Originally Posted by r3cc0s
sad to say but I gaurantee that sony mdr series is probably the most popular under 500
but they suck
Hmmm... I thought there was a "no flame war" policy here, and by implication, no trolling, either. You don't like them? Fine, but phrases like "they suck" can be seen as inflammatory and worse, just aren't very informative.
I haven't owned or even listened to most of Sony's MDR series, but
for their price, I have yet to find a better overall set of cans than the MDR-V6. Extended and detailed highs, reasonably extended lows, generally an easy phone to listen to. They don't have the midrange smoothness of a good AKG or Sennheiser, for sure, and high end sounds a little "surfacey," but they are relentless in revealing noises and distortions in live feeds, making them very useful as monitor phones. They are also very sensitive, able to be driven by darned near anything.
Changing the subject...
About in-the-ear models... Does ANYONE know a great set of portable "iPod friendly" buds that aren't so fragile?
I spent substantial money for some Etymotics and loved them... for the entire 3 months they lasted! All "buds" are tiny and light weight, which apparently translates as "easy to break." I would love some great buds, but won't again spend the money that great buds cost if they won't stand up to some light to modest use and abuse. I just can't afford to be replacing them that often.