Hi,

I'm looking for a set of highend headphones, saw the Shure isolationg
earphones and liked what I read about them.. but since it's a hefty
investment, I rather be sure and see what's out there.

I'm primarily going to use it on an iPod an my notebook.

So help! :-)

-Mao

Hi Mao,

Deciding which headphones are the best can be very subjective.
Therefore after researching and reading the reviews, I am providing
for you the 5 most highly-rated earphones for you to decide.


Ultimate Ears super.fi 3 Studio 

The good: The Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio in-ear-style headphones
deliver accurate sound for a reasonable price, and they offer a
comfortable, secure fit.

The bad: The Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio earphones' cable is too
short for tall users.

The bottom line: Ultimate Ears' no-frills Super.fi 3 Studio in-ear
headphones deliver a clear, balanced audio response. This set should
be your top choice in the $100 price range.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Ultimate_Ears_Super_fi_3_Studio_black/4505-6468_7-31491515.html

http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-application/our-10-best-headphones/ultimate-ears-superfi-3-studio-white.php

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1863931,00.asp

========

Shure E4c

The good: Excellent sound quality; earpluglike design blocks
environmental noise; thick, durable cable design; includes full
assortment of accessories.

The bad: Some people find in-ear headphones uncomfortable. 

The bottom line: Shure's E4c earbuds are simply the best in-ear
headphones we've ever heard.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Shure_E4c/4505-6468_7-31429517.html

http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-application/our-10-best-headphones/shure-e4c.php

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1828817,00.asp

========

Etymotic ER-6i

The good: Noise-isolating earbuds with awesome clarity and detail;
includes multiple eartips and travel pouch.

The bad: Thin, tangle-prone wires; somewhat expensive. 

The bottom line: Etymotic's ER-6 earbuds offer stellar sound quality. 

http://reviews.cnet.com/Etymotic_ER_6_Isolator_black/4505-6468_7-30684099.html

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1828795,00.asp

http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-headphone-type/in-ear-monitor-type/etymotic-er-6i.php

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review2471.html

========

Sennheiser CX-300

The good: The Sennheiser CX 300 offers solid sound quality,
significant isolation from outside sounds, and an ultralightweight
design, as well as three sizes of silicon ear tips to ensure a perfect
fit--all for well less than $100.

The bad: The Sennheiser CX 300 doesn't come with a travel pouch or any
other accessories.

The bottom line: If you're looking for an affordable, decent-sounding
pair of earbuds, start with the Sennheiser CX 300. Sennheiser's first
in-ear design sounds like a winner to us.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sennheiser_CX_300_headphones_black/4505-6468_7-31727753.html

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1941967,00.asp

http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=17631140

========

Sony MDR-NC11

The good: Very comfortable earbuds; highly effective noise-canceling
circuitry; excellent sound quality; handy volume control;
extraordinarily light.

The bad: Wires have a tendency to get tangled. 

The bottom line: These little earbuds have excellent sound and
above-average noise-hushing capability.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_MDR_NC11/4505-6468_7-20604867.html

http://about.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=590593/search=Sony+MDR-NC11



I hope the information provided is helpful. 

Best regards,
Rainbow

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Request for Answer Clarification by 6ra3-ga on 22 May 2006 13:19 PDT

Hi,

Would you please let me know the criteria you've based your
recommendations on and have you assumed certain thresholds that were
not stated?  :-)

-Mao

---

Clarification of Answer by rainbow-ga on 22 May 2006 13:30 PDT

Hi Mao,

I based my criteria on the example you gave: "shure isolating
earphones". My daughter owns an ipod and uses earbuds headphones,
since these are the most versatile. I assumed you would be interested
in earphones of this type.

I searched the internet for reviews and compiled the list of five
earphones after reading various reviews from different websites.

If the earphones I provided do not suit your purpose, please let me
know and I will resume my research. It would be helpful if you could
provide any specific criteria you might have.

Best regards,
Rainbow

---

Request for Answer Clarification by 6ra3-ga on 22 May 2006 13:43 PDT

Hi,

No these do not contradict with any assumptions, I just wanted to know
why these specifically are considered by you to be the top five? :-)

I do not mean to hint that I'm looking for more expensive ones, I just
want to know why you picked these specific units in comparison to
those below and above these models in terms of specs?

Thank you.

-Mao

---

Clarification of Answer by rainbow-ga on 22 May 2006 13:56 PDT

The five I picked are the closest to the example you gave and seemed
interested in. They were also five of the most highly rated on
numerous websites.

Best regards,
Rainbow

---

Request for Answer Clarification by 6ra3-ga on 22 May 2006 14:08 PDT

Hi,

Fair enough. Thanks! :-)

-Mao

---

Clarification of Answer by rainbow-ga on 22 May 2006 14:13 PDT

Mao,
Thank you very much for the rating and tip.

Best regards,
Rainbow