I found a pair of Sennheiser CX300 earbuds at Newegg for only 20 bucks shipped, the low price included the use of a coupon I found at SlickDeals.net. Since the list price is about $50 bucks and the shipping was free, I decided to give them a try.
I’m from a generation of old guys who wore giant headphones and I just never got the hang of keeping 
typical earbuds from falling out. So the best for me are the kind that fit deep in my ear canal. I usually use Philips SHE5920 earbuds as they fit pretty tight and aren’t prone to falling out.
The CX300 are slightly different in that the entire bud fits in your ear canal. So they fit very tightly and do a very good job of blocking ambient noise.
They’re basically a combination of foam earplugs and earbuds. I’ve used them while mowing the lawn and I didn’t even need my noise blocking earmuffs to cover my ears. But yet the music sounded great, rich, full, with deep but not overbearing bass. So these would be great anyplace where ambient noise is a problem: Airplanes, construction sites, auditoriums, etc.
However the tight fit combined with the near complete loss of ambient noise can become annoying during prolonged use. 
After a while I started to feel like I had a head cold and that my ears were blocked up with an infection. They don’t hurt, per se, but they do become uncomfortable to wear. Because of that I would only use them for noisy situations. Maybe this is something I’d get used to after a while, but I doubt it.
Also because of the noise blocking capabilities, you’d be unable to carry on a conversation while wearing them. 
Basically, the only external noise you hear is transfered to your ears from your bones. So they’d be bad choice to wear while shopping or hanging out with friends, basically any situation where you might have a conversation but you wouldn’t want to take out one of your buds.
Because they’re essentially a niche product, I can’t give them a single rating. For a replacement pair I’d use everyday, I’d rate them 2 stars out of five. They really sound good but it’d be annoying having to take a bud out every time someone tried to talk to me. However, for situations with lots of ambient noise I want to block, I’d give them five stars, because for that task they work perfectly and cheaply.
I only use in ear buds and find them fantastic. The price you site seems really good for this brand.
Also, after a while one get much more comfortable with this type.
I can’t stand earbuds in *any* form, for precisely the reasons you’ve stated about long term comfort; so I probably won’t touch these. So, how about a review of some good, decently priced standard headphones?
I can’t afford the expensive noise-canceling ear buds, so I’ve tried the Philips and the “Skullcandy Buds Ink’d Earbuds” both for about $15.
Here’s my quick review:
* The Philips blocked the sound better but quickly broke.
* The Skullcandy (despite their stupid name) were MUCH MORE durable.
(on my low-end gear, they both sounded the same.)
So, if you are gentle on your buds, go with the Philips.
If you are tough on your gear (like me) go with the Skullcandy.
I used to use Sennheiser earbuds. I always thought they sounded better then the other brands I used (Sony/Phillips/Jensen).
I’ve since moved on to higher quality gear. I use Sennheiser HD 497s with my DAP and HD 555s at the computer.
Kewl! More product reviews! I’m not saying try to compete with engadget but I like a good product review, especially when it’s something outstandingly bad or good. Not only that you can get some manufacturers to send you samples you can keep. 😉 I had a radio program and got my first 3D VGA card (a 3dfx voodoo) in just this way.
I have a pair of high end Shure earbuds and I like them. However, there are times when earbuds are a liability. One thing you notice when using them is that you keep the volume of whatever device you are using at the lowest possible setting. I have to use my keyboard to set the volume on my computer to get the lowest audible setting. On a recent business trip, I almost went deaf thanks to the announcer that would blast the announcements over the entertainment system. Many earbuds have issues with bass but they are getting better.
Noise canceling buds do feel awkward in the ear, and have to be positioned just right to sound their best. I got my wife the V-Moda Bass and I picked up the Skull Candy Smokin buds,, she likes hers and I like mine better,lol. I like the inline volume control on the Skull Candy smokin buds, that way I do not have to pull them out of my ears to hear whats going on around me. They list at about $40.00.
I’ve been using noise canceling phones since David Clark came out with models for pilots some 25 years ago, and was glad to see them enter the mainstream audiophile market.
I’ve been using Sony noise canceling buds with an inline cancellation on/off switch and volume control for about 2 years, and they do a fine job for a fair price. Most of the noise cancellation seems to be at the low and high end of the spectrum, so speech still comes through OK, which is why I like them on an airplane.
When you don’t need the cancellation, they’re quite good at faithful sound reproduction.
Thanks for the review, SN!
Tried a pair of CX300s a while ago after having read some positive reviews. I was thoroughly disappointed. Way too much bass for my taste, mid-range was lacking, and the cables picked up noise like crazy. True, I tried them as a replacement for a pair of Etymotics that broke, but still…
The promo code is no longer any good.
I’ve had these for over a year and I like them, but I don’t use them often. I think for frequent use a little more money is needed for the purchase.
I want that lawn mower in the 3rd picture!
outstanding and a great deal 10 dollars w rebate thanks a bunch john good call I wear them all day at work and I work with load heavy industrial machinery and I has a A++ vote of value and A+++++ sound wow thanks
I know this is going to sound a bit old fashioned but, I really like taking care hearing and whilst I do agree with the previous poster and I really hope I do not get shot down for saying this, but I believe it is important to take all things in moderation.