[Dan Frakes]

Steve_S said:

I realize every product on the market can't be reviewed, but for the noise cancellation category, you missed what is arguably the best product in the category - Creative Aurvana.

We've got a set here and will be reviewing them in the (hopefully) near future.

[Panglos]

re: BudFits

I'd like to know how well these might work with in-canal earbuds. There isn't much of an issue with them falling out, but their position in the canal can affect their (generally superior) sound quality. If BudFits could help them stay in place they'd be a worthwhile purchase.

[dmlworx]

One note of caution about the V-Moda Vibe Duo...
They sound and work great, but due to a design flaw, may not be ideal for everyday use... especially if you keep your iPhone in your pants pocket.
I've had two pairs replaced through the warranty and am about to return a third pair because of a short that develops right where the mini-plug plugs into the iPhone. V-Moda's Customer Service is great, but a $100 pair of headphones should be able to withstand everyday use.

[zacksback]

I wear my earphones a couple hours everyday. When I first got an iPod, about four years ago, I got some Shure E2c in-ear phones and loved them. Being older than Mr. Frakes, I knew it was a waste of money to go high-end. I had to replace the E2cs only because the wire casing on both pieces disintegrated right where they loop over the ear. The phones still work fine but I replaced them with the E3cs. I've had them about 18 months and have had no problems. In fact I bought another pair for my wife. One suggestion: none of the ear sleeves were very satisfactory and I spent some time looking for the best sleeve (short of fited ones). The best to date: Comply? Foam Tips. www.complyintheear.com

[Dan Frakes]

zacksback said:

Being older than Mr. Frakes, I knew it was a waste of money to go high-end.

Not sure what age has to do with anything, but when it comes to higher-end headphones, it all depends on the quality of music you store on your iPod. If you mainly listen to 128kbps tracks, there is indeed a point at which it doesn't make much sense to spend more money on better-sounding headphones. On the other hand, if you listen to uncompressed or lossless tracks, and you've got good ears, better headphones may be worth the investment.

zacksback said:

One suggestion: none of the ear sleeves were very satisfactory and I spent some time looking for the best sleeve (short of fited ones). The best to date: Comply? Foam Tips. www.complyintheear.com

Good recommendation. Comply sent us a sampling of their foam tips and for the most part I've been impressed. They're comfortable and I've found them to be quite effective at getting a good seal. Foam tips in general don't last as long as rubber tips, but the Comply tips seem to be about as rugged as the foam tips included with many canalphones.

[ward1383]

I did a search and found that BudFits now has a web site. You might want to pose the question to them about the in ear headphones and how they might work. The web address is - http://www.budfits.com

I just looked at their web page and noticed that they show the BudFits are black. The ones that I got on Amazon were clear.
Message was edited by: ward1383

[davebarnes]

I can't believe you ignored the Grado RS1 bargain-priced at $700 USD.

[zacksback]

I have watched the hearing test graphs over the years show a definite loss in hearing above 10K. There are certain electronic alarms my wife can hear but I cannot. Thus I bow to the realities and not bother with the very high end phones.

[netherfred]

I'm kind of missing the AKG K-series for the full-sized headphones. These are designed for studio's and therefore extremely rugged.