Opinions on earphones

[Reverend]

I'm going on vacation in a week and was looking for a new pair of earphones.  Can anyone recommend a set?  Looking for earphones, not headphones for sitting on the beach.

I have a line on a pair of these for about half the price but i'd like to hear opinions first.  http://www.shure.com/americas/products/earphones-headphones/se-models/se535-sound-isolating-earphones

[SunnyDaze]

Rev, before you drop coinage on in ear monitors or whatever you want to call them, I should ask if you've used them for prolonged periods?

The reason I ask is because they just don't agree with some folks. I had a set of middle grade Sony's that I wore for a while at school. I started to get ear infections pretty regularly, and they went away when I stopped using in ear monitors.

Otherwise, have fun!

[bmwr75]

Rev,

I have Shure e5C models, precursors to the one you are looking at.  Have used them for years with an iPod while traveling.   Highly recommend them.

Would love to know where to get a killer deal on a new pair of SE530s.  This model is highly rated in reviews.

Regards,
Scott

[schwarcw]

Scott is our resident expert on cans, buds and amps.  I've heard his stuff.  Just awesome!

[MasterBlaster]

I have a set of them as well.  They sound great, but can't tolerate them for extended periods.
Although I haven't contracted an infection from using them,  my ear canals do get irritated because moisture builds up inside.

I tried the different ear pieces and preferred the ones pictured; they seemed to sound the best.
The other types just did not appeal to me for one reason or another.

Nevertheless, I certainly wouldn't use these while on the beach in the hot sun.

[Reverend]

Thank you all for your opinions.  A friend of mine bought them and never used them.  He said he'd sell them to me for cheap.  I can see the issue with moisture and sitting in the sun but more then likely i'll be sitting under an umbrella with a floppy hat on most of the time since i'm a Mick.  I'll look around and see what else is available.  I just figured the cost was hard to beat.

[MasterBlaster]

The foam tips may be a better choice. I only had one set and I tossed them after they got a little crusty.
They are similar to the foam earplugs that you pinch in your fingers. Maybe I should order some replacements and give them a try again. 

[OconeeOrange]

I have a acquired a couple $$ sets, but they never seem to fit inside my ears right no matter what tips I use.  So I go with the ones that have the wire across the top of the head to hold them to the ear.

[TNRabbit]

I bought a pair of inexpensive Philips headphones & they've been tough as nails, practically indestructible (I'm hard on mobile ones), have great bass response (but not overpowering), and decent overall sound.  Cheap, too at only $15.08 on amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Neckband-Headphones-SHS5200-28/dp/B003CJTR8M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311457835&sr=8-2

[OconeeOrange]

Like you I prefer headphones, but I guess for mobile use like the beach, buds would be better.

I just looked and found a pair of new M-Audio I paid a hundred for a couple years ago.  I just threw them in the solder bag and you can have them for all the help you have given me.  I have a comparable new pair of Sony I got for Christmas about the same time.  I'll throw them in if I can find them.