a few ex71 questions

I've never heard any clicking from the ex71 -- but for that matter I've never heard clicking from the ipod headphones either.

The cord on the ex71 is the same as on the review you linked to. Personally, though I do prefer the cord on the ipod headphones, I haven't found the ex71 cord to be a problem. The only annoying part is the part that dangles from the left ear to the right ear, and unlike the reviewer I've had no problem simply running that behind my neck (and I'm of average build, 15.5" neck).

From my perspective, the main advantages of the EX71 headphones vs. the ipod headphones are:
- more comfortable for extended wear
- better isolation from outside noise
- better bass
- When you're walking down the street and thru questionable parts of town, you're not advertising to the world that you've got an expensive ipod on you... because the cord is generic black

I wouldn't say the sound quality is massively better, I'd say it's comparable except for the better isolation & better bass.

I have gone back to the original Apple phones, couldn't get on with the EX71s. Very flat and for me unconfortable.

I dislike the EX71s as well. Anyone who thinks they're "crisp" and non-muddy should A/B them against the Sennheiser MX buds--quite a difference. Plus you can buy three or four of the Senn buds for the same money. No-brainer.