What are a good set of earbuds with bass comparable to over the ear headphones?
For the best sound, the Etymotic brand is the best I've found. I've been using the hf2's with my iPhone for a year and they're the best earbuds I've ever owned. Much better than Bose, AT, Sennheiser, b&o or Shure. They aren't cheap, but are worth it.
Etymotic
17 Answers
Don't go with Bose. I have the over the ear model and it is horribly overpriced for the mediocre sound quality. I can't imagine that the earbuds will give you better sound for your money.
Check out Headphone.com (http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/in-ear-monitor/) . Here you can get reviews from audiophiles who know what they're talking about. These are as good as earbuds can get, with names like Sannheiser and Denon, just to name a few. Of course, there's something there for every price range.
I guess my first question would be is how tough are you on your earbuds? My second question would be during what activites are you planning on utilizing them?
A typical set of earbuds lasts me between 4-6 months. The brands I've tried so far are: (1) SkullCandy (variety of models), (2) Bose, (3) The Apple "In-Ear" Headphones.
The best sound I've experienced so far is indeed the Bose. But they didn't last too long and regardless of which size covers I put on the earbuds. I had issues keeping them in my ears when I ran for long periods of time. Also, they don't handle moisture real well.
The Apple set stayed in my ears very well and handled the moisture very well in comparison to the others. One of the main issues I had with thos is the insulator was a unique material and they tangled very easily.
My next set of earbuds will be Bang & Olufsen A8. Next on my list will be a variety of models offered by Shure.
I've heard mixed reviews from friends about Shure. I'll be the first one to try the Bang & Olufsen A8's.
NOTE: Bose has actually been very good in regards to warranty and replacing lost 'earpiece fittings' (they typically give you a whole new set of all three sizes for free if you ask).
I'm not a headphone expert but nixon just put out a new line of headphones that are pretty nice looking, take a look at http://ca.nixonnow.com/headphones/
etymotics-one of the best in the business with a wide range of prices. http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/epcomp.aspx
If price is of no concern-check out Ultimate Ears (http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/products/findyourearphones.php) At their top end they'll build custom earphones from a mold of your ear-priced accordingly, though they do some lower-end stuff as well.
Shure also probably has some solid options, but I don't know as much about their products.
I have had the Shure e2c's for 4 years and love them. They are reasonably priced and are sound isolating - so they are great for an office or bus ride to work. The customer service has been phenomenal too; I have had mine replaced once and it was a quick turnaround.
If you want bass- there is no better option than V-MODA Vibe V-MODA Vibe
they are the best i have used
i used:
bose (all of them)
Senhiesser (all of them)
Bang and Olufsen (all of them)
Shure (all of them)
(used to sell these brands)
Duo's are the best i have heard, its like sitting with a $$$$$ audio system. there is crisp detail, and the base is like having 2 12" subs next to each ear.
when im lying down and listening to them on my iphone, i can actually feel the base flow through my body.
trust me on this.. if you get another set- you will always be looking for something better. (im sure)
i have no need to find another brand- this is it.
All Bose headsets I've listened to have great depth in sound, including bass. I own their mobile on-ear headset and love them:
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/mobile_solutions/on_ear_mobile_solution/index.jsp
And if you use iTunes, set your equalizer settings for you music- it makes a big difference.