I've been using a pair of Sony earbuds for about 3-4 years now. I use them on the train commuting every day with no problems.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance is similar, as is
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...8F7IJ&v=glance
$100 is a waste of money, IMO. Those Sony buds are $25-$35 and, I think, just as good.
FYI, generally the people complaining about lack of bass response are not wearing the buds correctly. These need to be in your ear canal. If they are sitting on the outside, you get poor response and less isolation.