Earbuds vs. Noise cancelling headphones

You two were talking about headphones last week. You referenced the Etymoltic's in-ear style ear buds.

I like the Shure (http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Earphones/ESeries/index.htm) because they offer a foam-style sleeve which behaves like those in-ear things you'd wear at a NASCAR race.

They nearly silence the outside world, except the sound coming through the earbud. There are different versions - I have the E2s, which were about $100. I bought them when I was travelling and found the size and inconvenience of the Bose headphones to be annoying.

In addition, i found that the "anti-hum" noise the Noise-cancelling headphones makes, actually gave me a headache!

The shure fit snugly and comfortably IN THE EAR CANAL but rolling the foam cover between your fingers until it's rolled tight. You put it in your ear and it expands to fill the ear canal. I found these to sound better, be much more comfortable and much easier and to carry.

If you can afford it, they even have a pair that runs $500!! - http://www.shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Earphones/ESeries/us_pa_E500...

For all the travel you do, these may be the right choice.

Chuck Freedman, Walled lake, MI