Ear buds?

Rico · June 08, 2011, 10:34:54 AM

Looking for suggestions on new ear buds. I've only been using the cheap ones that came with my classic iPod like forever now. I hear Shure are pretty good. Looking for something good under $100 - under $75 even better. It also might be helpful if they have some type of retractable cord. Anyway, what do you guys like?

KingIsaacLinksr · June 08, 2011, 10:38:58 AM

Quote from: Rico on June 08, 2011, 10:34:54 AM
Looking for suggestions on new ear buds. I've only been using the cheap ones that came with my classic iPod like forever now. I hear Shure are pretty good. Looking for something good under $100 - under $75 even better. It also might be helpful if they have some type of retractable cord. Anyway, what do you guys like?

The Apple ones, but only because I can replace them for free...tbh, I am still looking for a new set. I'm still, for the most part, using a over-the-headset from 6 years ago (Works great too) but am still looking for a decent pair that won't break within a month of buying them.

King

billybob476 · June 08, 2011, 10:48:13 AM

I use these for running, The normal Apple earbuds don't stay in my ears if I'm moving at all. I like 'em.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H1420ZM/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

Bryancd · June 08, 2011, 10:53:29 AM

Duh. :)

http://www.yurbuds.com/ybcart/ironman-earphones

billybob476 · June 08, 2011, 11:00:25 AM

Quote from: Bryancd on June 08, 2011, 10:53:29 AM
Duh. :)

http://www.yurbuds.com/ybcart/ironman-earphones

You don't get in trouble for having "Performance Raising Earphones"? :)

Bryancd · June 08, 2011, 11:04:05 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on June 08, 2011, 11:00:25 AM
Quote from: Bryancd on June 08, 2011, 10:53:29 AM
Duh. :)

http://www.yurbuds.com/ybcart/ironman-earphones

You don't get in trouble for having "Performance Raising Earphones"? :)

Only if they were "Performance Enhancing". :) Actually earbuds are banned from all Ironman events.

spaltor · June 08, 2011, 11:08:28 AM

No matter what I've spent, something has gone wrong with every set of earbuds I've ever owned - even Bose. I've tried just about every brand, too, and typically don't notice a huge difference in sound quality (most of my time on the iPod is spent listening to podcasts, which may have something to do with it). Shure gets good reviews, I have a friend who swears by SkullCandy. At this point, get whatever's rated best on Amazon at the price you want to pay.

King - I thought Apple only replaced earbuds for the first year. I'm coming up on that mark soon, and was thinking about beating up on mine extra this month to get another replacement pair before my year runs out. Have they changed that policy?

billybob476 · June 08, 2011, 11:11:43 AM

My major problem with apple earbuds (aside from them not fitting my left ear very well) is that if I sweat into them, they basically get destroyed. Last time I got to listen to Rick Moyer in crazy chipmunk fast forward during a run :)

I guess sweat gets into the mic/control thing and makes the iPod control freak out.

Bryancd · June 08, 2011, 11:34:48 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on June 08, 2011, 11:11:43 AM
My major problem with apple earbuds (aside from them not fitting my left ear very well) is that if I sweat into them, they basically get destroyed. Last time I got to listen to Rick Moyer in crazy chipmunk fast forward during a run :)

I guess sweat gets into the mic/control thing and makes the iPod control freak out.

x2, I have shorted out a bunch of them and they fit like crap.

KingIsaacLinksr · June 08, 2011, 11:56:03 AM

@Spaltor, that policy hasn't changed, all Apple products are guaranteed for at least a year without their extended policy.

I agree with Bryan and Billybob, I simply use them because they last a year (at the least) and they are free. That's it. I've been burned too often by buying other buds so I've been waiting.

King

Dangelus · June 08, 2011, 12:50:13 PM

I don't like the Apple earbuds. They don't fit my ear very well and they are very quiet compared to others I have tried.

I tend to buy mid range earbuds as they can break very easily and would hate to spend a fortune on a pair not to have them last very long. I tend to nay listen to podcasts and so mostly speech on my iPhone so I don't think I need high quality ear buds.

Geoff G.o.B · June 08, 2011, 01:15:25 PM

I use Etymotic for my iphone because its got the built in hands free mic and in-line remote, and for you lucky chaps and chapesses in the states they even offer custom molded ear buds
http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ER7-MC3-BLACK-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B003YTPP72/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1307563959&sr=8-11

pulled the link from the US amazon site, can fault the quality, selection of supplied bud types and the built in mic. Nice features and not a bad price

Rico · June 08, 2011, 02:27:49 PM

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I use my iPod at work a lot lately too, and that's where having a cord that retracts would be helpful. Anyone else want to chime in?

RickPeete · June 08, 2011, 02:58:17 PM

I hear good things about ear buds from www.snuggbuds.com -- used by runners because they do not fall out of your ears when you're running due to sweat/movement.

M-5 · June 09, 2011, 01:56:57 AM

I like Sennheiser products. There not too expensive and they sound great. Make sure your have an emergency pair of earbuds. You never know when you'll need them.