Apple headphones hurt

[tbowen]

The white headphones that came with my nano make my ears hurt like hell. No matter how lightly I insert them into my ears. I am looking to upgrade. I just want some advice. I don't want anything expensive or bulky. Preferrably, I want some with a wrap-around design. I want them to be light also. And I want them to sound good. Nothing spectacular, but at least as good as the factory headphones that hurt. Any ideas? Thanks.

-tbowen

[Jackonicko]

Some ideas:

Over-the-ear: Sony G73 (they have a wire neckband, making them portable and light)
Sennheiser PX100/200 (fold up)

In-ear: V-Moda Vibe (small and comfortable, but $100) or Bass Freq ($50), Sennheiser CX300, Panasonic HJE70, Sony EX90.

[tbowen]

Thanks for the quick reply. I am looking for something more like the Sennheiser ones. I don't want ones that wrap all the way around my head, but maybe just wrap around the top of my ears. Also, I want to keep it to $30 or less. Thanks.

[Jackonicko]

I'd really strongly recommend the Sony G73, for you. Comfort is obviously an issue, and while you don't want a big, obtrusive band, I suspect that you'd find the way in which clip ons 'drag' on your ears pretty uncomfortable.

http://www.mdfr.com/materiel/thumbs/sony_mdrg73.jpg

http://img.kelkoo.com/pdb/34001/large/07/11/48/7114885.jpg

[tbowen]

Are those the same two headphones in the pic? If so, maybe they wouldn't be so bad. It seems like the band is fairly thin and small, so I could probably live with that. Where is the best place to get them and about how much do they run? I'm putting this on my x-mas list. Thanks.

[Jackonicko]

Yep, they're the G73 'at rest' and as they'd be on your noddle.

They cost $29.99 according to Sony.com

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/wbrINTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDRG73LP&Dept=audio&CategoryName=pa_PADepartmentAccessories_Headphones _StreetStyle

They come in blue or black

[Jokieman]

Thanks for the quick reply. I am looking for something more like the Sennheiser ones. I don't want ones that wrap all the way around my head, but maybe just wrap around the top of my ears. Also, I want to keep it to $30 or less. Thanks.


The Koss KSC75's are a good bet. inexpensive as well. What kind of music do you listen to?

I'll also second the Sennheiser PX100's..

[tbowen]

I listen to mostly live music (jam bands, I.E., Widespread Panic, Perpetual Groove, etc.) and also classic rock (AC/DC, Guns n Roses, etc.) and things like that. So, with that said, I am a musician myself, therefore I like and can appreciate a good, balanced sound quality, but I don't listen to any rap or R&B, so I don't need a lot of bass response. Just a good, balanced sound. Thanks.

[Macromedia]

The Koss KSC75 would be good option for you. Its clip on and its cheap.

[tbowen]

I'm guessing the Koss ones cover the ear completely? That should be ok. But, the best ones I have ever used were the ones that came with my old school Rio mp3 player. It had smaller speakers that actually fit in the ear, and then the little rubbery arms that wrapped half way around the top of your ears. Those were comfortable and light. Do the Apple headphones hurt anyone else's ears?

[Jackonicko]

The Koss 75s are quite weighty and drag on the ear, which is why I recommended the lighter, less noticeable G73.

There are a number of clip ons - including some lighter and more comfortable models. Sony's EX81 is worth avoiding for poor fit and sound, while the B&O A8 is comfortable but over-priced. Sennheiser have some new clip ons, too.

I find the Apple buds a bit big and uncomfortable, I must say, because my ear contours are the wrong shape.

That's why I like smaller IEMs like the HJE70, Vibe and Bass Freq.

[Jokieman]

I'm guessing the Koss ones cover the ear completely? That should be ok. But, the best ones I have ever used were the ones that came with my old school Rio mp3 player. It had smaller speakers that actually fit in the ear, and then the little rubbery arms that wrapped half way around the top of your ears. Those were comfortable and light. Do the Apple headphones hurt anyone else's ears?


They were uncomfortable for me as well, but mostly it was the poor sound quality.

I think with your music tastes the Koss KSC75 will fit you best. They're about $14.00 on Amazon.com -- With a lifetime warranty that Koss stands behind.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B0006B486K.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_V40409944_.jpg

[habsrock13]

I haven't had any discomfort with the Apple headphones. I started to notice that the right bud wasn't staying as well as it used to. It's no problem though...

[tbowen]

The Koss headphones seem all good, but the only drawback is, I'm not so sure I like the idea of something covering my ear completely. I want something more "in-ear." Maybe the G73?