Ok, we all know that the “goodness” of headphones/erabus/IEMs/etc can be very much up to personal opinion. But, in general the JVC Marshmallows are very good, especially for the price ($10 on sale at a lot of stores - Circuit City, Staples, etc, $20 normal price).
I only state this because many folks, including audiophiles on sites such as Head-Fi, etc boost the “goodness” of them, then again especially for the price. There are easy “mods” online too, that some folks seem to like.
If your Marshamllows sound like tin cans, it is very likely due to not getting a good seal in your ear canal. I thought the very same thing when I first tried mine. I thought, “ok so they were on-sale for $10…still, that’s $10 wasted.” Then I experimented with different tips on them. I tried some Shure orange foamies on mine, mainly cuz I could find them locally sold invidually, not just 20 packs. They work great, and the seal I get with them now is perfect. The stock tip just did not work for me and my ears, in getting a good seal. You will know it when you get one, as the bass is most certianly there.
These things are the furthest from “tin can” sounding you will likely find. They can be actually bass-heavy with a super tight seal.
Anyway, try others out too, because everyone is (and their ears are) different…hehe…plus, it’s a great way to blow your cash…more and more headphones.
I have been waiting for the Air-Cushions to go back on sale around here too, they went from $35 down to $20 (IIRC) for a week a little while back, and I hesitated. I have tried a few different in-ears (or ear canal, IEMs…not the full blown down to your brain IMEs) including the Creative EP-640 (630 with some accessories thrown in), the Marshamllows, some Skullcandy Ink’d (surprisingling good for them as a company), and I’d like to try the Air-Cushions too, along with some others.
Anyway, I think if you try to get a better seal with your Marshmallows you may find them to work just fine…especially for $10…ha!