You might think you look cool sporting those white iPod earphones, but all you’re saying to the world is that you don’t take your music very seriously. Your ears deserve better, so start saving your cash for a pair of these high-performance headpones.

Serious audiophiles who listen to a variety of genres should opt for the BOSE In-Ear Headphones (B5,136). BOSE takes pride in its ergonomic design, which provides a stable fit as well as lifelike sound, a standard that you might expect from much larger headphones.

 Perfect for jazz and classical. If you want to get something cheaper, go for the E2G (B3,900, True Urban Park). While the speaker sensitivity is lower, at least you can save some satang. 

Shure’s chief rival, Etymotic, has contributed another innovation to the market. The ER-6i (B5,990, Fi) set has been especially crafted for use with iPods or other portable players, and there is a filter-changing tool for a smoother frequency response. Two extra replacements are included, so your earphones will be free of yucky earwax build up.

Those with a passion for design will want to give a listen to the A8 headset (B7,600, Bang & Olufsen). Made from anodized aluminum and hard rubber, this high-tech set is robust and can be adjusted to fit the contours of the individual ear.

Sony’s new Bluetooth stereo wireless neck-strap headset, the SONY DR-BT20NX (B3,990, SONY Style), features up to 11 hours of playback time per charge, and weighs only 37 grams.

Metallic colors are still hot on runways in Europe, so fashionistas will want to pick up these gleaming little gems from V-Moda (B3,990, iStudio). Available in four fabulous shades, these earphones come with a golden leather pouch, a stylish accessory to protect them while not in use.

UM1 (B5,490, Fi) from Westone are universalfit earphones that are ideal for budding music lovers. They provide comfortable listening, background noise reduction and high speaker sensitivity at a relatively cheap price.

DIRECTIONS

Bang & Olufsen: 2/F, South Lobby, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4881/-3, www.aviva.co.th.

Bose: 2/F, South Lobby, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4301/-4, www.bosethailand.com.

Dream Theater: 2/F, South Lobby, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9672/3, www.mahajak.com.

Fi: 2/F, South Lobby, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4415/-8

iStudio: 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9315, www.copperwired.co.th.

SONY Style: 3/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-8531/-3, www.sony.co.th.

True Urban Park: 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8888.