I have the etymotic's and I love them. I believe a large portion of the complaints that come about with these headphones is that they are not worn properly.
When wearing these buds, you need to slide them deep into your ear, at first it seems uncomfortable but if you read the directions on how to put the headphones on it makes all the difference.
Link can be found here.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx
Best sounds I have ever heard from a headphone and actually better for your ear because of the amazing noise cancelling. I could have these headphones on with no music playing and still not be able to hear anything around me. It's like earplugs with great sound.