A pair of earphones that I own myself are the shure E2c's these are incredible. A bit expensive for a pair of in ear headphones but they are very good. Also if you have the budget go for the E3c or the £400 E5c's!!

Have you actually had experience with the E3c or E5c's Gurminder? I've had a listen to the E2c's and was very impressed, are the other models significantly better?

To be honest, I've listened to the E3 and E5's, although the E5's are top notch I wouldn't say that they're justifiable at that price. The E3's are quite a bit better than the E2's because in my opinion you get a better seal in the ear therefore clearer sound. But again I still think that the difference between the E2's and E3's is minimal therefore I think you're better off going with the E2's.

Thats pretty much hitting the nail on the head there, the better the 'seal' the richer the sound you experience. Did you use the foam attachment that comes with the e5's (that works much like ear plugs) and if so would you say that's the best way for earphones to fit? Also what kind of longevity would that style of fitting have?

Yes, I did use the foam fitting plugs they are by far the best out of the two. To be honest the only thing the plastic ones are good for is to make them look cool, how anyone can wear them in their ear for more than 5 minutes is beyond me, and yes that is the best was to fit them in my opinion. You can wear the foam plugs in your ear all night if you have to and they won't feel at all uncomfortable. I've done it myself once, I accidently fell asleep with them on all night and slept fine.

It definately seems the way to go for headphones then. Now all I need to do is wait for a budget version, unless anyone can give me a/some reason/s to justify the expense of the e5c's?!

Or better still a contribution to the cost.

Just how much are these e5c's then?

Oh just £369.99, next?

Blimey, that probably is a bit tough to jusitify, isn't a 60gb iPod photo about £300? It would seem a little silly to have headphones that cost more than the player itself. I don't really fancy contributing to the cause either. Sorry!

Stepbar's original post states that he will be using the headphones predominantly for air travel. The first decision I would suggest is whether he wants active noise cancelling or sound isolating headphones. For air travel from my experience noise cancelling cans are superior as the continuous engine drone is very effectively negated by the headphones electronics.

So the path to me would be something like:

1. Noise cancelling vs sound isolating?
2. Price bracket?

Noise cancelling path

1. <£100 Sennheiser PXC250
2. >£100 consider Bose QuietComfort 2

I can personally vouch for the PXC250s as I own a pair and they are excellent 'phones for their intended purpose; and at 64.99 they represent a bit of a bargain. I bought them with the sole intention of using them for plane travel. If I really want to listen to music then I use a pair of Sennheiser HD590s. Several other people who have tryed my PXC250s have gone on to buy a pair.

I won't go down the sound isolating path as there are too many options. I own the Shure E2cs but I bought them for the sole purpose of use in the gym where any other style of phone would be too bulky. They are excellent 'phones but as others have previously stated the seal is vital. Also because of the sound isolation bone conduction to the inner ear becomes much more noticable which some people don't like. I have been lucky enough to have a good listen to the e5cs which a friend of mine bought after I told him about the E2cs (more money than sense). They are awesome but given Stepbar's intended use I suspect that they would be overkill as the background noise would negate their advantage which is finer midrange and treble detail. Rant over.

On the 'more money than sense' issue, what would be the ultimate pair of headphones that could be purchased?

The ultimate pair of headphones are the ones that sound the best to you.

However if you really want to blow some cash:

http://www.audioaccessories.co.uk/html/orpheus.html

Oops, realised there is no price on that link. You can buy them today for the bargain price of £7500. However, lugging that amp around with your iPod could become a bit of a chore ;-)

£7500? Yes please, two!

Hmmmm, I wonder how many of those they actually sell?

Have you seen the new PXC300's? Advanced noisegard for not alot extra.

Wasn't aware of these so just looked them up they certainly have impressive attributes but have you seen or read any reviews? If so what was the verdict and do you have any links to them?