Apple's new in-ear headphones for iPod
 

I just got them today and they are great. They were released last week. The original iPod ear buds did not fit in my ears at all and are about the most uncomfortable device ever manufactured. But the in-ear headphones are wonderful, just wonderful.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nMore=M9394G/A

Is there a difference in how they sound?

For me, yes. Because they fill the entire ear canal and as a result block out ambient sound. I don't need the volume turned up asa high. I am not an audiophile, I have some hearing loss so I can't judge if they have a better frequency response. But you hear more music and less everything else and they are much more comfortable. For me it was money well spent.

Nothing, nothing stands up to Etymotic in-ear-canal buds.

http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0020100100

I have a pair of those for travel, and also some AKG k-501s that treat me very, very well.

Self-proclaimed audiophile and lover of fantastic music.

Can the iPod drive those? Or do you have an outboard amp?

Is it worth 39 bucks?

I dont know... On my iPod, the little buds are there because they are small. If I want quality, I dont expect it sitting around on the bus or walking to class.

Although, if they block out more ambient noise, thats a good thing.

I don't have an iPod, but I do have a riovolt sp250. it runs my buds just fine. I don't see why the iPod would be any different.

edit: Looked it up just to be sure - stock iPod 'phones are rated at 32 ohms, and the Etymotics are 48. They might not get too extremely loud, but loudness != quality