The Etymotics don't need to cover the ear--they seal out outside sound by closing off the ear canal directly and putting a tiny high-quality speaker up close to your eardrum. They are not like earbuds or EX70s or the Koss Plug or other in-ear cheapos, which aren't worth anything.
Personally, I tried a pair of 4Ps and found the bass really anemic. Etymotic lovers always talk about the clarity of the bass, and the notes were there but the oomph wasn't. It does depend on the shape of your ear canal, but for me it just sounded weak.
I had better luck with Shure E3, another earplug/canalphone. (E3 is gray, E3c is Ipod-white, otherwise the same.) You have to try all the different earplugs supplied --7 or 8 of various materials and sizes--to get the fit, because each one affects the sound. And although I'm not a bass fanatic, bass boost helped fill out the sound. When you do get the right fit it's a separate world, especially if you're in a noisy environment like an airplane or subway.
They still don't compare with my nonportable Grado SR-125s, which have a more spacious sound, but they're ultraportable and sturdier than the Etymotics, too. Just look both ways crossing the street, because you won't hear the car horns.
They're also a serious investment. But
www.bhphoto.com
had them for $139 a while back, not the $179 list.
On the other hand, if you just want a comfortable, good sounding foldable pair under $50, and don't need isolation, Sennheiser PX100 is just the thing.
BTW, regarding Koss, don't judge any line of phones by its cheapest model. (Or Sony would be out of business.) Before the Sennheisers I had Koss Portapros, which are superb for the price and ultra-comfortable. But I think the Sennheisers sound even better. Don't judge them by looks or preconceptions about whether they should cover the ear--just listen.
