A while back there was a thread on here discussing good, reasonably cheap headphones, but I can't find it anymore. I would like to get a decent set of headphones (probably of the "in ear" variety). Anybody have recommendations for something in the not too expensive (definitely less than $100 and preferably closer to $50) category or a link to the thread I am thinking of? They will be used primarily hooked up to a computer to evaluate mp3 quality before adding to my collection so snazzier features like noise canceling are not necessary.

Thanks,
-Mike

I have a pair of these. The sound is pretty amazing for being so small.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000067FCS/qid=1052945935/sr=1-5/ref=sr_1_5/104-5229686-2790303?v=glance&s=electronics

I have a pair of these

Thank you! Those where the ones I was trying to remember and that part number lead me to the thread I was thinking of where Tony and Loren suggested them.

-Mike

Yup, that's them. Best bass response I've ever heard in a small headphone. Won't go back to anything else at this point.

Trick is, when you first get them, resist the temptation to jam them into your ears extra tight. I did that at first, and Doug did that at first. You'll irritate your ears that way. They should seal very gently and get good bass without needing to push them in hard or fiddle with them. Just use the correct size rubber gasket.

I just got a pair of these, too. They're the only earbud-style headphones I've ever been able to use. I seem to have really small ears.

Just to make sure I didn't get some weird manufacturing defect, does everyone else's cord come to a point where one bud contiunes and the other one comes back in the opposite direction, creating an odd (but understandable) asymmetric effect?

creating an odd (but understandable) asymmetric effect

yup

Where did you guys get these from? Do any regular stores carry them or should I just order them from etronics.com (I hate waiting for new toys to be shipped)?

-Mike

creating an odd (but understandable) asymmetric effect?

Yeah, it works out really well for me, because I never connect the headphones to something in the "center", whether I'm using a portable or whether I'm plugging into my PC. If a portable, it's always in a pocket or on the side of my belt, so the left-hand orientation of the cord is perfect. If on the PC, I run the cord to the left of the keyboard, and the orientation works well to keep the cord out of the way as I type.

I got a pair for running, but they kept falling out, even when I supported the cord. They do sound good, and they do work well when stationary. I want to use them when traveling (flying) to see if they reduce the ambient noise.

but they kept falling out,

Did you try switching to the larger grommets?

I think the idea is that you route the cable round the back of your neck and then the cable can go down one side and into your pocket, I suppose it's just a way of tidying up the cabling and not letting it get in the way.

Did you try switching to the larger grommets?

I tried all three, and none of them worked. The cord + extension would wave around, and the weight of them would pull the headphones out. I've had problems with other earbud phones, so my ears must not be shaped to keep those headphones in.

never connect the headphones to something in the "center"

That's why it was understandable.

But the first thing that occurred to me when I pulled it out of the package was ``manufacturing defect''. You see, my wife once bought a pair of earbuds at the flea market (for some reason, she destroys headphones in just a few months, so it doesn't make sense to spend more than $5 on a pair -- $1 made even more sense) and she didn't discover until she got home that the cord to one was about three inches long from the split and the cord to the other was of normal length.

I have a set of these too, but in the gym the sweat (I never realised my ears sweated...) made them fall out really easily. I'm using a more standard earbud now. The sony ones with the "bass extender" (ie, little sticky out bit) help them stay put pretty well.

Hugo

That was my thread and I got a pair - very nice they are too. An mentioned yhey are very snug as long as your ears are clean (yuck!) and dry.

The only slight problem I have is the cable (which is a soft foamy substance) was bent in the box and it has a permanent twist, but that's me being picky. Just don't ever leave them wrapped up or under anything heavy as I think it would damage easily.

Gareth