[Karapet]

I'm a complete noob to Ipods, getting my first one delivered today. I read reviews that said the supplied headphones were rubbish and saw several recommendations for the CX300s so I bought them at the same time. Well they do a great job of cutting out background noise, the fit is fine and the sound quality is good but even the smallest brush against the cable produces a background crackle. Walking along the street it's almost constant and while it doesn't drown out the music it certainly spoils it. Is this a standard problem none of the reviews mentioned? Or did I get a faulty set?

[TameRacingDriver]

If they are actually crackling (as in an electrical crackling noise) then I'd say that was not right myself. The cable is slightly microphonic, in that it makes a slight noise with the cable rubbing against fabric but it should not be crackling.

[Steven]

I find cheap canalphones like the Panasonic HJE50 (own) and Sony EX71s (broke) have terrible cable microphonics - a slight touch and and noise ensues. I think the OP has terms mixed up? "Electrical crackle" doesn't sound correct. If it only happens when the cable moves, that is cable microphonics.

If you sit at home when its completely quiet, the cable isn't moving and there is no noise when playing music = cable microphonics. If sitting still at home, cable not moving, but there is noise during music = faulty

99% sure its cable microphonics. Best you can do is buy something to clip it to your shirt.

[Karapet]

Thanks guys, from your descriptions it's definitely cable microphonics although I would describe it as much more than 'a slight noise'. I'm a bit surprised everyone says how good these headphones are, I guess they must not move about much.

Since I bought the ipod mostly to use while I'm out walking, next question is if I spend more money can I get headphones that reduce or better still eliminate this problem? Can anyone recommend some?

[Steven]

I'm sure there are plenty of full size cans that have zero or minimal microphonics

My Sennheiser PX100s have zero microphonics (£25, play.com), but they're portable full sized cans

As for in-ears, how much are you willing to spend? I don't know of any cheap ones that have no microphonics. V-Moda Vibes (£70) are getting good reports. The Westone UM1 (80) are reported to have zero microphincs, I have the UM2 (£150) and they have zero. Not all IEMs have zero though. Etymotic's are reported to be in-between bad. Shure have some, but not as much as Ety's

[push]

Strange - I use my CX300s at the gym and cable microphonics are not really an issue.

[Karapet]

I managed to reduce it to barely noticable proportions by cranking the volume right up. Still wouldn't like to listen to a spoken podcast on them though. Oh and mine are not the fakes I've heard about so it can't be that.

Thanks LFC, I've noted those to look into at a later date. Budget is not really an issue although of course that's a dangerous thing to say about any audio equipment .