great way to listen to music. Great for me to 'crank it up to 11 without bothering anyone else'. Great to 'hear' the dialogue in movies.

And... I * Hate * Them

They are uncomfortable... they are annoying.

But about your stereo... good news there. Prices for truly good sound have come WAY down. I believe you... I've heard some very good stereos in that price range, even cheaper.

Also.. some of the 'sound bars' I have heard that people connect to their stereos can be amazingly good. My son has one that completely fooled me... I thought I was hearing sounds to the side and behind me.... but wasn't. - JamesJM