What headphones do you use?

I just bought some Sennheiser CX300s on eBay for iPod use. Pretty well reviewed as a bang-for-buck in-ear headphone. Haven't received yet, will let you know what I think when I get them.

GF uses Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket things...which are definitely powerful, but I find them too bassy and really really uncomfortable.

Recommend me some better than stock ipod earbuds, I dont want in ear as I run and would like to hear my surroundings.

Keep it under 50-60 bux thanks fellaz.

I have yet to try an IEM that feels comfortable. Tried the Shure E2c's, Senn CX300's, and the V-Moda Vibes. All kill my ears.

Used to have Audio-Technica A-500's for computer use but they've been lost to the sofa cushion gods and I'm not making due with a pair of Senn 201's.

Originally Posted by binge

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For what are you optimizing? I assume you're going for smaller files so that you can fit more on your device. In that case, the "optimal" kbps is that which produces the smallest files where you cannot tell the difference from the next higher setting. If you can tell the difference between 128 and 160, but (suppose) not between 160 and 192, then 160 is optimal. Or maybe 192 is optimal for you. Listen to your ears, they'll tell you.

I understand that much (not to sound indignant), I have an idea of what works for me. But I was interested to see if there is a general consensus by audiophiles on what the optimal ratio is between file size and quality (ie kbps roughly)... Do you guys think 160/192 is basically the same as 128 and only 256-330 is acceptable, for example? is 128 fine... etc?

Originally Posted by Rambo

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I have yet to try an IEM that feels comfortable.

They do sort of have a "break in" period in several respects...
1. It feels a bit weird/unnatural in your ears at first. Hearing sounds muffled/echoed, and having something IN your ear... BUT, your ears will adapt after a few days. Mine felt a bit stiff at first and then my ears actually adjusted ("Scar Tissue?") so they slip in fine now and are comfortable.
Also, the type of ends you use makes a difference. Rubber, Silicone, Foam, etc. Foam get dirty but provide decent seal and are quite comfortable.
2. as to actual sound, I had to "break in" my IEM's to get them to sound better. I played my Ipod on max loud for a full 12-24 hours, hiding them in my basement and the sound quality definitely improved.

Originally Posted by jet

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Recommend me some better than stock ipod earbuds, I dont want in ear as I run and would like to hear my surroundings.

Keep it under 50-60 bux thanks fellaz.

Senn PX100 but then everyone else will hear what you're hearing too.

Originally Posted by yfyf

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Senn PX100 but then everyone else will hear what you're hearing too.

I want similar shape/idea as stocks.

For MP3s, 192 kbps VBR is pretty standard, and it's easy to hear the difference between that and 128 kbps. 160 kbps is less common on the tubes. I go for 320 kbps VBR when I can.

Having said all that, the difference between any MP3 (lossy compression) and lossless (FLAC, CD) is noticeable with any sort of decent speaker or headphone. Meaning if you are ripping your CDs, you owe it to yourself to listen to it in a lossless format. The same will apply to classical and similar "intelligent" genres you download. Rock and electronic, less important in my opinion.

Sennheiser wireless, for using the rowing machine with the TV on (which is normally connected to house-rattling speakers).

Originally Posted by jet

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Recommend me some better than stock ipod earbuds, I dont want in ear as I run and would like to hear my surroundings.

Keep it under 50-60 bux thanks fellaz.

The JVC Marshmellows are decent enough for around $20. Pretty comfy too.

I have an Iriver IHP-140 (40GB, FM tuner, Voice recorder, remote, digital out for possible future portable DAC connection). Most of my music is ripped into OGG format (quality 8).

I use Etymotics ER-4P when commutting. Currently looking to supplement with some sealed full-sized phones. I'm looking for similar sound to the ER-4P but with better low frequency response. I was planning to listen to Denon AH-D1000 and AH-D2000. Anything else I should consider?

If necessary, a portable amp is not out of the question either.

A great resource is www.head-fi.org. A few people there recommend AH-D2000 for those who like pronounced bass...seems a lot of folks like it as a budget headphone. I would also recommend the Grado SR-125i and SR-225i phones. Very revealing phones with a slightly pronounced upper midrange and good bass. A retro style look you may or may not like. I have the 125s and I will soon upgrade to RS-1i or 3251is. Some folks like the Sennheiser phones but based on my recording work I find they are "sucked out" in the midrange. The AKG line I really don't like but I have yet to hear the new K702. The 701, 271, and 241 are very veiled.

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

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The JVC Marshmellows are decent enough for around $20. Pretty comfy too.

Not asking for much anything better for a little more? Not expecting a lot for non in-ear buds just some better sound for garbage ipod music.

Originally Posted by jet

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Not asking for much anything better for a little more? Not expecting a lot for non in-ear buds just some better sound for garbage ipod music.

Sony 888, I don't know if they still make them anymore. Quite a well respected earbud for a while. There are some Chinese earbud makers continuing that tradition, Headfi will tell you more. I had a pair but frankly I'm glad we have good, affordable IEMs. Those ******* earbuds are uncomfortable as hell, I don't know how anyone wears them.

Yeah well I don't want to get hit by any cars because I'm unable to hear anything around me when I run at night.

Stock ipod buds are comfortable in my ear, I don't even realize they are there, I just want some better sound.

Originally Posted by Sprezzatura2010

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Current amps:
HeadRoom Total Airhead, rev. B

HeadRoom Portable Micro

How big are those things?