iPod Good headphones

[Sesshi]

Bose sucks and is an insult to iPod users.

Just as well I don't use an iPod on a regular basis these days then. I like the Triport

I'd say the E2c for something utilitarian and if you want to keep the price for the phones down to as little as possible, but get teh maximum isolation for your buck. The cable is the only thing you have to watch out for, and it's less likely to crack over time if you wear the E2c 'front' like a normal earphone. The 'back' method is the most secure though but this leads to cable failure of the bit that loops over your ear sometime down the line as the nylon housing of the cable absorbs moisture from the skin over time by contact and becomes brittle - this is why many people complain of cracking cable housings on the E2c.

I've said it elsewhere but the slightly more expensive Etymotic ER-6i sounds a lot more accurate but at the same time a lot more 'boring' because it's got a sharp treble, tinny midrange and despite the claims of boosted bass this is only boosted over their 'reference' ER-4S earphones which basically have no bass response to speak of But I find it more comfortable to wear than the E2c. The ER-6i offers more isolation than the E2c as well. Personally given the choice of the two I would probably go for the ER-6i, but on an iPod it's a bit of a problem as it hasn't really got a usable EQ which I can use to balance out the tinny sound of the 6i.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I have both the Creative EP-630 and the Etymotic Research ER-6i and both are very good headphones (I got the ER-6i from Amazon.com for US$70). I like the ER-6i for its balanced, neutral sound (it doesn't have the boomy bass of the EP-630).

 

[MovieCutter]

Shures are really expensive

You asked for GOOD headphones. Good headphones are gonna cost ya $100+ (ala the Shure e2cs or the E3s if you know how to shop). Mediocre headphones are the $30-50 ones, and crappy ones are the $10-30 ones. I can speak for Shure's awesome quality as I own the e4c's and the e500's

 

[Sesshi]

its balanced, neutral sound

I find human hearing fascinating that after listening to the ER-6i for a while, I find myself saying 'hey it's not bad' or even 'hey that's pretty good'. Yet when I compare it directly to any quality headphone of around the same price, it sounds like ass. (Obviously said headphones would not offer anywhere near the practicality of the earphones) Bizarre things, ears.

 

[chadi]

I just started using V-moda bass (got them on ebay pretty cheap) for my shuffle...at home and when doing any recording type stuff I use Sennheiser HD-280's.

Since you mentioned ear canal style ones I'm sure you aren't looking for big recording headphones.

V-moda has several lines, I can tell you the bass isn't a bad model...the cost was really low and I'm just using them for the gym so I can tolerate running on a treadmill for more than 15 minutes. Oh and it's worth noting that they manage to stay in my ear pretty good to, the ipod headphones fell out easily when I was running and if i jammed them in far enough that they didn't fall out easily it was hardly comfortable. Which was my main reason for the 'upgrade' anyways.

 

[arnette]

Sennheiser PX200

I like the Sennheiser PX200. I've been through several headphones: Grado SR80's, Sony Fontopia 81 (something or other), and I love the PX200s. There are several reviews out in magazines and online (Headroom has good reviews).

Don't get goofy sealed cans unless you're going to be parked in front of the computer and not moving about. Also, I found that the Grados I owned didn't really perform up to expectations unless they had a headphone amp attached. The Sony in-ear Fontopias were pretty good but fell out alot and were bass-heavy. The PX200s seal out sound fairly well, have great response and tight bass, and are relatively inexpensive. Plus they fold up, have a carrying case, and come in electronic noise-canceling variety if you prefer (PX250).

I wouldn't recommend the PX300 b/c the price increase isn't justified. The lower PX100 have a different, less comfortable headband.

Good luck!

 

[GoCubsGo]

I considered the Bose because it seemed like Bose = Quality. I was wrong. I wanted the E2Cs but I simply saw the Vmoda and fell in love. Of course I was looking at the appearance and such. I was hoping the Vmodas were great, I wasn't wrong. It was a crap shoot for me as in-ears get so many mixed reviews.

I find the vmodas to be quite accurate when returning sound. I also find the levels of bass not too high like some Sony's I had were. The one thing I did notice and since I am not a headphone/in-ear guru was that after a few hours of straight listening pleasure they sounded better. Maybe I just got used to them or maybe they needed some burn-in time.
Either way, I like them and I am happy with my decision.

The other consideration I had were the MAudio E10 in-ear monitors.
Same price point and look great, but I found the Vibes first.

 

[taylorwilsdon]

Bose Triport (not the in ear, but the over ear) actually are great for what they cost. However, I'm much happier with my Sennheiser HD595 headphones. They're around $200 if you get a good deal and they sound great. There are cheaper versions from Senn that also are much better then the bose offerings. However, the iPod line out is terrible - if you use the dock, the sound is much better but I'd still consider buying something like these if you want to use real headphones with an iPod.

http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/pocketdock/lineout-usb.html

Here's a good article on iPods and real headphones:
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-application/ipod/

 

[swindmill]

You can get Bang & Olufsen A8's on ebay for around $100. They are very comfortable and people tend to think they sound excellent.

 

[sthpark7791]

I use ultimate ears super fi. 3's. They're really nice. I paid $80. They have a replaceable cord which is a huge plus since the cord is the first thing that ends up dying for me.

 

[Killyp]

You can get Bang & Olufsen A8's on ebay for around $100. They are very comfortable and people tend to think they sound excellent.

I'd recommend the B&O's as well. Never heard a pair of earphones as good, without spending a really, really stupid amount of money.

 

[archurban]

I don't know if you want to spend too much money for it. but you can also think about two ways which are affordable price, amazing sound. I use v-mada vibe. it's been great to carry, listen. it's only $100. but it gives you high performance sound quality. you can compare with other expensive ones. but I think that it's even much better than some basic model ultimate or etymotic. most important thing is that it's very comfortble to wear. mostly in-earphone is not comfortable for a long time use. but v-moda is excepted.

 

[snakesqzns]

I've got a pair of Grados. Awesome sound, and they're Made in America, but two things:

1) They're "open air". Everyone can hear what you're listening to

2) The phono plug crapped out after a few months of light use and it needs to be replaced