"Randy Given" wrote in message
newsSSmd.77$D26.13@lakeread03
What are some decent pairs of small portable headphones that can be
used with a notebook computer.


Koss "The Plug" $19.95 US$ I got a pair from Circuit City on a whim, and
they turned out to be easily worth twice the price. IMO an unbelievable
value. I notice that there are UK sources pricing them at like £12. The
sound is more like 580s than 7506s.
www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/files/graphics/$file/THEPLUG_lg.jpg

Sony MDR EX-70 or MDR EX-71 $33-40. More bass and treble than "The Plug" but
that might mean that "The Plug" is smoother. A little less efficient. I
notice that there are UK sources pricing them at like £25-£35. The sound is
more like 7506s than 580s. http://www.hogwildstore.com/sonmdrex71sl.html

Shure E-2 used to be about $80, now selling for more like $100. The E2c
differs from the E2 in terms of packaging. More highly robust than Hi-Fi.
Very smooth but rolled off at both ends. With a little equalization they can
sound very nice. Did I say that they are very mechanically and electrically
robust? I notice that there are UK sources pricing them at £77.00 and up.
The sound is more laid back than 580s.
http://www.shure.com/earphones/eseries_e2c.asp

Etymotic ER-6 about $120. Originally, I thought the ER-6s were horrible,
but I played around with my collection of earpieces until I got them to
be tolerable.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6.asp

Sennheiser IE3 IEMs turn out to be FutureSonics' EM3 EARS about $150. IMO
the best sound of the group discussed here. They are reasonably effiicent
and have excellent bass and treble response as well as smooth midrange.
http://futuresonics.umsebiz.com/stor...75&item=370255