Lightweight/portable headphones

[visia]

Hi,
I am looking for lightweight, portable headphones. I have moded MD33s, which sound quite good to me, but they fall out of ears way too easily for constant use. I also have KSC-35, which I also quite like, but they do not look all that "socially acceptable" to me. I tried ATH-EW9, b ut they sounded too forward in midrange. So, I am looking for good looking, lightweight, not very isolating headphones in 100-150- range. I am looking for something with good clarity and solid, yet tight bass. Not too forward or bright. There are couple of interesting earbud choices (E888 and CM7ti), but I'll prefer to stay away from earbuds (see MD33s). I would also stay away from the likes of E2/E3, since they are really very isolating. I would prefer clip-ons, but the flagship ones in the rpice range EM9s and EW9s do not fit my listening preferences. There are couple of interesting choices in Sharp HP-MD90 (saw them on Audiocubes, cannot find any info) and B&O A8 (lack bass, way overpriced according to some peaople???). Please comment on my choices or make other suggestions, please!
P.S. There is always an option for full size or portable over-the-ear cans, but I would greatly prefer earbud, clip-on style.

 

[episiarch]

Have you looked at the Sennheiser PX200 and PX100 lightweight portable/collapsible headphones? They are socially-acceptable looking, not too large, and sound good. They can be found for < $50, but I prefer their sound to some $100-$150 phones I've tried.

The PX100 is an open design and quite bassy, but I would not describe the bass as tight. The PX200 is a closed design (not big enough to provide a seal on all sets of ears, though some people do get a good seal), with a more balanced sound all around.

Another to consider, the PXC250 is a similar design to the PX200 but adds active noise reduction and in my opinion is a better-sounding phone, at least driven from a portable. The battery pack is a little inconvenient and makes the wiring somewhat tangle-prone, however. Street price is from $150 on downward, sometimes can be found for under $100.

 

[Takashi]

Straight out of iPod, I thought EW9's mid high is too harsh. Then after some info sharing here, I tried EW9 on my headphone amp and it presented amazing highs and decent lows, mid is not obvious any more.
Now I'm using iPod->Supermini(via SiK din line-out cable)->EW9 at the office and quite satisfied with them. You should give EW9/EM9 a try with some portable amp.

 

[visia]

Takashi,
Thanks for the info. That's one of the reasons I did not sell EW9s earlier. I waited for a while for the Xin's SuperDual, which I received yesterday. It did make EW9 sound much more balanced, but still a bit too harsh in the mids to my ears. I realize, it is just my perception of the EW9s' sound, since other people are quite happy with them, especially with an amp. What can I do though.

 

[peekarwe]

I was looking for a set of portables a while back too for my Muvo2. I was really tempted to buy the Beyers DT231 cos they just sounded good. But was kinda 'coerced' into buying the PX200 because of the fact that they won't be attracting too much attention in the subway.