Price/Performance Headphones

[d2arcturus]

I got a new iPod, been awesome so far, but the included earbuds get uncomfortable after a while and don't sound that good. I am by no means an audiophile, and I need some advice.

I'm looking at about $60.
I basically want headphones or earbuds:

1. That sound great at high volume, and able to pump out bass at that high volume. Not sustained bass like in rap, but pounding bass like in metal.
2. That don't get uncomfortable after long periods of use.
3. That are not real big (if headphones).

 

[chuckywang]

Shure e2c's. Bar none for your budget.

 

[svi]

If portability and isolation are paramount, Shure E2c. If sound quality is the big thing, Grado SR-60. If you're looking for a decent compromise between these two, Sennheiser PX100.

The E2c is a nice canalphone, but the highs are severely recessed, and canalphones seem to lack in bass impact to a lot of people (even the Shures, yes; must be how some people feel about the drivers being in their ear canals). The Grado SR-60 is fantastic for the money (especially for rock and metal), but the headband needs to be stretched out and broken in for it to be comfy, it leaks and lets in a lot of noise, and it looks.. err.. distinctive. The PX100 is a fairly balanced, durable, highly portable headphone, neither excelling nor failing in any particular area (IMHO).

And, of course, try before you buy if at all possible.