I just can't figure out a good portable option...

[Chone]

I've done a bunch of searching, through these forums and online, but I just can't make a decision. I have been thinking about the Shure SE110's, it seems everybody loves the Etymotic E4P's. I had some Shure E4c's or some discontinued model, they were decently comfortable. For them to be comfortable for more than 2 seconds you had to wrap them over your ear and crimp the wires until it stayed there and then since they isolated the sound it was a big hassle taking them in and out so I would just wear one and I noticed when I just wore one I probably turned the volume up too high, because when I put the second one in I would always have to turn my ipod back down. So that seemed somewhat unhealthy. And... The ear wax... The things are orangey in its recesses. And I can't get it all out around the sound drivers or w/e under the buds... Its gross. And I do use q-tips and i dont think i have insanely waxy ears or anything.

I was thinking about collapsible like the Sennheiser PX200, but I don't know if those are a good idea. I don't think I listen for an extended enough period of time to be carrying around a normal pair of closed headphones. Nor do I want to spend $170 on AKG's or a pair of closed headphones that would actually be worth buying.

I've always found clip-ons comfortable, but are they a good option really? I'm think about spending around $115 or under if i could get something that had a lot of bang for the buck. I'm not an audiophile at all, I do have a decent pair of headphones (Sennheiser 555's and those Shures), but I just can't stand those iPod buds and bad Sony buds/cans that just ruin music. Let's just say I'm probably not the type of person who will be strapping an amplifier to my iPod.

So if you were kind enough to read through my insane ramblings, what do you think I should buy/look at.

 

[BrookR1]

Do they have to be closed/sound isolating? If not, there are some very decent open headphones on the market that provide more bang for buck than any IEM.

 

[Headphony]

Check out the Yuin earbuds, PK2 or PK3 if you want to go unamped.

 

[Chone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrookR1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do they have to be closed/sound isolating? If not, there are some very decent open headphones on the market that provide more bang for buck than any IEM.

I'd definitely look into it, any suggestions?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Headphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Check out the Yuin earbuds, PK2 or PK3 if you want to go unamped.

those kind of ear buds dont stay in my ears. those types buds with the clips seem to work ok, but then again ive never heard any clip on ear buds that were any good.

 

[The Pieman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrookR1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do they have to be closed/sound isolating? If not, there are some very decent open headphones on the market that provide more bang for buck than any IEM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chone /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd definitely look into it, any suggestions?

I would suggest Sennheiser PX100's. They are open backed so the person sitting next to you will know what you are listening if you play your music loud, otherwise excellent bang for your buck. Great portable headphones.

cheers
Simon

 

[BrookR1]

The iGrados, PX100s and portapros are all good hps for the money. If you like a more laid back and warmer, bass heavy sound, go for the PX100s, if you like a punchy detailed headphone, the iGrados fit the bill. The portapros are similar to the iGrados but with bass that's a little boomer and a little more treble emphasis.

 

[facelvega]

a dynamic canalphone won't fit as deeply as an IEM, and would thus be easier to put in and out, and reports indicate that the Jays are also easy in this regard. The earwax will still be an issue, though.

If you like an earclip better in principle, then of course there's always the beloved and ugly KSC-75. Upscale from this are the expensive Audio Technica clip-ons like the EW9, or in between these price ranges, the JVC HP-AL1000 available on audiocubes.
As far as I know, only angelicboris has tried them, but he was very impressed. Evidently, they require an amp, though.