones I had.

[hherbzilla]

Yeah, I made sure the bass enhancement was turned off but I still don't like the sound. I was hoping they would work for me because I use them at the gym; I don't like over-the-head styles because they get in the way with a lot of the equipment. Hopefully the over-the-ear model will work out.

You're right, the plugs did block out the background noise. However, I found it annoying at times. For example, I could "hear" myself drinking water, which is an odd thing. :)

Imagine how boring life would be if we all liked the exact same things?

[NR70V-o-holic]

MDR EX70

Sound great, comfortable to wear


Noh

[madkins007]

For the gym (which for me includes aquarobics, hot tub, etc.), I use a pair of super cheapo 'phones with no foam or other things that water will harm immediately. (Silicone pads are OK.)

I find that they 'burn out' after about a year of use in the pool, but that is about how long 'sports waterproof' headphones last!

(If you are interested, I place my music player in a simple waterproof bag with a Velcro closure and snake the cord through the seal. In the pool, I float this on one of those foam kickboards. Gives me the chance to listen to my music at my volume. Works in the hot tub as well.)

 

I am experimenting with an iRock FM transmitter from Radio Shack. This device plugs into your headphone jack, then transmits the signal to an FM radio. By using a cheap pocket radio (with digital tuning or you'll go crazy finding the pre-selected broadcast stations), you can leave your expensive MP3 player or stereo device in a safe place (like in the gym bag) and still listen to it.

So far, I am disappointed- the 4 pre-set stations all seem to have enough static that the iRock does not come across clearly.

[wellsjs]

Originally posted by hherbzilla
Imagine how boring life would be if we all liked the exact same things? If you're like me, I have three, one of each type for different occasions. 1/2 the world population is wondering if their drinking water will kill them today, and we have 3 different types of headphones for all occasions! :eek: I'm ashamed! :o

Originally posted by Flash-57
Someone mentioned listening to MP3 files while mowing the lawn. Holy Deafening Roar! I can't imagine trying to listen to music while standing two feet from a lawn-mower engine, no matter what kind of headphones I had. Hmmm? I'll give it a try this week with my "Plugs" and let you all know! :D

[DanT]

Originally posted by Flash-57
Someone mentioned listening to MP3 files while mowing the lawn. Holy Deafening Roar! I can't imagine trying to listen to music while standing two feet from a lawn-mower engine, no matter what kind of headphones I had.

Better than just having plain ear plugs.

I probably spend on a weekend about an hour on the riding lawnmover, and about couple hours for the rest of yard chores.  The plug felt comfortable for 3 hour usage which covers the entire MP3 tracks in a single 128MB MS. 

[mrdeucie]

Originally posted by NR70V-o-holic
MDR EX70

Sound great, comfortable to wear


Noh

I'm also an EX70 user. It's pretty good at keeping the noise out, and I like the in the canal design. I use it for my Minidisc player though.