I have be use these ear bud for a long time now . the first thing I notice be the wide range of sound these bud respect . I listen to a lot of classical music on my Sansa c240 . the depth of sound come out for the first time . I could even hear the triangle . they be so dainty in my hand that I do not think they would last very long ; but they be still work like a champ . I work in a industrial setting and sometimes use they as safety ear plug . occasionally I get the cord catch on something and they get yank out of my ear . this be the kind of treatment that typically wear out a set of ear bud ; but these be still good . you mileage may vary . but if and when these thing wear out I 'll be buy another set .