Let me start off by saying these are the best earphone I've heard. Right out of the box one can tell these are quality listening devices and not the cheesy pairs that come bundled with most mp3 players. After plunging these dangerously close to your brain the Shure E3c's turn your body into a living speakerbox. The outside world seems to stand still in silence while you enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard...accurately!