[larrinski]

I have a 1st Gen Shuffle, and I decided to buy a spare set of earphones to carry with me to work. The original earphones are connected to my camelback for riding. So I bought the newest design earphones from Apple. They fit very nicely in my ears, but the right earbud has a rattling sound when the bass kicks. The high end seems clear and better than my 1st Gen buds, but the low end is horrible. Did I just get a dud, or are they that bad? The other thought I had, is that they are so "good", that I am hearing sound quality issues with my music ripping(192), though this is HIGHLY unlikely, and doesn't manifest itself on my desktop or the other earphones.

[imitchellg5]

That's funny because I had the same problems that you are having with the new earphones with the old ones. My new ones are pretty good, although I do agree that the low end is weaker.

[analogika]

The distortion can be a slightly dislodged membrane. Sometimes, lightly sucking the right membrane with pursed lips can re-locate the membrane and eliminate the distortion. If not, get them replaced.

Yes, this happens frequently, and no, they're not really good earphones.

[larrinski]

Originally Posted by analogika 

The distortion can be a slightly dislodged membrane. Sometimes, lightly sucking the right membrane with pursed lips can re-locate the membrane and eliminate the distortion. If not, get them replaced.

Yes, this happens frequently, and no, they're not really good earphones.

Thanks, I will try that, and more than likely return them...

[julzrulz0]

I reckon the new ones are better more comfortable aswell

[ghporter]

My wife likes the new ones better because they fit her better.

[richwig83]

I think its fair to say that all apple headphones are shockingly bad compared to a pair of reasonably priced in-the-ear-phones made buy either sony or sennheiser!

Get some Sennheiser hd25's or a pair of grados if you want some real quality 'phones

[larrinski]

I just brought the earbuds back to the store today and didn't bother exchanging for another pair. I will do some more research on various options, and look into the Sennheiser hd25s.

[Phil333]

I've never been a fan of the Apple headphones but I've never had a problem like the one you described in the limited time I've used them. Go get an exchange.

[analogika]

It's fairly common.

[raduga]

Yes, the earbuds that ship with all iPods are terrible, when you compare them to any moderately-priced headphone from Shure, Etymotics, Senneheiser, and yes even Sony. It's a world of difference. After owning and adoring a few pairs of $200 'phones over the last few years, it really amuses me to see an entire bus/sidewalk full of people with the dinky plastic white earbuds in...