Not sure where you're located, but in the US, Sony hybrids are readily avaliable in most Best Buys.  

I just use silcone bands for my Arrow + iPod combo (http://goodsforgiving.com/wristbands.html has a good selection since I didn't really like the ALO bands).  

Cheers to this - nothing is more alienating than trying to force one's headphone preferences on another.   Quote:  

I don't purposely try and convince others, but when they bash my headphone choice I'll respond accordingly, haha.   There are quite a few beats owners at my school, so...   Quote:  

Out of curiosity, have any of you guys actually convinced someone with the Beats that your portable phones are better? I've always tried and failed miserably (with HD-25 II's).

Quick question... Can someone go into detail on how exactly refits work? Do you just email them with a picture of the areas that need refitting and tell them what the problem is, or is there something else involved?

Any tips on how to get my friends to believe that this is real?  

Quote: I wore mine over ear for at least 4-5 months and they're still alive.  Granted, I didn't do very much strenuous physical exercise with them on, but I did walk quite a bit with them.   

I found them really uncomfortable even with the flip mod and complies, though the sound was certainly very good when I got it to fit right.   

If you wrap your headphones around your DAP you put more strain on the plug (which would end up causing your problem).  

I didn't trim them at all, and they fit pretty snug on the nozzles of the CK10's. They get uncomfortable after 2-3 hours unless you have really large ear canals though (SQ is worth it though).  

Can you try the 3rd position of the bass boost switch and tell us if there is any difference? http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/537281/fiio-e5-what-the-heck-is-going-on-with-3rd-position-fudge

You guys are lucky, it took my arrow over a month and a half to get to me (well, from payment to shipping).  

Other (ATH-CK10) What I've heard/currently own on your list: SE530, MTPC   It's personally the most comfortable for me, and I like my highs more than mids.    

You can get Monster tri-flange knockoffs (which work the best for me) here. http://cgi.ebay.com/earbud-replacement-tips-for-Monster-In-Ear-Turbine-N_W0QQitemZ150543247363QQihZ005QQcategoryZ112529QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem