[voxtonic]

I'd like to spend about $60 (more or less by $20) on a pair the next step up. I'm thinking about a MeElectronics M6 or M11, SoundMagic PL50, Head-Direct RE0 or ViSang R03. I'm leaning toward a MeElectronics offering, since they seem more durable than the others, but I thought I'd ask for advice before I commit.
 
Flimsy stock earbuds that shipped with my Nexus One wore at the plug and not wanting to go a long trip without music, I bought some Skullcandies from a gas station. I didn't know about the isolating affect and thought the design stupid and uncomfortable, but I learned to deal with it when I immediately noticed a difference in sound quality. The Skullcandies experienced the same problem as my stock headphones so I replaced them with JVC Marshmallows that are definitely more comfortable and durable. Since they have lasted for so long, depending on what I get I might keep my nicer purchase safe at home and continue to wear the Marshmallows when I go out

 

[rawrster]

Well what kind of sound do you want? Do  you want something balanced, bass heavy, etc?

 

[voxtonic]

Quote:

Well what kind of sound do you want? Do  you want something balanced, bass heavy, etc?

 
I'm a total noob and in the context of headphones & hardware it mostly sounds like jargon to me. I didn't even consider that headphones would make a difference until I accidentally bought my first IEM.
 
Otherwise, I know my most enjoyed of the music I listen to (mostly grunge, garage & progressive rock, synthpop & triphop with some folk & folk metal) benefits from the generous use of bass; I don't know if bassy headphones on top of bassy songs is a good choice or no.

 

[sushibowl]

The M11+ would be a very nice upgrade.
 
It has that same bassy ( more bassy actually) punch of the Marshmallows, and the clarity will just be amazing, from upgrading from the Marshmallows.
 
If your looking for a very fun, bassy sound sig, I highly reccomend the M11+.
 
You can take a look at the Brainwavz series, but the lack the bass that the M11+ has and that is so enjoyable.

 

[Painful Chafe]

M11+'s are pretty good. If you can hold off, MEElectronics often has sales on their products. The just recently had a 20% off and free shipping sale on the M11+. Sign up for their news letters and you will get notice of any sales that come up.
 
Here is a coupon code that gets you free shipping if you end up getting the M11+
 
shipping_coupon