Headphones or Earphones? for computer and mp3 player

[Mysteriouskk]

I was thinking about getting some head/earphones, maybe on my low end, Sony's MDR-EX71/ MDREX81, or Shures E3C? Is there a BIG difference between the two? and is it worth it?

Or should I go with closed-ear Sennheiser's like the HD-497 or HD-280s? Or is another brand better? Thanks

 

[imported_Kensai]

Headphones are better for sound, Sennheisers are the best. 🙂

 

[Mysteriouskk]

which Sennheiser would you recomment for $50-120?

and how would that compare to a pair of Shure E3Cs?

 

[Mrvile]

I would get headphones. I like them more in general.

 

[mwmorph]

shure e3cs are great, but may be a bit loud for general computer use(a computer audio out can pump out more mW than my Rio Karma for sure.)
great noise cancelling, and are generally better than the sonys, but in ear earbuds can get irritating and do temporalystretch out your ear canal.
headphones with ausio adjustment on it is a good idea for the pc, but may be a bit big if you have a small DAP. Better idea is to get some Shure E2 or E3s for your mp3 player and some headphones(sennheiser does make a kicka55 pair) or headset for the pc.