Need help deciding on Sony MDR-E888

[Kimono]

After many years of using cheap standard earphones, I'm finally thinking of upgrading to something of higher quality but not break the bank, so I've been thinking about getting the Sony MDR-E888LP Fontopia Earphone. The thing is, I don't know if I necessarily need them. I mean right now I'm using a cheaper-end Sony earphone (don't remember model but cost very little) which is already sufficient enough for me and am pretty satisfied with. However, I'm curious as to what a higher end model will provide sound-wise. So do you guys think I would notice any great sound improvement if I bought the Sony MDR-E888? If you compared it to, say, the Apple stock earphones, is the sound quality noticeably different and better?

I like clean and clear, spacious but not echoey, natural sounds, and nothing too bass heavy, so would the Sony MDR-E888 provide this?
Also, I've been searching around Ebay for them and came across a seller named i-shopping4u who sells them, except I noticed that the carrying case is cream color and not the standard purple which I thought it was suppose to be?? Is this (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=40138&item=5745488387&rd=1) a fake??

Also, are the cords really that fragile? Will it like break easily if I tug or pull on them a little, or cord wrap them from time to time?

Sorry for the questions. I know earphones are all subjective, but I unfortunately have no place where I can test these, so any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated, especially on the improvement of the sound quality. Thanks! :)

[truckson]

Those low end Sony earbuds are not bad in fact. They are really clean and clear. For under 50-60 bucks, e888 are well-worth the money. Some people are disappointed by the e888 because of the fitting issure. Thank god, my ears are big enough to put them in. :) Long burn in period is kind of pain. But once you go through it, these phones rock!!!!

Seem you are looking for some earphones around 50 bucks. I also recommend the Audio Technica ATH-CM5 and Sennheiser MX550

[Kimono]

I heard about the fitting or uncomfortable issue, but I don't get it, are the earbuds bigger than normal or something, or is it the way they're shaped??

Also, the Audio Technica ATH-CM5, and moreover, the CM3 (which matches the iPod) looks really good also, but how is the sound quality compared to the Sony MDR-E888?

[truckson]

It's their shape and size (16mm driver) causing the uncomfortable issue, and it really depends on person. Comparing to the E888s, the sound of CM5 is actual and clear. Bass performance is weak but not too bad. It's one of my faver phones