Comfortable earbuds?

[DyslexicHobo]

After scouring the internet trying to decide which headphones are best for me, I found that most reviews/FAQs speak mostly of sound quality, and recommend headphones/earbuds based on the type of music that will be listened to with them.

I don't have extremely sensitive ears like I know a lot of audiophiles have. I'm looking for a set of earbuds for my Zune that will be extremely comfortable to use hours at a time. I don't really have a lot of experience when it comes to different type of earbuds, so I'm open to most things. I've got about a $80 budget, and I want the most comfortable earbuds I can get while still maintaining decent sound quality.

What is the best route for me to go? Thanks.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Bump. Are there any stores that I can go to to try earbuds out? I don't think they'll let me open the packages at a place like Best Buy, not sure where else would sell these.

 

[montypythizzle]

Eh, try some JVC Marshmallows at first, and then make your way up the IEM chain.

 

[oogabooga]

Hey DyslexicHobo

I have a Zune and have used a number of headphones with it. I'm not audio expert myself, I just like music.

I don't think you'll be able to try out earbuds in store, I don't know if you would want to try out earbuds in the store anyway. Ewww who knows how clean other people's ears are. Headphones you might be able to try out. You Might try to check out Guitar Center, they will let you check out headphones, and they will have earbuds as well. Their stuff tends to be higher end though/studio stuff so you might have trouble finding things that are your price. I just mention them cause I know they sell a number of things for ~100, they'll probably discount down to ~80 if you haggle, and they do let you try stuff out.

In terms of Headphones
I have Shure e2c's which I like quite a bit. I do find their bass a little lacking in any situation where there is noise around me (IE walking, gym, etc). If i'm in a completely quiet room just listening to them though it's not as bad. Their sound quality is excellent, and while a little above your 80 budget (their MSRP is 100 I believe), they can be had for cheaper pretty often. They take some getting used to in terms of fit, but once you get used to them I have found them to be excellent.

I've also had a pair of Sony MDR-EX51LP earbuds Headphones, they are similar to the Shure E2c's but the quality is a little lower, though way better than the given headphones
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR...&qid=1196108649&sr=8-1 they are cheap too at around 25 bucks (and qualify for free shipping!)

I have heard good things about the Koss Portapro's which are actual headphones compared to earbuds and actually ordered a pair. They were 30, and I can try to let you know how they were.

I have also used beyerdynamics DT770 Pro's which are out of your price range though an amp and that's the best sound I have gotten out of my zune ACtually plugged straight into the zune the zune does a pretty respectable job of powering the headphones.

If I had to recommend one that I tried I'd say the sony's since they are not only comfortable and have decent sound quality, they're pretty cheap. They have changeable covers so that you can find one that fits (similar to the e2c's) and they are light/small enough to even wear while you sleep (or try to sleep). It's far superior to the regular zune headbuds.

One things is : I still use my regular zune headbuds when I use the radio function. I guess it uses the headphone as an antenna and I haven't had great reception when I use different pairs, so even if you replace the buds you may want to keep the zune ones handy.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Thanks for the reply, oogabooga.

I've never actually worn a comfortable IEM, but the idea of having one sounds like its worth the money. I was set on the e2cs for a while, until I was told by quite a few people (and read in reviews) that the bass wasn't all it could be. I just got a nice amount of money from selling some old stuff I had, so I'm splurging and buying an expensive (for me) set of buds. I really don't mind spending upwards of $100, but if I know I'm going to be getting close to the same quality/fit for a cheaper price, there's no reason for me to shell out the big bucks.

 

[RandomFool]

I've got a pair of panasonic headphones that are comfortable and sound good (to me at least) for 30 bucks at target. They've got the squishy things that let change sizes and come in a purple package with some dude on them.

 

[oogabooga]

if bass is important the e2c's won't cut it imo.

I know a bunch of audiophiles are going to come in and tell me I just have bad ears and I can't appreciate how "Real bass" should sound, but imo they're wrong. I love the clarity and the definition of e2c's, but the bass is just not there especially like i said in an environment where there is ambient noise.

If you have a guitar center you may want to check it out, I'm reasonably certain they have a station in the electronics area where you can try on earbuds and they have a bunch of cheapo disposable covers/trash. Maybe even take in an alcohol wipe or two with you if you're particularly concerned.

If you have a buddy who has the e2c's you may want to ask him to borrow them. You can clean up the plastic covers (hell he may even have extras, I know I do) or use disposable ones and check out the sound quality yourself.

I have had decent expirence with Koss the plug headbuds as well. Linked here : Text. They have pretty surprising bass but they lack clarity (but then what do you expect for ten bucks)


let us know what you end up with