HEADPHONES AND EARPHONES

Shure E5c Earphones

Shure's top-of-the-line E5c earphones actually canal phones provide a true audiophile listening experience. These are high-end earphones with high-end performance, priced at the high end of the scale.

Why spend this amount of money for a set of earphones? Simple for the sound. The E5c delivers the type of studio-quality sound you expect from Shure products. The unit's high-energy micro-speakers are made of studio-grade components (hence the unit's high price) and deliver an extended frequency response. The result is heavenly.

The E5c's earbuds fit securely in your ears, and flexible sleeves produce great sound isolation. You get one pair of disposable foam sleeves, three pairs (small, medium, and large) of flex sleeves, and three pairs (small, medium, and large) of ultra-soft flex sleeves. For the best fit, however, consider having an audiologist make custom-fit ear molds; it'll cost you but will give you huge bragging rights among your friends.

Whichever earbud you use, the E5c weighs next to nothing only 1.1 oz. It comes with its own carrying case, as well as an in-line level attenuator, to adjust for varying volume levels from different devices.

Bottom line, if you want the same earphones used by professional musicians, buy the E5c. You'll never go back to traditional models.

Model: E5c Manufacturer: Shure (www.shure.com) Weight: 1.1 oz. Price: $499

Etymotic ER-6 Isolator Earphones

Etymotic's ER-6 earphones deliver quiet sound at a surprisingly affordable price. Like the Shure model, these deliver pro-quality results truly tremendous sound. (Use the foam eartips for best bass.) You get all sorts of eartips and filters as included accessories, as well as a nice zippered pouch to carry it all around in. You can also fit the ER-6 with a special Musicians Earplug (optional, extra) for an even tighter fit.

Model: ER-6 Manufacturer: Etymotic (www.etymotic.com) Weight: <1 oz. Price: $139

Sony MDR-EX81 Earphones

These are particularly stylish and comfortable earphones. It's a closed-type in-the-ear design equipped with 9mm drivers for deep bass and clear treble. It comes with two sizes of soft silicon earbuds for extra comfort.

Model: MDR-EX81 Manufacturer: Sony (www.sonystyle.com) Weight: 0.35 oz. Price: $49.99

Sony Street Style MDR-G74 Headphones

These are hip and happenin' headphones. The behind-your-neck design makes for comfortable (and non-slip) wear, while you get 30mm drivers for big sound. There's even a turbo duct for enhanced bass. Nice sound at a nice price.

Model: MDR-G74 Manufacturer: Sony (www.sonystyle.com) Weight: 2 oz. Price: $39.99

Stanton DJ Pro 3000 Headphones

These are serious headphones for serious listening none of that wimpy earbud nonsense. You get a closed ear-cup design for maximum sound isolation, 50mm drivers for full-range reproduction, and an impressive 16 22kHz frequency range. And, in the totally gratuitous feature department, you get a set of blue LEDs that blink to the music!

Model: DJ Pro 3000 Manufacturer: Stanton (www.stantondj.com) Weight: 15.1 oz. Price: $129.99