Looking for good earbuds

[metalbob]

My co-workers and I are looking into buying high-end earphones for my boss for Xmas. We have found the B&O ones that hook over the ear. Those are around $150+. I was wondering if anyone could recommend anything better/cheaper.

Also, the frequency response is 50 - 20,000 Hz. I always thought the lower number in front was better, rather than higher. My Sony headphones are 20-20,000 Hz.


Here is the link:

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/sw1613.asp

[Sckott]

In the case of earbuds, most use a very simple (and inexpensive) driver while the acoustics in your ear canal are designed to do a lot of the work. As you can expect, you can't move amazing air in 1" of ear canal.

To be honest, I do use Sony MDRs (large series of buds and headphones) and a lot of them do very well. More expensive isn't always best, though. I really like the simple design of over-the-head. Many of the ones that "Swoop" over the ears and behind the back of the head are uncomfortable to some (I think they're fine). The way they fit in the ear is another thing too.

IMHO, a simple $50 of Sony MDR "over the head"s are best because they're more comfortable for more people, and they sound fantastic. Sony's done a great job in designing headphones that re comfortable AND sound good.

[Gary]

Originally posted by Sckott
.... I really like the simple design of over-the-head. Many of the ones that "Swoop" over the ears and behind the back of the head are uncomfortable to some (I think they're fine). The way they fit in the ear is another thing too. .... a simple $50 of Sony MDR "over the head"s are best because they're more comfortable for more people, and they sound fantastic.

Looks like you may want to try a few pair with all these choices.

One word of advice from me - make sure the earplugs are free from earwax....

:D

Gary

;) Kidding... just kidding.... ;)

[tamman]

I have some Koss ear-plugs called the plug. These are interesting in that they block out background noise in addition to providing excellent sound quality. They are great on airplanes, and come with a variety of plugs to fit most ears.

Originally posted by metalbob
My co-workers and I are looking into buying high-end earphones for my boss for Xmas. We have found the B&O ones that hook over the ear. Those are around $150+. I was wondering if anyone could recommend anything better/cheaper.

Also, the frequency response is 50 - 20,000 Hz. I always thought the lower number in front was better, rather than higher. My Sony headphones are 20-20,000 Hz.


Here is the link:

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/sw1613.asp

[dschuell]

I like the Groove Fontopia® Stereo Headphones
MDR-ED268LP for $49.99. They fit into the ear canal to
provide quite a good bass respose plus they won't fall out.

[Joseph]

Originally posted by metalbob
My co-workers and I are looking into buying high-end earphones for my boss for Xmas. We have found the B&O ones that hook over the ear. Those are around $150+. I was wondering if anyone could recommend anything better/cheaper.

Also, the frequency response is 50 - 20,000 Hz. I always thought the lower number in front was better, rather than higher. My Sony headphones are 20-20,000 Hz.


Here is the link:

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/sw1613.asp


Can recommend better but more expensive!:(

Check this outhttp://www.etymotic.com/

[metalbob]

I actually have those earplugs they have on the site and have found them somewhat difficult to put in, even when wetting them.

[cunningham]

check out www.minidisco.com
several options

[metalbob]

Originally posted by Tangent



Can recommend better but more expensive!:(

Check this outhttp://www.etymotic.com/

How is the bass response on these? Also, when referencing the frequency range what numbers are "acceptable"? These are for my boss' iPOD, which may have questionable quality, but that might be for another discussion. He complained that the iPOD headphones didn't have enough bass.