I've got a set of Klipsch S4a's that I use.  They are pretty amazing for the price point and I think you can pick one up from Amazon for as little as $40 IIRC.  The buds are pretty amazing and the isolation is among the best that I've used to date.  In comparison to the Audio Technica ANC33is...

That's actually exactly what I thought the problem was when you mentioned the crackling.  Another thing you may want to check is whether or not any dust or debris may be in the jack.  Try and clear any of it out if you can.  I personally use a piece of tissue covering a small sewing needle...

I haven't tried the MDR-1Rs personally, but I am an owner of the Crossfade M-80s for about 6 months now.  Here's my two cents:   I picked up my M80s on clearance at Radioshack for about $80 or so.  Pretty awesome buy if I may say so myself.  The first thing I noticed about them was how...

I've had a few earbuds and canalphones both currently and in the past.  I'm currently using a set of Klipsch S4A 2's.  I've tried UrBeats by Dre, Skullcandy Ink'ds and Titans, iPhone 4 earphones, iPhone 5 Earpods, and may be trying out the SOL Amps sometime soon since a promotion right now gives...