# Can't find audio earphones/headsets I like **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 26, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-audio-earphones-headsets-i-like/533891 "2010-03-26T15:50:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-audio-earphones-headsets-i-like/533891/1 "2010-03-26T15:50:06Z")
I just destroyed another pair of earphones when one end fell out of my ear while I was walking and I stepped on it. I just can’t seem to find audio devices with the characteristics I want. These are my optimal parameters: 1. Doesn’t go inside the ear. Both because of the falling out problem and also because these kinds of things seem to tire my ears faster. 2. The two sides are not yoked together. I don’t like the feeling of having a “thing” going around the top of my head or around the back of my neck. And when I’m using it in a professional environment, it feels too conspicuous. Also, I often like to use just one ear at a time. 3. The thing is hardy enough that it can handle occasionally being dropped or stepped on, or shoved into a pocket or a bag without breaking. 4. Reasonably good sound quality for music, movies, and podcasts. I’m not looking for home theatre level audio, but not tinny treble-only crap either. Anyone have suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-audio-earphones-headsets-i-like/533891/2 "2010-03-26T16:02:18Z")
I have a pair of Koss KSC-75 clips that sound amazing and have held up against mild abuse. The clips aren’t the most comfortable I’ve ever had, but the sound quality is fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-audio-earphones-headsets-i-like/533891/3 "2010-03-26T16:13:11Z")
I’m pretty picky about them as well. Not so much about sound quality, but I want ruggedness, comfort, and I prefer the kind that’s not in my ear canal so I can hear outside sounds better. The ear buds that come with an iPod just will not stay in place for more than five seconds at a time. And I HATE the kind that have unequal-length cords! These two Sony models work well for me: > **[Amazon.com: Sony MDR-J10 H.Ear Headphones with Non-Slip Design (Blue) :...](https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-J10-Headphones-Non-Slip-Design/dp/B00007EDM8)** > > VERTICAL IN-THE-EAR DESIGNCLIP STYLE HEADPHONENON-SLIP STABLE DESIGNMINIMIZED SOUND LEAKAGEOPEN-AIR13.5MM DRIVER UNITSADJUSTABLE TANGLE-FREE STORAGE CORDBLUEUPC : 027242596368Shipping Dimensions : 7.00in X 4.00in X 1.45inEstimated Shipping Weight :... These are widely available for $10, have very good sound, and are rugged. The downside is that the over-ear hooks get tangled in the cord when you’re not wearing them - they’re like grappling hooks. > **[Amazon.com: Sony MDR-AS20J Active Style Headphones with Soft Loop Hangers -...](https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-AS20J-Active-Headphones-Hangers/dp/B0015AHRFK)** > > Product Description Newly developed loop hangers prevents dropping off the ear and fit a wide range of ear sizes. Soft loop hangers for comfortable fitting. Lightweight clip-on style (vertical in the ear). Amazon.com ... These are the ones I’m currently using. The price is a little higher, the sound quality is similar, but they’re closed loops that go over the ear so don’t get so tangled in the cord. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-audio-earphones-headsets-i-like/533891/4 "2010-03-26T16:14:52Z")
Very cool! Are they available at brick-and-mortar stores? Radio Shack doesn’t seem to have them. Maybe I’ll check Best Buy. Just looking at the pictures, the Koss ones look more comfortable, but I haven’t tried ones that look like the Sony ones. It seems like I’ll have to twist my ear around a bit to get them on. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2010, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-audio-earphones-headsets-i-like/533891/5 "2010-03-26T16:24:39Z")
The Sony ones are available just about everywhere. I bought the closed-ear-loop ones at a Radio Shack about two years ago.