[Markery]

Okay so I had been using Skullcandy Ink'd for about 2 years or something, went through 3 pairs. And after a pair broke in just a couple months, I got tired of the junky quality and wanted to upgrade just a little bit without getting out of my budget. I got some Meelec M9P's on eBay for like 10 dollars. They were okay but didn't come with all the buds so I had to use Skullcandy buds with them, and they sounded great in some songs, but other it was way worse than my Ink'd. And the vocals were recessed sometimes, and the sounds were sharp and unpleasant sometimes. So after a month they went out, so I wont be buying Skullcandy or Meelec again, and I'm looking for the best headphones for $25 or under. I want durability because the build quality on the Ink'd was horrible and the quality control with the M9P's were not good, because one ear played louder than the other. 
 
So anyway. From your experience, what's the best in terms of sound quality over all (I can't deal with recessed parts, I want it all leveled good) and durability? I don't care about style at all, btw. Thank you.

 

[jbaranski]

I don't know how much this will help, but I've been told that this pair is great for its price and can compete with headphones above its price range, but I cannot give you more than that.
 
http://goo.gl/ND7Z1
 
They're $8.99 on Amazon, and I'm thinking of buying a pair as an emergency backup (I own the Sony MDR-EX600), so I cannot attest to its quality first-hand.
 
Hopefully this helps.  But you could probably find something better if you're looking to spend $25.
 
 
EDIT: I've also heard some good things about this pair: http://goo.gl/IOlxT
I'm no pro though, but this might give you a place to start.

 

[ZARIM]

FXC67(Aircushion), HJE240.

 

[cifani090]

Nothing... save your for a worthwhile pair

 

[shureThing]

For me, Metro.Fi 220 has stood the test of time quite well, for under $20. Only con is that the paint will scrape off over time.
 
Quote:

Okay so I had been using Skullcandy Ink'd for about 2 years or something, went through 3 pairs. And after a pair broke in just a couple months, I got tired of the junky quality and wanted to upgrade just a little bit without getting out of my budget. I got some Meelec M9P's on eBay for like 10 dollars. They were okay but didn't come with all the buds so I had to use Skullcandy buds with them, and they sounded great in some songs, but other it was way worse than my Ink'd. And the vocals were recessed sometimes, and the sounds were sharp and unpleasant sometimes. So after a month they went out, so I wont be buying Skullcandy or Meelec again, and I'm looking for the best headphones for $25 or under. I want durability because the build quality on the Ink'd was horrible and the quality control with the M9P's were not good, because one ear played louder than the other. 
 
So anyway. From your experience, what's the best in terms of sound quality over all (I can't deal with recessed parts, I want it all leveled good) and durability? I don't care about style at all, btw. Thank you.

 

 

[shureThing]

They are cheaper at logitechshop.com.au, but without the microphone.
 
Quote:

 
Also, Ultimate Ears 200vi $19.99 w/ free shipping (blue or plum colors only). Usually $39.99. This is the iPhone model, but not a bad price. These are newer models than the 220, I believe.

 

Coupon Code: logi_ue200vi_82011 (it is still working today).

 

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/promotional-items/devices/8683?ClickID=bunqydzmsfesdnfl6gequz6fndunvmzfzgkk

 

 

 

[shureThing]

I'm not sure if they ship overseas though. The deal is certainly working and genuine in Australia.
 
Quote:

Cheaper than $19.99? Free shipping? Then by all means, they might be a good deal.

 

 

[nikp]

I wouldn't say it's the best fit. The tips were hard and it hurts my ears a long time ago.
Quote:

For me, Metro.Fi 220 has stood the test of time quite well, for under $20. Only con is that the paint will scrape off over time.
 


 

 

 

[nikp]

Anyway, I would not recommend the Ultimate Ears Metro Fi's. The UE 500s were the best to start with.
 
Save your money and get a better one! 

 

[cifani090]

IMO go for Shure, very musical, and fun!

 

[jaqueh]

soundmagic pl-30
sennheiser cx500

 

[kvgx22]

Honestly, the IEMs from Apple, the ADDIEMs were pretty decent (I preferred them to the re3s) and I'm guessing you can still find them on ebay for about 25-30. There were decent reviews on them here.

 

[jaqueh]

I didn't like the addiems that much for metal at least. a bit v shaped

 

[Markery]

Thanks for your advice guys, but I gave in to a $12 special on M9's on NewEgg and got a refund for my broken ones (MobilePC on eBay turned out to be a great seller after all). These have a 1 year warranty and I'll actually get all the buds this time. I was wondering, since I wasn't very impressed with the M9's before, will having correctly sized and branded tips, or buds, or whatever the squishy things you put on the end are called, make a big difference in sound quality?  

 

[jaqueh]

meelec seems to not cater to sounds outside of house, techno, or electronic. They're headphones (the ones that i've experienced) are so recessed in the mids.