advice on comfortable earbuds
[293 byte] By [Datim] at [2007-11-9 12:48:52] 
I just bought an iPod for my girlfriend, but the earbuds that come with it are very uncomfortable for her ears. I'd like to get some new earbuds and don't have a lot to spend ($50) but the prime requirement is that they have to be comfortable. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
# 1 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
Well, how much do you love her??If you like her, get her the sony EX70's--very comfortable, but there are better options for sound quality. You can get them for around $50.00
If you love her, get her the Shure E2's. Fantastic sound quality, also very comfortable--but $80.00
Sony E888's are also very popular, and also under $50.00, but if she has problems with the Apple buds, I'd be a bit wary of these--she'll probably find these uncomfortable was well.
Another consideration: Koss porta pros--very comfortable, but butt ugly, but very good sound for the money--and you can get these for around $30.00.
My 2 cents worth...
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 15:28:14 >
# 2 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
Thank God the size of one's wallet doesn't measure love!! :-)I'm thinking of the $50 range, but wouldn't mind springing $80 for something that really was great. I'm really aiming for comfort here though. To her sound qualitly, while it does need to be good, isn't tops on her list.
Thanks for your suggestions dmt1. I don't think I'll consider the Koss ones as like you said, they are UGLY! But it's a toss up between the EX70s or the E2s -- unless someone else gives me a better suggestion.
Cheers
Datim at 2007-11-15 15:29:12 >
# 3 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
The new Pioneer earbuds look like EX70s, have better frequency response and 1-mm bigger drivers, yet only cost $29......Jackonicko at 2007-11-15 15:30:18 >
# 4 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
As I said elsewhere: "Pioneer's $29 SE-CL30 Encapsulated Earphones may represent a better, cheaper option than the EX51/70/71 for those who need the isolation afforded by in the ear canal earphones. They have a slightly broader frequency response 5-23,000 Hz and use 10-mm drivers rather than 8- or 9-. They also come in black or white."Audiocubes sell 'em....
Jackonicko at 2007-11-15 15:31:19 >
# 5 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
The price on those (the pioneers) is right, and I'd strongly consider those over the EX's, they look like they'd be as comfortable, but I seriously doubt they'll sound nearly as good as the Shure's--the Shure's are simply fantastic (and comfortable), and well worth the money IMHO. I'd love to see a comparison between the pioneers and the EX's, but I haven't seen a post from anyone who actually owns the pioneers. The Pioneers may take over as the preferred low budget in the ear canal bud; problem is I have yet to see a review on them anywhere...But if you can spring the extra cash, the Shure's are worth it...
Now, on the other hand, if she makes you angry, just get her the Koss plugs--that'll show her!!
dmt1 at 2007-11-15 15:32:18 >
# 6 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
Yes indeed. Koss Plugs would say: "It's over, take a hike" better than words!Jackonicko at 2007-11-15 15:33:17 >
# 7 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
If she REALLY annoys you connect a piece of string to a couple of empty tin cans.moonster at 2007-11-15 15:34:21 >
# 8 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
Thanks for all the technical (and other :D) advice! I'll look those options over again and make my decision. Cheers!Datim at 2007-11-15 15:35:22 >
# 9 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
I would get the Sennheiser MX500 in a second. They sound amazing and are very comfortable. They only cost $18.99!!! You will be amazed by the sound quality coming out of these phones.Knocturnal at 2007-11-15 15:36:20 >
# 10 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
The sound quality on the Senn's I won't argue with, but the comfort I think will be an issue for someone who has trouble with the ipod earbuds, as mentioned in the first post...dmt1 at 2007-11-15 15:37:21 >
# 11 Re: advice on comfortable earbuds
Yes, the Sennys are great, but HUGE! And no better than current iBuds, either....Jackonicko at 2007-11-15 15:38:30 >
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