In need of some earbud recommendations

[justapirate]

I've been looking around at earbuds recently, but do not know where to really start. I'm hoping you guys could help me, and provide recommendations!

The only thing is that my price limit is at about $50, give or take a few bucks. Can anyone recommend some, at the very least decent, earbuds that are within that price range?

 

[alexsabree]

I've been looking around at earbuds recently, but do not know where to really start. I'm hoping you guys could help me, and provide recommendations!

The only thing is that my price limit is at about $50, give or take a few bucks. Can anyone recommend some, at the very least decent, earbuds that are within that price range?

What kind of earbuds?

In-ear?
"Ipod style"
Wrap around?

Usefull Link
Personally out of that link I would go for the Audio Technica's. Also note that, that site overprices a tad. I'd recommend you find something you like on that site and look for a better deal someplace else.

 

[lsiberian]

I've been looking around at earbuds recently, but do not know where to really start. I'm hoping you guys could help me, and provide recommendations!

The only thing is that my price limit is at about $50, give or take a few bucks. Can anyone recommend some, at the very least decent, earbuds that are within that price range?

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Isolator-Earphones-Black/dp/B000BQSGMM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248103197&sr=8-1

They are noise isolating. Basically ear plugs with a head phone inside.

I use the more expensive version, but they'd be worth the extra 25 buck if you are looking for quiet listening.


http://www.amazon.com/Shure-Isolating-Earphone-Balanced-Armature/dp/B000VHUE0S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248103450&sr=1-1

are supposed to be very good too.

 

[GlocksRock]

The Skullcandy full metal jacket earbuds are pretty good, but to get something that sounds really good, you will need a bigger budget.

 

[lsiberian]

The Skullcandy full metal jacket earbuds are pretty good, but to get something that sounds really good, you will need a bigger budget.

The ER's sound excellent actually. 75 for nearly reference headphones isn't bad. Sure there are a couple of spikes due to a person's ear resonances, but who cars.

 

[markw]

I haven't listened to all of 'em but I'' extremely satisfied with some Sennheiser earbuds the wife and I have for portable use. Neither cost more than $50.

Check Amazon or J & R.

For home listening, I prefer traditional headphones.

 

[Hi Ho]

I have not listened to any of the other earbuds mentioned in this thread but I have had a pair of Sennheiser CX300 earbuds for a few years and have been extremely happy with them. They sound great and block out exterior noise like no other headphones I have used.

 

[norm962]

go with the shure e2c or better if you can swing it---e3c or e4c. The sound is very good, clear and tight bass. the fit-kits help out a ton and I've noticed that battery life on my mp3 player is better as I can keep the volume much lower and still hear my tunes and nothing else with the foam buds

 

[split0101]

I would not recommend any Shure headphones for one reason, cable quality. I have 2 pairs that I rotate through: SE420's and SCL2's and both of them have cable problems. The SCL2 always have the plastic sheathing near the earbud fray exposing the wire underneath, and the SE420's have the wire break inside/near the L/R split.

If it wasnt for the 2 year warranty then they would really suck. So I keep on sending them in, and they keep sending me new ones.

BTW they both sound great, not sure if the SE420's are worth the extra cash, they do sound a little better, but not enough in my opinion to dish out the extra $$$

 

[norm962]

I would not recommend any Shure headphones for one reason, cable quality. I have 2 pairs that I rotate through: SE420's and SCL2's and both of them have cable problems. The SCL2 always have the plastic sheathing near the earbud fray exposing the wire underneath, and the SE420's have the wire break inside/near the L/R split.

If it wasnt for the 2 year warranty then they would really suck. So I keep on sending them in, and they keep sending me new ones.

BTW they both sound great, not sure if the SE420's are worth the extra cash, they do sound a little better, but not enough in my opinion to dish out the extra $$$

I've had the total opposite reaction---I've always thought the cable was a strength. I've had mine for about 2 years and there's no issues to date

 

[split0101]

I've had the total opposite reaction---I've always thought the cable was a strength. I've had mine for about 2 years and there's no issues to date

What model do you have? Im on my 4th pair of SCL2's and 2nd pair of SE420's. I use mine about 8 hours everyday (commute and work) so I really need durable equipment. I also take really good care of my stuff so it's not like I abuse it so Im disapointed that they dont hold up well (alteast for me they dont).

I have a few guys here at work that also have the same issue with the plastic cord fraying near the earbud. We all figure it must be a manufacturing defect.

 

[norm962]

What model do you have? Im on my 4th pair of SCL2's and 2nd pair of SE420's. I use mine about 8 hours everyday (commute and work) so I really need durable equipment. I also take really good care of my stuff so it's not like I abuse it so Im disapointed that they dont hold up well (alteast for me they dont).

I have a few guys here at work that also have the same issue with the plastic cord fraying near the earbud. We all figure it must be a manufacturing defect.

I've been using the e2c regularly, everyday---nowhere near your 8 hour mark, but they get used a great deal.

 

[pzaur]

I have a pair of Sony MDR-EX51 headphones that work great. They can be had for $15-$25 and sound very good. I got them for airplane use and haven't been regretful about it at all.

I actually lost one of the earbud covers and had to replace them. I initially couldn't find them anywhere and went searching for a new pair starting with The Speaker Company and then another pair of Sony headphones that could be found locally. Didn't like the sound and fit of the TSC earbuds and didn't feel the new Sony headphones were an improvement. Replacement earbud covers can be found for $5-$12 on amazon.com and at airports (which is where I got mine).

-pat