Decent, cheap earbuds?

Cheap and decent earbud?

Sennheiser Mx500($17)
or Sennheiser mx400(same as mx500 w/out the volume control)

You'd probably get many same response.

The Sennheiser MX500 or 400MX (they are mostly the same) are the cheapest way to go, and you'll get the most bang for your buck (or so I'm told...) If you do a search for them on this site, you'll probably find a good deal of info relating to this. I believe you can get them at Amazon for something like $12, and if you get a CD to go with them you get free shipping.

A little bit pricier are the Sony MDR-888 earbuds. These are said to be slightly better, but about 5-6 times more expensive than the Senn MX500s.

If you need isolation, there are alternatives from the Etymotics, though if you will be going the ear-plug route, I would say that you might be better served just getting the Etys. One alternative is the Sony EX70, which provides some isolation and is cheaper than the Etys. For more in-depth comments on any of these, do a search on these boards and I'm sure you'll find lots.

Of course, the other thing to consider is earclip headphones. If you don't mind using earclips, then the Koss KSC-35 or KSC-50 are the way to go. They give really nice sound for the money and convenience. Hang around these forums long enough and you'll see that ever so clearly. Most prefer the KSC-35s because they fit a bit snugger and therefore give a little more bass presence. The KSC-50s are a little bigger and more modern looking, but hang a little looser. The 35s are a discontinued model and you will have to scour a bit more to find them. Both are fairly cheap... the 35s around 20-30 if you can find them and I got my 50s for $12 from Amazon.

I am not sure what else you want from an ear bud. Most people in this forum recommend the Sony Ex-70 or the Sennhesier MX500. The EX-70 is good if you want some isolation.

If you want something that is more like a normal heapdhone, the koss ksc-35 or ksc-50 or the sporta pros might be good alternatives. Koss also sells an ear bud called the Plug, but I get the consensus from most people that the sony ex-70 lp has better sonic characteristics.

Sennheiser MX500. Personally, I think the 888 is a bit overpriced(ie: you're much better off getting portapros/ksc-35s), but if you must have it. . .

I'm not a big fan of the ex70s, personally, but many seem to like them.

khazim: Some have said that the 500's do sound better than the 400's. For the cost, I would rather get the 500s, as there is little to no price difference for you. I would get 2 for 12.99 each @ amazon.com(>$25=free shipping).

I'd second the 500s. Although I've personally never heard the 400s, many have said before that the 500s sound a tad better. Possibly because of the volume?