No bass is an exaggeration. They have tighter bass, and you don't get huge thumping in your ears, although there is a moderate amount.
e3c's are 120 if you look around. A lot of people at head-fi.org with iPods own the Etymotic brand (with amplifiers) - maybe that's how you should go? Don't know.
And if you want cheap bassy earbud/canalphones, don't hesitate to check out the Sony MDR EX71SL. 35 dollars (at amazon). Best value ever 😛