[scott_man]

It is time to upgrade from the basic white Apple earbuds that came with the iPod touch.  I am looking for a pair of earbuds with an in-line mic and (ideally) volume/song controls.

I have narrowed things down to a short list:
Woodee Blues
Maximo iP-595s
NuForce NE-700M
MEElectronics CX31P
Spider RealVoice
ThinkSound (Model?)

I have found this a lot harder than buying speakers because it is not easy to audition 'phone.

I listen to a lot of jazz and older rock.  I prefer a balanced sound signature -- not too bass heavy (or light).

A bit of noise reduction would be nice, but true noise isolation is going too far -- I need to be able to hear some of the background noise around me.

Durability and comfort are very important -- the 'phones will get almost daily use -- for several hours/day ... not all of the time will be in an office environment.

Budget:  Under $100... Ideally around $60.  (compromises will be required).

Thoughts, recommendations, ... did I miss something that should be on the list?

Scott B.

[eclein]

I have Woodees Blues, and Classics or Vintage I forget the model-Sunburst Guitar look. They both sound excellent with the Blues having the edge right now. I have like 7,8 pair of buds UE700, Sleek SA-6,SA-1, MEE M9, and I'm finding I reach for the Blues these days, they fit well, they are big but fit me really well, and they sound great..I read a review yesterday a guy at Head-Fi wrote and he listed a whole bunch saying the "Blues" and its sound are a safe bet in this category....he liked the sound of another pair better but apparently they are hard to find. He had the Thinksound 02's?  4th out of the total which was 5 or 6 pair.

 I wrote before how I liked them and someone bought them on my recommendation and didn't like them saying the high end was  too much....I think its fine, not edgy, enough bass but not overdone at all..very even sound throughout.

I'm not sure why more foks don't rave about them over there. I think its like a status thing over there at head-fi to have a certain type earbud and these must not be cool or whatever....sorry for the long post...good luck!!!!

[LP1]

FWIW, I am returning me second pair of Nuforce 700s due to a channel failing both times. While the customer service has been excellent, I can't recommend these phones.

[Noseyears]

From what i know the Etymotic HF2 offer a balanced sound signature, and do great with jazz, classical and guitars as well.

[charmerci]

I have the Woodees Blues. If you want them, I'll sell them to you. (PM me.) I've only worn them a few times plus I've broken them in - just over 100 hours.

I only listen to in-ear phones on really cheap devices and their high end is too harsh for me.

charlie

[eclein]

I must have hearing loss, your the second person who has said that and I don't hear that at all with the "Blues". I think all those cymbal crashes throughout my life has worn on me....OOps!!! Maybe pass on the blues, OP!!! Sorry!!

[charmerci]

I must have hearing loss, your the second person who has said that and I don't hear that at all with the "Blues". I think all those cymbal crashes throughout my life has worn on me....OOps!!! Maybe pass on the blues, OP!!! Sorry!!

No worries, I haven't listened to them on a decent digital playback system so YMMV. My listening evaluation is not set in stone.

I remember listening to a set of B&W 302's years ago in a stereo shop through NAD. I found them a bit harsh and with an "awww" hollow mid-range sound. But when I brought them home and listened to them on my Van Alstine system, all the problems went away. They were wonderful speakers. I regret practically giving them away.

[scott_man]

Decided on the Woodee Blues.  YMMV.

(I bought the pair from Charlie  ).  Thanks!

I know that the Blues are not perfect, but compared to the stock Apple ear buds, they are stunning.

[Now, at some point, I think that I would like to hear a really exceptional set of IEMs or cans...  (actually, not really sure I can afford to listen, that is how this whole "addiction" started many years ago with a Linn table, Krell electronics and Apogee electrostatics... lots of money spent/invested since then)].

Enjoy the tunes!

Scott B.

[eclein]

Cool....I love my Woodees, Vintage and Blues-I love the sunburst guitar look on the vintage and the cables are great. Everytime I sit down and think about what IEM's I could sell the Woodees start out as possibles and never get sold because I like them so much.
 Enjoy!!!

[charmerci]

(I bought the pair from Charlie  ).  Thanks!

I know that the Blues are not perfect, but compared to the stock Apple ear buds, they are stunning.

Scott B.

 

[Noseyears]

[Now, at some point, I think that I would like to hear a really exceptional set of IEMs or cans...  (actually, not really sure I can afford to listen, that is how this whole "addiction" started many years ago with a Linn table, Krell electronics and Apogee electrostatics... lots of money spent/invested since then)].

Enjoy the tunes!

Scott B.

Now you have upgradeitis, lol
You need to start saving for your next purchase.
Happy listening!