Good but not great value.

These are highly reviewed and touted earbuds, which convinced me to give them a try as a step up from my Sony EX-71's. To be honest, I'd really have to consider whether or not it was worth it. "Diminishing returns" is one thing, but at twice the price I have to really concentrate to appreciate any real difference between the two.

They are clear and accurate, but I wouldn't call them sparkling or even highly detailed. Maybe I was expecting something closer to the slam dunk value and sound of Grado's SR line of cans.

They live up to their reputation of being a bit chunky as well. After an hour of listening my ears feel a little tender, as they must seat pretty deep to get full sound from them.

If you have to have an unusual or unique brand of buds to go with your ipod, then these provide a pretty good listening experience, and the clear ones available from Guitar Center look pretty cool. For my money, I wish I would have stuck with the more comfortable and nearly as good Sony's.