Earphone advice

[challey]

Like to get a pair of earphones to use on the road with my mp3 player. Requirements are, in order of importance:
1) Comfort (most earbuds are very uncomfortable)
2) Sound isolation (like to be able to use a moderate volume level and have the wind/helmet noise controlled when sound is off)
3) Sound quality (concert hall fidelity not required - decent, natural sound is OK)
4) Price (lower is better)

Suggestions for both make & model greatly appreciated.

Charlie

[ScooterCop]

I use the Etymotic ER-6i connected to my GPS/XM via an Autocomm. These are the best earphones I have ever used, and I have been through a lot. The are far better than the Bose In Ear phones I had previously.

[Marty2]

+1 on the Etymotic ER-6i

[towerworker]

I have been using Koss Spark Plug ear buds for over a year now and love them. They are cheap ($20) available at Radio Shack cat # 33-1245 and have a lifetime warranty.

They are comfortable- have the foam that you squeeze and insert in your ear and the foam expands back out. Comes with spare foam inserts also.
I can't hardly tell I have them on. Seal out alot of other noise as well. I can run at 70 using 50% volume level and hear my player fine.

I was told by a Va State Trooper (who also rides a BMW) that running ear buds could get me a ticket (he said that small speakers in the helmet are ok) but have not had a problem yet.

Wayne

[challey]

Thanks for the replies. The Koss certainly looks worth considering - I've seen them advertised online for as little as $10.44! I also got a suggestion from a fellow BMW rider to check out the Shure E2C, which has a 30-day no-questions-asked return.
BTW, I'm aware that using headphones/earbuds is illegal in many states but I've also been told that using earplugs may be illegal. I'll take my chances on that one.
Charlie

[dnat928]

I use Sony earbuds (not sure of the model #) - these are a type that look like a mushroom. They fit quite lightly and because of the shape, they act like ear plugs. When fitted correctly (there's three sizes of plug), the sound is very impressive.

Got a tip from a NASCAR buff - I put tape (medical or masking) over the earbuds to hold them in, and it improves the sound.

When asked about the legality (not sure, don't care), I ask back, "Are deaf people allowed to drive?" (Answer: Yes). Besides, I can still hear the outside world...DN

[bransan]

Sure e2c. Very comfy and great sound. $100 at most best buys or wal marts.

[awagnon]

I use the Etymotic ER-6i, also. I didn't like them until I bought some "Oto-Ez" lubricant to help cram them into my ears. Now they shut out the wind noise better and have pretty good fidelity. I guess the spit just wasn't good enough. Yuck...

[challey]

Thanks again to all.
I ordered a set of the Shure E2Cs based on replies I got that praise their sound isolation qualities. Found them on-line from an electronics retailer I've had good experiences before. Price was $70 including shipping.

[awagnon]

I remember why I didn't get the Shure E2Cs. If I recall, they are made so that the wire is looped up and over the ear and passes down the back of the ear. I decided that wouldn't be very comfortable with glasses or sun glasses. Maybe you can just have the wire hang straight down. I haven't seen them up close, so I'm not sure.

[Dodge]

I went with the shure SE210, they were a bit more than what you did, but much cheaper than the ER-6i's were when I went looking. They came with four different ear plugs and the sound has been great. They aren't quite as good as high quality earplugs but they definately help reduce the wind noise. I can hear the wind, bike and autos around me and still have music whispering in the background. I did find that having the plugs screwed into my head made my ears hurt after about four hours, so I save them for the lonely deserts and such most of the time.