Apple.com

It would seem like a no-brainer that one would buy a better pair of headphones from the same retailer where one was buying their media player, but that was not always the case. Apple carried a very limited number of competing brands and the emphasis was clearly on their own products. Thankfully, that has changed. One can select from a number of excellent products from Sennheiser, Shure, Ultimate Ears, Sony, Bose, and even Nike. The customer reviews are of mixed value; some folks with an axe to burn will say anything to trash a product, while others will compare their new ‘phones to the release of a rehabilitated Britney. Take it with a grain of salt. The world’s number one source for downloadable music and all-things iPod runs a slick operation that generally delivers on the hype. The customer service on the phone is spotty, due in part to the attitude of the folks taking the call. Having dealt with Apple for more than twenty years as a customer, I know that things are getting better in that regard, but there is a sense of arrogance that can be off-putting. Shop here but do not expect any bargains.