Earbud/Headphone opinions wanted

MP3 players Sansa Clip | Clip+
1

After alot of forum searches I’m going with a new message.

I’ve seen a variety of posts regarding earbuds/headphones but I’ve not found referance to cord-noise. Buds that come w/ the Clip are fine with respect to sound quality but don’t stay put. I got the Marshmallows, sound quality is fine, stay in the ear well, reasonably comfortable but the cord-noise is next to unmanagable!

Suggestions? Under $30?

Thanks all

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By “cord noise” are you referring to the sound transmitted when the cords hit something?  If so, this is sort of “the nature of the beast” with in-ear earbuds. Very similar to the old string and can trick - vibrations travel up the cords and the in-ear piece acts like a sounding board.  I’m sure that some manufacturer has addressed this, but I’m also sure they didn’t do it at a sub-$30 price point.  I’ve never noticed this problem with the marshmallows to be worse than others.  If you’re having this problem while running, you might try running the cords up your back - may bounce a little less…

There are some “high end” earbuds out there, but they’re generally over $100.  You might try the Trick Audio ones linked in my other post.  The in-ear unit is smaller than the marshmalllows and might be less likely to amplify the cord noise.  At $40, they’re only slightly above your price point.

Message Edited by diogenes on 04-04-2008 02:38 PM

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As I type this, I’m listening to my Clip with a pair of Marshmallows. While there is some cord-noise, I wouldn’t characterize it as unbearable. As diogenes said, I think this is just the nature of the beast. :slight_smile: For $8 (order online at CircuitCity.com – pick them up at the store), these are some excellent buds. I never liked the earphones that just stuck in the outer part of the ear – they never stayed put for me. The Marshmallows are extremely comfortable. For the price, you just can’t ask for anything better. I picked up 3 extra pairs and put them in the drawer for the day when my originals eventually bite the dust.

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@diogenes wrote:

By “cord noise” are you referring to the sound transmitted when the cords hit something?  If so, this is sort of “the nature of the beast” with in-ear earbuds. Very similar to the old string and can trick - vibrations travel up the cords and the in-ear piece acts like a sounding board.  …

Message Edited by diogenes on 04-04-2008 02:38 PM

Yep, that’s the problem and if that’s the nature of the beast well, er, darn. S’pose I could look at headphones instead, or consider higher price. This was the first time I’ve tried the in-ear style and I wondered if this issue was expected behavior or …

I hope to see more opinions on this one. BigJohnL and Miikerman have also weighed in, thanks.

Info and opinions from boards like this are GREAT!

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What’s the hot ticket for active listening, bouncing about with the cables tugging at your cans?

Simple: loop the cables upward, and over / behind the ears.  I find that the difference is quite zen: no more ear rumbling noises.  Look at the Ultimate Ears design- they loop over the ear, which gave me the idea.

I love my Maximo iM490S buds, and looping over the ears works wonderfully.

Try the loop- I think you’ll like it.

Bob  :smileyvery-happy:

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I prefer headphones, myself… Buds are always uncomfortable to me. Amazon.com has many available, take a look & see if anything appeals to you.

@oldasdirt wrote:

Yep, that’s the problem and if that’s the nature of the beast well, er, darn. S’pose I could look at headphones instead, or consider higher price. This was the first time I’ve tried the in-ear style and I wondered if this issue was expected behavior or …

I hope to see more opinions on this one. BigJohnL and Miikerman have also weighed in, thanks.

Info and opinions from boards like this are GREAT!

8

@neutron_bob wrote:

What’s the hot ticket for active listening, bouncing about with the cables tugging at your cans?

 

Simple: loop the cables upward, and over / behind the ears.  I find that the difference is quite zen: no more ear rumbling noises.  Look at the Ultimate Ears design- they loop over the ear, which gave me the idea.

 

Your reference to zen is signifying simplicity?

Tried your suggestion during my walk this morning.

Noise gone.

Simple.

Would appear that the point that the leads come in contact w/ the ear acts as damper or vibration-sink. Suffice to say I can now listen to my Clip w/o distraction and neutron_bob has my sincerest gratitude!!

Thanks All!