spice-the-cat

100% correct. With the correct fit - and Shure 'phones come equipped with a range of different sized, interchangeable ear plugs - you'll have as much bottom end as you need, along with complete isolation from external noise. When I first started using the Shures I had a little bit of difficulty adapting to them and it took a while to get used to pushing them as far into my ears as they need to go. Now I wouldn't use anything else and even when listening to bass heavy music such as reggae, I've never needed to alter the EQ settings. Some things you do have to note about IEM's is that they need to be cleaned frequently due to possible wax build up - and there is a risk in very hot weather of getting moisture into to them if you're sweating.

A little bit late commenting but here goes anyway. I upgraded from E5C's to E530's and the E530's are an improvement on their predecessor. Even straight out of the box with no burning in time there is a greater clarity and sense of increased dynamic range. I'd guess that whatever improvements Shure have made to the in-ear 'phones will be consistant throughout the range.

Case Logic's MDC 2 fits perfectly. Unlike the illustration below, the front pocket is just large enough for the remote and won't hold discs. http://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopexd.asp?id=44

As a Brit living in Canada I find the only thing I miss avout living in the UK is BBC Radio. There is nothing on the airwaves here in North America that compares with the diversity and originality of British radio and the only thing that keeps me sane it the fact that i can stream the broadcasts via the interent. Anyone who wants to listen to something other than the dreadful FM output over here could do a lot worse than drop in to the BBC website. For rock and indie stuff BBC 6 is the best place to start. For jazz and classical BBC 3 is the place to be. Here's your starting point - http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/ - Happy listening

In addition to the above, and if you decide to use Audacity, there is a very helpful Audacity Wiki site which will help you learn all of this excellent program's functions. http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

You're not alone in this sentiment, but don't hold your breath. The same people are are also trying to strangle the only broadcasting field where there is any originality and creativity, namely internet radio.

Ananda Shankar - A Life In Music. Simply too cool for words to describe.

Although it's not a UK source you can get replacement clips from Core Sound in the USA. Try dropping them an email and see how much the airmail cost would be. Their website address is http://www.core-sound.com/mics.html#ORDER%20FORM. When I lived in the UK I ordered my mics from them and they delivered withing seven days.