My Sennheiser MX550s broke...need new non-isolator or in ear buds.

Take a very close look at the Radio Shack 33-1991s. Radio Shack generally messes up everything they make, but these are a rare exception. I've tried countless different earbuds from Philips, SONY, KOSS and others, and these Radio Shacks have the most balanced sound I've yet to hear in an earbud. They have an inline volume control, and sound great with absolutely no Ipod EQ. Bass is surprisingly good, and you don't have to crank up the Ipod volume to get loud sound. They are a must-have.

You'll have to go to a Radio Shack store to get them though. They're not available from the Radio Shack website yet.

Hehehehe. I just did some checking, and it appears that the Radio Shack 33-1991s are rebadged Sennheiser MX500s. The good news is that you can get Sennheiser MX500s at amazon.com for $13.63.

At that price, I'll pick up a couple of spares.

My bet is that the bass of the 500s is similar to the 550s. The bass on my Radio Shacks is good and tight, but nowhere near overpowering. The bass levels that are reproduced sound correct to me, but the bass doesnt go as low as some of my in-ears.

Ive tried a lot of earphones, and havent found an affordable model that has ultra-low yet tight bass, and also manages to give good midrange and highs. It seems like you get one of the other. I think thats why both the Sen MX-500s and the Sony EX-71s are so popular. The Sonys give low and boomy bass, but the bass is rather uncontrolled. The Sonys also suffer from lack of midrange warmth and some elevated highs. The MX-500s do just the opposite. Some people need the bass. Other people need the accurate midrange.

Personally, Im absolutely in love with the syrupy sweet midrange warmth of the Radio Shacks. It envelops you like a glove and sucks you into the music. These buds give you a huge soundstage and tons of ambiance. I couldnt sacrifice that just for more bass.

Put it this way. When I hear a good song over the Sony EX-71s, I enjoy the song. When I hear the same song over the Radio Shacks, I start tapping my feet and often resort to full-out dancing. I become part of the song.

From what Ive read, you are correct. The 400s sound the same as the 500s. You just dont get the volume control.

I use some crappy sony's.