Need cheap-ish earbud recommendation

Ericus Rex · « **on:** 25 Sep 2014, 12:36 pm »

My Ipod earbuds have died. I'd like to get some good sounding ones for under $40. Unfortunately, I cannot use the in-ear type as I have very small ear canals and even the smallest ones just don't fit. Anything good for so little money?

Thanks!

mcgsxr · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Sep 2014, 03:02 pm »

I bought my daughters the low end NuForce in ear (buds not flange types) for Xmas, and they are both happy.

I have tried them, and for a flight somewhere they were good.

Right around your budget.

Cacophonix · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Sep 2014, 09:41 pm »

Some of the jbuds are pretty decent for what you pay. I have a j6 that i find pretty sweet sounding. They are tiny and should easily fit.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Sep 2014, 09:52 pm »

Thanks for the recs guys. Unfortunately, those are the exact style I can't get to fit into my ear properly. This is the sort of style I require:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRE9LP-BLU-Earbud-Headphones/dp/B004VHF210/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411682076&sr=1-2&keywords=earbuds+sony

Looks like there are lots of options but most are under $10. I can't imagine I'll be happy with the sound of a $10 pair of earbuds. Any recs on this style in the $20-40 range?

ltr317 · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Sep 2014, 10:36 pm »

Quote from: Ericus Rex on 25 Sep 2014, 09:52 pm

Thanks for the recs guys. Unfortunately, those are the exact style I can't get to fit into my ear properly. This is the sort of style I require:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRE9LP-BLU-Earbud-Headphones/dp/B004VHF210/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411682076&sr=1-2&keywords=earbuds+sony

Looks like there are lots of options but most are under $10. I can't imagine I'll be happy with the sound of a $10 pair of earbuds. Any recs on this style in the $20-40 range?

Hi Eric,

Does it have to be earbuds? I've used Koss Portapros (less than $40 discounted) for travel the past ten years, and they sound superior to any cheapo earbuds I've tried.

Paul

krikor · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Sep 2014, 11:05 pm »

Quote from: ltr317 on 25 Sep 2014, 10:36 pm

Hi Eric,

Does it have to be earbuds? I've used Koss Portapros (less than $40 discounted) for travel the past ten years, and they sound superior to any cheapo earbuds I've tried.

Paul

Double down on the Portapros. Only drawback (or a plus in some situations) is that there is absolutely no isolation. I would recommend only buying them direct from Koss as there are many look-alike ripoffs of these out there Amazon, Ebay, etc.. Plus that way you are certain of getting the Koss lifetime warranty.

If you can wait a bit... go to koss.com and signup for their emails at the bottom of the page. You'll get periodic special offers. I regularly see discounts for 10-20% off plus free shipping.