Sennheiser CX 500 Headphones (Black)

I bought these as I was looking for headphones to provide good sound quality and help block out background noise so that I could listen at a slightly lower volume.
Unfortunately although they do cut down the usual background noise very well, ironically they pick up other noise to an even worse degree. Firstly, if the cord brushes against anything it produces a very audible noise in the earpieces. This is particularly annoying if you are walking and the cord is swaying as it makes the noise almost constant. Secondly, if there is even so much as a strong breeze (actually, doesn't even have to be that strong!) it creates a dull whistling in your ears. Both of these "sound effects" are impossible to ignore even when I turned the volume up louder than with my previous headphones. All in all the pervasive noises with these headphones completely defeats the point of their main feature - i.e. ambient noise dampening.
I will now be hunting for another new set of heaphones as I find these ones ruin the listening experience - unfortunately I assume I won't be able to get a refund as I had to open the packaging to find out the flaws, wish I'd seen a review like this first.
In the spirit of fairness, the reason I gave 2 stars instead of just 1, is that if you use them indoors (no wind) and will be able to use them without the cord brushing against anything they do produce a good sound. Also they do provide a very good fit. Unfortunatley for me the upsides count for nothing since I got them for the walk to work.

Having read many good review of these earphones, I thought I'd treat myself and go for a decent-ish pair of earphones I could wear running or whatever. I normally listen using a pair of grado sr60s, and of course didn't expect these to match up at all.

However these earphones are way way below what I expected. The bass drowns out all higher responses, they sound horribly 'muddy'.
In addition these are the worst fitting ear-canal style phones I've ever owned. I used to use a pair of creative ep-630 and despite being very similar, they are by far and away more comfortable.
The last negative about these phones is that there is a stupid in-line volume control (variable resistor) that you can hear is clearly affecting the sound quality when you slide it (the sound crackles A LOT). It's got to the point that the resistor has developed poor contacts and now one earphone is louder than the other. AAAAH!!!!

I like these earphones because they have a symmetrical cord, and a 90 degree headphone jack.

I've now switched to a pair of creative ep-830 earphones. These have a noticably better sound than the ep-630 model and by far and away a better sound than these cx500. No in-line volume control, comfortable, cheaper. Top stuff creative! Sennheiser, sort it out!

p.s. if you're about to buy a pair of cx300s, then go for the ep-630. They are cheaper, and the only real difference is that they have a symmetrical cord, unlike the cx300s. Hope this helps!

These sound great, and specially fit great, from the go
The sound improves after about 15 hours of use but its very good to start with and amazing price, these babies retail for 60 at most places, and quite rightfully so, they do compete with all of the in ears up to like 75 pounds...hands down

Now i know how my iPod and iPhone where made to sound!!!!

Superb Headset, however if you were to purchase them, I'd recommend the Titanium colour or if you really have to, White. For some odd reason you pay £10 more for the exact same headset but in Black here. They should all be the same price.

Also dont be put off by these just because someone compares them to stock earphones that come with an iPod.. there is no comparison, sound on the ipod is pants anyway, compared to none designer players I might add.

Have to add that obviously don't let the packaging put you off these superb headphones either, adult supervision and a good pair of scissors will help (or knife if your daring) or just use your toes, They are no different than most secure packaged goods these days.