[johnnysize]

I am searching for the best earbuds or other completely portable headphone, excluding canalphones. I have shure e3's and love the sound, but i find them to be too much of a hassle to take in and out, they are uncomfortable to wear for too long, and I hate when people sneek up behind you. So Im looking for something very comfortable, easy on and off, make good noises in your ear, and don't cost more than $200.00. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[CamelBackCinema]

Etymotic ER4P for 190! gogo! www.idealsound.com if you're having trouble.

 

[kyrie]

>Camelbackcinema,
Quote:

excluding canalphones.

Are you looking for earbuds specifically, or are you also considering clip-ons?

 

[apnk]

How about the A T buds?

 

[commando]

I've seen it written that the Sennheiser MX400/500 series are the only ones worth bothering with. I can't vouch for it, i'm just reapeating what i've read.

 

[toaster]

a vote for mx-400's as the best earbuds.

 

[ayt999]

earbuds: ATH-CM7Ti (or the regular ATH-CM7)
clip-ons: ATH-EW9

 

[Max Minimum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayt999 earbuds: ATH-CM7Ti (or the regular ATH-CM7) clip-ons: ATH-EW9

Yes, I've got the aluminum ones and they are so much better than the Senns that it's like turning a light on when it's dark. That's not to put down the MX series - for the money I don't think they can be beat ($20 and below), but I think it's worth it to pay for the CM7's.

 

[swalker]

Some worth considering...

Sennheiser MX400/500,
Sony E888
Audio technica CM7 and CM5
B&O A8

I haven't heard the AT CM7 so I cannot say anything about it.. For CM5, I haven't seen the Audio-Technica versionn but I did hear the original version(Leemax E700) and it sounded very nice. IMHO, I'd put CM5, E888, and the B&O A8 around the same level with the Sennheiser just a little notch below. However from Max Minimum's review it seems CM7 might just be the best pair of earbuds on the market right now.

However, keep in mind that the fit is of an enormous importance with earbuds. Bass and treble responses can change significantly depending on the fit not to mention some don't stay in, some make your ears hurt, etc.

 

[johnnysize]

Thanks for all the replies, i don't have much experience with clipons, which are more comfortable, i would assume the earbuds are because it seems like the clipons would feel like they are pulling on your ears.

 

[Zuerst]

You might also look into the Audio-Technica ATH-EC7. It seems to get pretty good reviews from owners and it seems that its is very similiar to the CM7s.

 

[mjw]

From the ones others have mentioned I would personally go with the MDR-E888 if you can still get them new. I own MX400s and I am still dissapointed by the lack of bass (my 10-year-old E565s are better than this). I also have EX-70s but these are 'canal' (and have way too much bass without modding them).

 

[TenaciousO]

I recently purchased a CHA47 amp from another head-fier, and it has taken my mx400 to a completely different level. It's really incredible. This combo might be something to consider if you're thinking about spending around $60.

 

[Duncan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjw (my 10-year-old E565s are better than this)

As as the Sony E472/E484/A21L family (the previous generation to the E565).. well renowned for having good drivers in them... arguably the best, although i'm sure i've read somewhere that there is an MDR-E282 or something that is better still...

The A21L are side firing though (VITE 'phones) so sound brighter / more lively than the E472/E484...

 

[PooJou]

As an earbud fanboy, the Sony MDR-E888 craps on the CM-5/CM-7 from a great height. Not saying the CM5/7 dont sound great, they do, just that they're not quite as good, and are heaps more expensive (well, ok figuratively speaking)
The MX500 are the best on the lower end of the scale, but i would save for the E888 myself. The B&O A8's are a joke... unless you get em for $50 in HK... MX500 beats em severely :/