I bought on the Amazon-dealer AffordableDVDUK, so the price was only EUR 25.00 over the then my 3 year old Sennheiser CX300. So I am biased slightly Sennheiser, had to replace my CX300 but because he began to unravel. Actually, not a good quality feature of Sennheiser. I still have a chance anyway given the brand.
Sound:
Tested and compared, I have the CX550 with my Grado SR125 (no in-ear and no "iPod" model but genuine HiFi) Sennheiser CX300 and the original Apple iPod headphones to my iPod Nano 3G. The "sound order" is perfectly clear to me: Grado SR125, CX550, CX300, original Apple (disappointingly poor sound).
To test I have as Red Hot Chili pepers "Stadium Arcadium" belongs. What did I suddenly perceived the CX550 to details and how well the texts were now to understand, I was really very surprised. The CX300 I have bought back then because I was supplied to the iPod so trashy. But now I find the CX300, well, rather moderate. Clear with more money, it is also sound still better. But for the money to get here very much.
So, much to the sound, the main criterion for me.
Quality:
I have already mentioned above that I can not be really happy with the CX300. But the CX550 makes a much higher quality impression here. He also does not seem so sensitive to wind and touch the cable or "intrinsic noise" to be as swallowing, drinking or eating. But it is clear: everyone in-ear transmits relatively small touches the line or the casing directly into the ear canal.
One more thing: The CX550 fits a lot better than the CX300 in my ears and can be much more enjoyable and longer in the ear (s) wear.
Negatives:
One tends a little louder to hear because the sound is so well balanced and rich in detail :-)
Recommendation:
If the ears fit, necessarily buy!
