These were one of my first serious pairs of headphones.  I realize they're bottom of the line for Shure but they hold their own due largely to a few key points.  First, the isolation is fantastic for a universal fit IEM.  Seriously, it's good, better than anything you'll get from active NC headphones.  I know NC is a dirty word around here but I've played with a number of NC 'phones because I fly a lot but I always come back to these little IEM's because they eliminate just as much ambient noise and do it without sacrificing any sound quality.  These...