Throw out your earbuds and listen different

AKG K27i headphones, £40 from Apple Store - highest rated in the online store feedback reviews and rightly so.

So I know the audiophiles have already started scoffing at my selection, but I did try the Bose IE's and found them to be incredibly comfortable and have a very nice soundstage. Probably too bassy (Bose signature sound) and non isolating, but handles mid- and high- decently enough.

Great set of 'phones for 99 bucks.

Odd selection.
I currently use a pair of Sennheiser CX300 with my iPod video. Well constructed and very good sound for around €45. Sound better and are more comfortable than the Shure e3c's they replaced.

July 18th, 2006... geee thanks for a history lesson.

C|Net has a newer and better list that was published over the weekend.

On the recommendation of one of these "compare your favorite headphones" I picked up the Sony pair. Complete waste of money, IMNSHO. The ear buds themselves do block out a lot of noise, but the noise-canceling circuitry doesn't actually block out any noise. All it does (that I can tell) is put out a slight hissing noise, which gives the illusion that it's blocking noise. Unless I got a defective pair, I wouldn't buy this one.

I bought these Sony Noise canceling ear buds, and found them unwieldy. The problems came from nonstandard shaps to the ear bud shafts, and the weight of the battery/controls kept pulling the ear buds out. ... I quit using the Sony's within a week of buying them. ... Bummer. They got my money, and I got a lesson.

A much better buy is almost anything Eytomotic. ... I have been very happy with my Eytomoic ear buds!