So far I agree with stopa's perceptions of the AXE2 buds, the bass is certainly lacking presence and impact, but its not that bad, you know, they are earbuds but they aren't those cheap ones I used to get with my portable tape player in the early 90s. There is bass it just is slightly blured in the presentation with the very forward very present lower-mid frequency range. Also the highs are not very present. When I first listened to them I would have said that there were a lot of highs, but after getting used to the earbud sound again I realise that its just that, the earbuds sound that is small and trebley. The treble is detailed and recessed behind those everpresent mids, but not rolled off like the treble in the Shure E-Series canalphones or overly present like in Etymotic Researches offerings. No, this treble is nice and controled and waiting in the background not trying to disturb anyone, pops in every once in a while for a visit and sneaks away slyly. Fits modern pop well because there is a lock of exploration of the treble in modern pop and when there is good treble in modern pop music it usualy sounds weird if it takes centerr stage so to speak. All in all not a treble lovers earbud, but a controled treble lovers friend.