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earplugs: a-Jays Two (good sound, flat cables -- durable and don't get tangled),

portable headphones: Beyerdynamics DTX 501p (great overall, don't leak sound),

home: Grado SR-80 (great sound, durable except for the cable; also, the cable is in Y configuration and twists a bit. I had to replace it after a couple years).

If I had to buy just one of these, DTX 501p win hands down as the most versatile.

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Can't recommend Grado SR-80 - sound is OK, but build quality is really bad - they just fall apart much faster than any other pair I owned.

What exactly broke in yours? I've had mine for 5 years and except for the cable (had to replace it) and the pads (foam) they're holding great. And I can't say I look after them much.

First plastic decal with model name in the middle of the earpiece came off in a month. OK, not a big deal - I can use them without it. But then, after few months of use, side plastic holder slipped off from the headband, which is metal. I plugged it back, but overtime it became too loose and doesn't hold anymore (obviously plastic latch inside the piece is worn off).

I like retro look, but cheap-looking plastic shouldn't be actually cheap, you know.

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