[billybob_jcv]

It doesn't get better - I've been into audiophilia for over 35 years. The only thing that has changed is my loss of high frequency hearing...

 

[suburbanite]

These fit some of the criteria:
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/in_ear_headphones/soundtrue_ie/index.jsp

PROS
* allows me to great ambient noise
* (seems) durable

CONS
* blingy / theft-worthy
* expensive
* awkward ingress

 

[suburbanite]

I have found them!
 
They are the Etymotic MK5 earphones.
 
$60.
 
Un-blingy.
 
Quick ingress and egress, at least if you use them with single-flanged silicone tips.
 
Fast, speed-metal-friendly sound.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yay!