Paradigm Shift e1 Headphones Black

The treble is good - the bass could be better.

These were available for $15 awhile ago, so I bought two pair. I familiar with paradigm equipment and considered buying a set of their floor-standing speakers a few years back. I figured that they wouldn't tarnish their brand with garbage, so it was a reasonable risk. Even so, I wondered what kind of sound I could expect for $15, and was prepared for mediocrity.Well, I was very pleasantly surprised. The sound is quite full, with good detail and full bass. Frankly, it's an incredible sound for $15. But I made an interesting discovery that might explain some of the negative reviews regarding the sound quality: I decided to try the smaller cushions (the silicone part). I was shocked to hear that the full sound I experienced earlier was now reduced to a very shallow, cheap sound that was not at all satisfying... It sounded like $1-5 earbuds. Intrigued, I tried the largest size and found that they, too changed the sound dramatically. Not as bad as the small ones, but clearly not as good as the medium cushions. I was left thinking that you really need to make sure you have the right cushions for your ear. By the way, I'm picky about my sound... I'm not a hi-Fi snob, but I spend money for good sound (I have a True speaker/Kenwood head setup in my car and Revel Performa/Emotiva home setup with 250amp monoblocks on each speaker).I have just returned from a 3-mile hill run and am happy to report that these buds stayed in my ear the whole time. They are light and snug, with light woven wires of a good length. There's no volume control (you have to buy the v2 or v3 versions for that). They sounded great the whole time and weren't irritating at all.The buds come with a little cloth pouch, which is a nice touch. They also come with very brief instructions, which are easily skipped but which do show a better way of routing the wires for running (route them over and behind the ear).All in all, I'm extremely happy with the purchase. I see they are now selling for $45, with a white version for $25 another listing. Even at $45 I don't think I'd be disappointed, but I'd probably rather have a Bluetooth set. But if they drop below $25 I heartily recommend them for a good-sounding, basic set of buds.

Worth every penny. I have purchased inexpensive headphones before but these have been the be the best of the group.

Average sound

At $15 an absolute steal. A lot of air with good detail. Bass has good level with very good clarity. A good earbud at $50, but for $15 a must have. I may buy another just to have a backup.

super sound

I threw mine in trash. No details, just bass , like I had woofers in my ears.

Bought 2...=)