Sony EX (with iPod Remote Control, Black)

Pros: Solid sound for this price point; you won't be disappointed with what you're hearing. Excellent noise isolation and comfortable fit. Fit the recessed headset jack on iPhone 2G (if you still have the 2G)

Cons: The noise isolating cups tend to transfer the sound of the cord rubbing against your clothing. Weird, but it can actually be quite loud, as if you were rubbing the surface of a stethoscope against cloth. Not all brands do (JVC Marshmallows)

Summary: As I do with most things, I was doing extensive research to find some earbuds to replace my worn out stock iPhone headset. I listen to music on my iPhone as well, so the buds had to be pretty decent in that regard as well. I went out on a limb buy these, as there was no review of them in particular, but knowing that Sony makes good buds at this price point eased my concerns. After getting them, the first thing I did was made sure they fit in the iPhone 2G jack. They do. Secondly, I checked the fit. Also good. If you push them way into the ear canal they REALLY block external sound, but the pressure build-up against the skin will be noticeable and need to be relieved after an hour or so.

As for the sound, it's good. The bass is there, and more-so after adjusting equalizers, but it doesn't bump as loud as I'm sure the MDR-EX85's do. That's not a big deal to me, as heavy bass in earbuds worries me, and I don't need bass-heavy voices when I'm on a call. I can't say that these are the absolute best in this price-range, but I can say you won't be disappointed; in the end, that's what really matters, right? You can definitely hear a wider range of sounds than with the stock buds, making a it a pleasure to listen to subtleties in your favorite songs that you may have missed before.