am happy with my new 66 eggos and now would like to get...

[bland10000]

I utilized the Skyther/Kurisu sticky to select my first pair of headphones and am happy with my purchase, the 66 eggos. I've used them for two days and I'm hearing the music anew without the discomfort to the outer ear I thought might accompany the wearing of headphones. Before this, I've always gone down to my local radio shack and bought a couple pairs of 20.00 usd pair of earbuds.

I would now like to get a quality set of earbuds; not canal buds-maybe later. I can test out earbuds at two different stores I shop at, but the inside of a department store does not mimic the street-traffic and bicycle bells I encounter on my way to work. Hence, opinions from people who use their earbuds out-and-about would be much appreciated.

I have been looking at the Audio-Technica ATH-CM7 earbuds. The housing looks sturdy, but with my prior earbuds it is the wiring that gave out rather than the speakers breaking. These earbuds cost 115.00 usd and I am wondering if non-canal earbuds are worth spending that much money on since I will be diluting the sound in exchange for being able to hear my environment? The Sony MDR-E888 earbud is much less in price than the cm7 so I am wondering if it is worth the added expense? I'm also interested in hearing about other ear buds that people think are quality.

Also, if a set of earbuds are sold without the foam covers does that mean they are not intended to have foam covers on?

[Fat Tires]

I've had really good luck with my MDR-E868LP earbuds. I've used them for over eight years. The MDR-E888sp and LP earbuds have the same physical design, so with care, they ought to last you just as long. I can't comment on the sound difference betweemn the AT and Sony models though as I haven't actually heard them.

[skyther]

TBH earbuds aren't really worth paying over a hundred bucks for. Their open-air design and small dynamic drivers don't really do wonders for sound. With the ATH, you're paying more for the looks and housing material of the earbud rather than the sound, and while they do sound better than the average earbut, are not really worth the quoted USD115. E888s are good earbuds but they don't last very long due to the nature of the materials used in the drivers. If they're well taken care of, you'd be lucky to have them last any longer than 3 years.

Earbuds don't really excel in sound or fit, but they are convenient.

[bland10000]

Thanks Nismo, thanks Skyther. I purchased the 888's this afternoon.

"Earbuds don't really excel in sound or fit, but they are convenient." Skyther

this statement dissipated the argument I was having regarding my purchase. Thanks again...