I don't like earbuds, though they are what I've been stuck with in order to keep my mp3/radio device in a small case that travels easily in my pocketbook. I bought an inexpensive pair of Sony earphones that sound find and work for when I'm listening to a recorded book and working around the house, etc.

My best pair of headphones are high-end Technics that were clearance priced ridiculously low, for about $3 each at Fry's (they were normally over $100) about 10 years ago. I bought them for the kids also, and we all still use them regularly. The padded ears keep the sound in, they're very comfortable, and they have a very long cord so you can plug into the television if you want and sit a dozen feet away, etc. I think someone made a mistake marking them down, but no one at the checkout register challenged the price.

SRS