[driven]

Does anyone else have a problem with the iPod earphones falling out of their ears, or are my ears just funny-shaped?

I'm just about ready to use crazy glue.

[Mac Zealot]

It happens occasionally.

[CatOne]

Do you have the first or second generation versions? The former are pretty large.

I actually don't use the Apple versions at all, I have some of the sony in-ear versions, they're a lot nicer.

[AssassyN]

They're are much better headphones available at a great price...the Sony Fontopia MDR-EX70LP's are wonderful. They have pristine sound quality, noise-blocking capibilities, and fit very comfortably. They can be found cheapest here: Click Here

[driven]

Originally posted by CatOne:
Do you have the first or second generation versions? The former are pretty large.

I actually don't use the Apple versions at all, I have some of the sony in-ear versions, they're a lot nicer.

The thing is new, so I assume it's the latest generation.

Do the in-ear headphones sound inferior to "normal" headphones? I note that some headphones such as the BOSE noise-cancelling ones are much larger and cover the whole ear. (Obviously the BOSE are more expensive, but I wonder if the concept holds true for the cheaper models as well?)

Thanks ..

[driven]

Originally posted by AssassyN:
They're are much better headphones available at a great price...the Sony Fontopia MDR-EX70LP's are wonderful. They have pristine sound quality, noise-blocking capibilities, and fit very comfortably. They can be found cheapest here: Click Here

Thanks for the link. I'll take a look at them.

[AssassyN]

Sure thing! And for numerous actual user reviews, take a look here: Click Here

[CatOne]

Originally posted by driven:
The thing is new, so I assume it's the latest generation.

Do the in-ear headphones sound inferior to "normal" headphones? I note that some headphones such as the BOSE noise-cancelling ones are much larger and cover the whole ear. (Obviously the BOSE are more expensive, but I wonder if the concept holds true for the cheaper models as well?)

Thanks ..

The Sony in-ear fontopias (linked below -- MSRP $49.99) are pretty damn good earphones. They block out a lot more sound, and they're a lot clearer than the iPod earphones. I've used 'em for a year and I reallly like them.

They're probably not as good as a pair of Grados (full sized) but they're a lot more portable and convenient. Depends on how you plan to use 'em.

[xtal]

Originally posted by driven:
Do the in-ear headphones sound inferior to "normal" headphones? I note that some headphones such as the BOSE noise-cancelling ones are much larger and cover the whole ear. (Obviously the BOSE are more expensive, but I wonder if the concept holds true for the cheaper models as well?)

When deciding on speakers (headphones included) it's vital to listen to them for yourself before you buy. However, this isn't always possible.

The size of a earphone has a lot to do with what kind of sound it can produce. Simple acoustic physics dictates that smaller speaker drivers cannot reproduce as full a range of sound as the larger ones. So, in theory, larger phones are 'better.' However, all manufacturers are not equal, and there are the hidden gems out there that surprise the heck out of everyone.

Personally, I would never purchase a BOSE product, having been disappointed by every one I've listened to. However, I'm a huge fan of my Koss Porta Pro headphones. You wouldn't expect Koss to make a good set of phones, but they do.

Koss Porta Pro consumer reviews (Audioreview):
http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_117873_2750crx.aspx

[MrNo]

I found that Apple earphones have teribile sound. Yeah they are small but some older Sony model I have sound much better. However earphones just don't do it for me, so I got a regular Sony MDR-V250 headphones for like 30$. They are not some high quality headphones, but u can't beat the price. Also the right earphone on the iPod original earphones blow up like few weeks ago

[driven]

Thanks guys for the great responses and great product recommendations. I'll be doing some shopping.

Next question: If I go with another set of "shove in your ears" headphones (such as the Sony products) then how do you all keep them from getting tangled? (Or is that just a fact of life with this form factor?)

[AssassyN]

Well some of the high-end headphones come w/ a round storage case, but for ones that don't, packing them along with you and keeping them from getting tangled can actually be solved pretty easily. It isn't the prettiest of things, but you can take any round object, say, a small lid, and wrap the headphones around and around it in an orderly fashion and tuck the earbuds under the wires when it's all wrapped up. I would personally used a homemade fashion to keep it untangled while carrying them around.

[rambo47]

I got a pair of Bang & Olufsen earphones and they're fantastic. The price is a bit scary, but damn they're sweet!

[driven]

Originally posted by AssassyN:
Well some of the high-end headphones come w/ a round storage case, but for ones that don't, packing them along with you and keeping them from getting tangled can actually be solved pretty easily. It isn't the prettiest of things, but you can take any round object, say, a small lid, and wrap the headphones around and around it in an orderly fashion and tuck the earbuds under the wires when it's all wrapped up. I would personally used a homemade fashion to keep it untangled while carrying them around.

Ahh ... sometimes the simpliest solutions make the most sense.

[driven]

Originally posted by rambo47:
I got a pair of Bang & Olufsen earphones and they're fantastic. The price is a bit scary, but damn they're sweet!

These look cool, but I can't find the price online. (And I hate to ask ... I have a general idea what B&O products usually sell for.)