White Earbuds? What alternatives exist? [Archive]

MuzakMan

08-13-2004, 01:46 AM

Someone explain to me why people look for white earbuds? Are you so caught up in the iPod image that you need to get some white headphones that don't suck as bad as the ones that Apple gives you?

Do you want people to think you are using crappy white earbuds, when really you're not? I don't understand it.

I use Shure E2's. I HATED having those white buds and white cord telling everyone that I had an iPod.

Look at me. I have an iPod. Whoopdee whoo. I bet you don't have one.

Seriously. I don't mean to be an as$, but someone explain.

Joshdude

08-13-2004, 01:51 AM

Well it's not necessarily a statement to the world. It just matches the look. For example, let's say you buy a red Ferrari and you got a set of luggage in the color of your choice as a "thank you." Now wouldn't you pick red? Not to broadcast that you have a red Ferrari, but to match it.

Joshdude

08-13-2004, 01:52 AM

Anyway, I like the Apple in-ear headphones. Everyone says they don't fit and sound bad, but they fit me fine and I like the way they sound.

MuzakMan

08-13-2004, 02:52 AM

Joshdude, while I would be willing to accept an explanation besides my own, I don't know if yours works.

I don't quite see what possible reason I could ever even have that I begin to care that my LUGGAGE matched my CAR.

My LUGGAGE, and my CAR...

My SHOES and my SHIRT, maybe...

But my LUGGAGE and my CAR?

They seem to be so completely unrelated, that it's a little nonsensical. I get the whole "wanting to complete the look" thing, but sorry, luggage and car just don't cut it...

If I owned a red Ferrarri, I could care less what color my luggage was. I would use hot pink, or puke green...

Joshdude

08-13-2004, 02:56 AM

Ok well it's a somewhat weak real-life example. My point is not that you'd care SO much. Just that if you had the option, you'd want them to match. Why would you want puke green luggage, anyway? Besides, not everyone would want them to match. You're obviously one of those people.

BizPod

08-13-2004, 05:30 AM

The Shure E3C's look great with Ipod, Josh. White earbuds with a black cord. They sound great.

I'm looking forward to seeing them with my new, custom Vaja case that I plan on ordering for the 4G as soon as it becomes available.

You see, MM, it's called style...keep trying...it's an acquired taste...

Good luck in your search, Josh...

BP

kauffee

08-13-2004, 09:11 AM

I gotta side with MuzakMan on this one. I just can't understand the obsession with white earbuds. Making everyone around me aware that I have an iPod makes me feel like a tool.

SmoothOperator

08-13-2004, 12:33 PM

whats wrong with wanting to match?

i would want white earbuds for the same reason that i paint my optical drives in my computer to match my aluminum case. sure black drives look fine, as black and silver dont exactly clash and they actually look good together. but i would just rather have everything silver. looks better in my opinion.

im waiting for the er6i's:cool:

MuzakMan

08-13-2004, 05:28 PM

STYLE? You're kidding right?

Having earbuds that match your iPod is NOT style.

It's not style. I'm sorry. It's the desire to fit into a certain crowd. A crowd that appreciates music, and expensive electronics. The iPod has turned into a cult thing, and when you have one, and you show it, it's cool.

Having those white earbuds and cord is a "cool" thing. Everyone knows you have an iPod, and people like that. If you spent 3-4 hundred dollars on something portable, isn't it cool to let everyone know you have it?

For many, yes it is. I agree with Kauffee. It makes me feel like a tool, to want to fit into this little crowd of "sofisticated" people.

I don't want to start a conversation with anyone, because they look over and see that I have a while cord going down to my pocket.

"Hey, you got an iPod huh?"

"Yup"

"Cool. What are you listening too?"

"Phish"

"Oh cool. I've heard of them. I've been thinking about getting an iPod"

"Awesome."

"Yeah. Can I see yours?"

"No. Get the Fu*k away from me." :D

Anyways, it's cool to want to complete the look, if that's your thing. Don't try to pass it off as "style" though. It just doesn't work.

Joshdude

08-13-2004, 05:38 PM

BizPod, I've tried the E3c's and I don't like them. They sound good but I didn't like the bass. Also the cord was a bit thick. Anyway I'm not searching. I'm perfectly happy with my $40 Apple in-ear headphones. They fit me fine. It's cjulius that's looking. Thanks anyways! :D

And MuzakMan, I don't use white-corded headphones to "fit in." It really is the style. Isn't that part of the reason you buy an iPod? Not the only reason, or even the major one, but a reason nonetheless. You pay extra for an iPod because it has the unique style. Wanting to match your headphones to your iPod is only natural for some people. It's just like matching your shirt and shoes, as you said. Besides, the iPod itself is more likely to get someone's attention than the white cord. People have asked me about my iPod when I take it out to switch songs, but almost never when it's hidden and all they see is the cord.

jasperstory

08-13-2004, 06:06 PM

I have to side with MuzakMan too.

This is not about completing a look. If the iPod was just silver or black like any normal player, you wouldnt look to match it with similar black earphones. Its like buying a shirt and shoes that come in some magical new colour that's really expensive and apparently puts you in the crowd of some uber-cool young people.

I find people want the white look for one of three reasons:

a) their too lazy to change their earphones. while of course, this isnt a huge problem, it seems somewhat of a shame to spend ??300 on a music player to play it through 5-dollar-esque earphones. but if it sounds good to you, then fine.

b) they want to try and become 'independent' of most listeners. We dont need to go into the consumerist ideal of independence, but we can touch on the fact that so many people have come to show off their ipod's that its simply a total waste of time. you dont look special, you dont look different, you look like a poser. (n.b. if u come from american samoa or something, then yeh, ok, u are special)

c) they are just showing off the fact they are rich enough to afford the iPod. this comes along with just about every other expensive clothing accessory, e.g. watches etc. This is total, err, crap, and tends to be the major reason that people show off their white earphones. well done on the point scoring front.

i've never in my life seen someone with an iPod that uses white earphones and hides them away as much as possible. If you like the mix and match aspect, then keep it to yourself. Cause i've had enough of people giving smug looks of suburban coolness all the friggin time.

(n.b. if you have a cheapo walkman and u use white or apple earphones, then virtual pat on the back from me)

oh btw. i have e3s. they come in white too :D

Joshdude

08-13-2004, 06:14 PM

For some reason you think your 3 rules of white headphones apple to everyone. It's interesting that your opinion of everyone who uses white earbuds with their iPod do it for one of those reasons. That's a fairly narrow view, don't you think? I guess the idea that I use the Apple in-ears for their sound and feel just isn't possible. The fact that they're white is a nice touch, as it complements the iPod's style. Your post is based purely on speculation, and you should think before you say things that are obviously false.

MuzakMan

08-14-2004, 12:55 AM

I won't try to figure out the reason why people wear white earbuds. If you happen to like them, that's fine.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I got an iPod, because I think it's the best MP3 player out there. I love the design, and the user interface. I have a 3G, and the touch stuff to me, is so cool. The iPod is small, and sleek. Would I prefer it if it was black? Yes. Because of style? No. Because it wouldn't stand out so damn much.

I don't have a problem with anyone using the white headphones. I used them for a short while when I first got my iPod. I started feeling like a goddam walking billboard, and the sound was definitely less than satisfactory. I started using some cheap sony's, and it was much better. Now I have some E2's, and it's all good.

Anyway, I don't see any reason for others who don't mind the whiteness to buy white headphones, but I really don't understand SPECIFICALLY LOOKING for white ones to buy.

I actually use the apple case, because I like it, and I found that a white iPod, in a black case, with a blackheadphone cord looks better to me than the white.

It doesn't matter. I just don't think it's STYLE. Having a cord that matches the player is just not style.

Old school yellow walkmans didn't always have yellow headphone cords or anything.

Also, as cool as it looks to some people, I'm sure Apple took into consideration, that when they have white earbuds, people will notice them. The iPod will be noticed much more that if it had regular black. It is a HUGE amount of free advertising for them, and a very smart move.

Style is wearing a nice suit, with some wingtips. Not a matching cellphone, or any stupid crap like that.

Joshdude

08-14-2004, 01:05 AM

Oh jeez who cares?! Just use whatever headphones you want to!

lrocha

08-14-2004, 04:49 PM

I like to wear my white buds with my creative zen. That really messes with peoples heads cause they think your some elitist with an ipod. I then wear my black buds with my ipod. Then no one has any clue i'm an elitist with an ipod. And sometimes i like to get real crazy and wear the white buds with my ipod.

I'm not usually thinking about style, but I think the clear cables look cool, at least to me. Any buds under 100 with clear cables?

jasperstory

08-15-2004, 04:54 PM

Indeed, joshdude, i only claimed it was speculation, saying specifically that thats how i found people use it. now why etc., just simply how i find it.

of course, i was categories general trends, im not going to say EVERYONE falls under those categories, as that would be simply ridiculous. as i said, pairing a product with its as-sold accesorries is cool, and if you like the sound, good on you.

i simply its like buying a car that can go at 200 mph and barely driving it about 30. technically, somebody may find that going 30mph may be really really fast for them, and good on them. but i simply think many people are, perhaps passively, choosing not to improve their listening experience just so they can fit into apples free advertising and appear to be in some social group or other.

Joshdude

08-15-2004, 05:02 PM

That may be, but bashing on a guy for wanting to do that is just unnecessary (I'm referring to MuzakMan at this point). If someone wants to fit in to the iPod culture or whatever, they should be allowed to and not be badgered by iPod "rebels" who need to have black headphones. So MuzakMan, don't you see that exclusively using black headphones is just the same as only using white ones? You're in the same category, it's just that you have a different purpose. Instead of using white ones to fit in, you use black ones to "fit out." Don't get all high and mighty just because you use a different color headphone.

Howtobefreaky

08-15-2004, 07:13 PM

I'm sorry Muzakman, but to me, you sound like one of those people that tries to be different just so you can tell everyone they're doing something the wrong way.

And you're an elitest, and you like to do something the "better" way which is ALWAYS the different way. Then you like to show off that you don't "follow the crowd" and you try to make yourself be really big. And trust me, I was this way for a long time until I finally smartened up and decided to do whatever the hell I felt like. I'm still an elitest, yea, but I try to hide it. You don't. And the only thing that people might think of you is that you're an ###.

I hate it when people follow a trend. I also hate it when people try to be different so they act like everyone else who is trying to be different.
You fall into that second category

Howtobefreaky

08-15-2004, 07:23 PM

Oh damn, Joshdude beat me to one of my points...

beauport

08-15-2004, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by MuzakMan
Joshdude, while I would be willing to accept an explanation besides my own, I don't know if yours works.
I don't quite see what possible reason I could ever even have that I begin to care that my LUGGAGE matched my CAR.
My LUGGAGE, and my CAR...
My SHOES and my SHIRT, maybe...
But my LUGGAGE and my CAR?
They seem to be so completely unrelated, that it's a little nonsensical. I get the whole "wanting to complete the look" thing, but sorry, luggage and car just don't cut it...
If I owned a red Ferrarri, I could care less what color my luggage was. I would use hot pink, or puke green...
Well MuzicMan, perhaps your car isn't one you'd WANT to have anything match? Others, like what Joshdude said may want their luggage to match and if one drove a Ferrari it makes great sense.
Here's a photo of matched luggage in a Bentley Continental T and it looks very good in my opinion. One needs to be careful when judging others by one's own taste. As always; de gustibus non est disputandum

Joshdude

08-15-2004, 08:11 PM

That is a dope car with some dope luggage, man.

Wilder_K_Wight

08-16-2004, 04:21 AM

Well, I like the "iPod Look" and I DO like people knowing I have an iPod. It starts conversations, at the very least.

And MuzakMan- "Style" is not a nice suit and wingtips. MY sense of style is leather and denim. Maybe YOU like wearing a suit (I wouldn't be caught dead in one. Suits are ridiculous, and neckties are worthless accessories that look stupid in my opinion) but I don't. In fact, when I see a guy wearing a suit with wingtips, my first thought is generally that he's a stupid jerk who needs to feel like he's part of the crowd, and a complete loser. Guys in suits are generally not to be trusted.

But that's because my sense of style is different from yours. Just like how I like a white cord on my earphones, and you "don't get it" or think it's an example of my "joining the crowd."

Style is individual, and it's not for you to understand my sense of style, just like I'll never understand why some people think choking themselves with a knotted strip of colored cloth is a fashion statement.

In other words, the original poster asked a legitimate question, and you really had no business dumping on him, because you aren't interested in this topic and can offer no advice that pertains to his question.

I don't know you, but you're coming off as kind of a snot.

Joshdude

08-16-2004, 04:26 AM

I've always hated neckties. Although you saying guys in suits are not to be trusted, well, that's just weird. I mean I agree with your comments regarding MuzakMan, but hey, even if suits are uncomfortable sometimes you have to wear them to look formal. A lot of people have that as their necessary work clothes. That doesn't mean they're dishonest. Also what about for a serious occasion, like a Bar Mitzvah or a funeral. Suits are kind of mandatory. It's not fair to think of a guy who wears a suit as a stupid jerk, complete loser, etc. Maybe they just want to look nice. Anyway I don't mean to be up front about it but I really thought that was a weird comment.

jasperstory

08-16-2004, 01:37 PM

in any case, people are under the false impression that they are creating their own style by following specialised colours dictated to them by apple. true, all colours are dictated in this case, but i really dont understand your point.

your saying we're trying to be 'different' by joining the majority of non-white earphone users?

in fact, we're trying to put ourselves with the people who value sound and build quality over white earphones. true, i cant argue that subjectively the white apple in-ear earphones are better sounding than cheaper, non-apple, non-white earphones.

i've said before that therefore we cant argue with people wanting to keep their earphones or buying earphones that happen to be white based subjectively on sound quality, but its ridiculous to go looking for what should be a quality-oriented purchase simply to fit into an iPod crowd. If this was, say, a Creative Zen forum, he would definately get bashed for fitting in.

Just please, dont pretend that the iPod style is YOUR style, "individual" to you. The point is, we're looking at people spending ??300 on a MUSIC player, then arguing about style. it should barely come into it, and should not govern sound-based decisions.

hotch

08-17-2004, 12:09 AM

be way cool-- use your ipod 40gb (the most expensive generally recognized music player) with your bose noise cancelling phones (most expensive generally recognized headphones)

Booyah, you've got $800 showing the world how much you like music.

I pulled that for the last week... my e2c's just aren't comfortable in my ears, so after a couple hours, i was really glad i brought my bose along as a backup

But i picked up some e3c's in denver international, and i'm all good now.

Zaccix

08-17-2004, 05:11 PM

What I don't understand, is why anyone would ##### about what someone else decides to do with what they've bought. If a guy goes into a shop, buys a ??300 40GB iPod and thinks "Hey, I'm gonna use the white earphones because they look pretty cool", then good luck to them. A lot of people won't be impressed (iPods are becoming more and more of a common sight), but who is anyone to say "You shouldn't wear those earbuds, 'cos you look like a poser"? If anything, the white earbuds would more likely get you mugged in London than make you look like part of the in-crowd.

I'll be getting my iPod next week (at last), and if I'm on the tube or on a bus one day and someone strikes up a conversation with me thanks to the iPod (which I'll no doubt have on me, because music is like air to me), I'll happily chat with them a bit. Jeez, if you're nice to people, maybe they'll be nice to you. Of course, there are some shifty-looking characters out there, but just use common sense. For the record (no pun intended), I'll be using PX100's with my iPod, simply because they sound better to my ears.

On the necktie issue, I have to wear one, else I'd lose my job. I hate neckties (and suits) with a spanish passion, but I like to eat, y'know? Blanket statements, tch...

And, finally, to answer the original question, Etymotic ER-6i's look like the way to go if you like your earbuds canalphone-style.