I have a question for you earbud lovers... (I initially posted on the Earbud Round Up thread, but was told this might be the better place ot get my answers)
I prefer IEMs over earbuds, and haven't had experience with earbuds in more than 15 years. But in the office, when I'm listening to music, I've found that IEMs are too isolating to the point that I can become unaware of my surroundings. So far, this didn't matter much, but I'd still prefer to be able to hear (at least on the edge of my perception) what's going on around me.
Hence, earbuds.
I'm looking for a budget model that'll give me a "nice" sound. I'm not willing to spend much - around $10 (a buck or two give or take), and I know there's plenty of choice on the Chi-fi market. This thread is pretty big, and I couldn't go thoroughly through it all.
I've narrowed my choice to the classic TY HI-Z 32, and FAAEAL 32 ohm. I've also looked at the Edifier H180 or H185, but am leaning toward the former pair. Saw the Vido here, too, for the first time. BloodyPenguin likes them, which is assuring. Which one of these should I get? Or perhaps there's another ("better") model in the same price range?
I'd be listening to internet radio in the office mostly: rock, hard rock, americana, country, heavy metal, prog metal. No electronic music. I'm not really sure as to what sound signature I prefer... I'd say slightly U-shaped, or neutral with a small bump in the low end. Also, I'm not treble sensitive, but wouldn't like something overly bright (for fear of fatigue, I'd be wearing the earbud daily for hours on end).