In-Ear Headphones - Shure or Etymonic?

I have the Shure E3C's, and I really like them. For the price, I think the sound quality is AMAZING. Everything seems to be rich and clear, and it works awesome with some of the default EQ settings on my iPod, so I really like them. One thing, however, that I didn't like about them, is that they are a little difficult to get into the ear sometimes, it seems. I know it might be a little hard to "try before you buy", but that is always going to be the best way. At the very least, buy either one someplace that has a return policy, where if you don't like the first, you can return and try the second.

Hope I could be of some help!

I had the opportunity to try both the Etymotic ER6 and Shure E2C in-ear headphones. I actually bought the Etymotic first. The only difference I detected was the price (Etymotic being more expensive). Anyhow, I settled on the Shure E2C since they were half the price of the E3C. Since the sound was great, I couldn't imagine it being any better for double the price. You just have to get it in your ear canal - an issue with the ear buds. I found the Etymotic to be much tougher to install properly for optimal sound so I thoroughly cleansed them with alcohol and returned them to the store. Hey, they took them back - what they do with them after that is up to them

I would suggest you keep your ears VERY clean since they tend to find things even your morning Q-tip will miss. So if they suddenly stop working, you've probably clogged it. Yes, this discussion is now officially oogie.

-Kevin S.

I tried my friend's Shure E2C headphones in class and they sounded GREAT but I can't imagine how they would sound on the bus

Right now I listen to my iPod on the bus with the volume turned up 3/4th of the way just so I can hear it so if anyone knows, how much noise do the E2Cs block out when there's a LOT of noise?

I use the ER-6i in-ear headphones. They work wonders. Unforunately, I am very rough, and I think i killed one of the wires, as I am now in the process of getting it fixed (one stopped working suddenly). Now, before thinking that this shows that they are inferior, I replace my headphones (any) roughly every 5-7 months for just this reason- the warranty is just still active on these.

I had a pair of the Shure E2s, and they were fantastic. The isolation is very good and the quality of the sound is pretty amazing. The problem is that I used them for portable use, and broke them twice before deciding that it wasn't worth sending them in for warranty repair again. I guess they were just a bit to fragile for me.

I recently bought a pair of Sharp HP-MD33S from AudioCubes in Japan. They are less than $50, including shipping to the US, and the sound quality on them is also pretty fantastic. While the isolation is not as good as the Shures (and I'm guessing the Etymotics either), I would seriously recommend looking into these guys as a potential alternative. Of course they're not going to be *quite* as good, but for the price, it's worth considering. And for what it's worth, I find the Sharps more comfortable too.

Cheers,
Dalton

i know u only have the shure and etymonic phones for comparison but i just got a pair of xtrememac's fs1's and i freakin love 'em. best fit and comfort is with the foam buds.

i also have a buddy who has the inmotion im616s and swears by them. both models are on amazon for less than $100(New not used) even though i think they retail for $150 or more.

thought i'd put it out there as options... good hunting...

Thanks everyone for the feedback so far. I was leaning towards the Etymotic ER-6I for a few reasons (color, price, and good reviews.) I have a coworker who has the e3c's and also mentions the same occasional seal issues. Since fitment really will differ from person to person, I'm really hoping to find an audio quality comparison of the different models.

For comfort, dynamic response, ease of use and warranty (3 years), nothing beats Bang & Olufsen's A8 headphones. I work out in them all the time and use their Form 2's at home for serious listening. They cost a bit more, but they're really worth it.

While I haven't tried the Etymotic, I got to try my friend's Shure's, and they seemed to me to be more fragile than my Sony MDR-EX51's. The isolation was about equal in the setting I listened to them in, and the Sonys had a little bit better bass, with the highs a little better on the Shures. However, with the Sonys at $20 a pop on Amazon, I can go through 10 pair before I get to the price of the Shures, so it's obvious which ones I pick. Everyone I've recommended them to has loved them as well, and I'm always getting comments of how much they love their Sonys.

Yeah I had a pari and did not use them that harshly. They didn't last a year. There is a ''blown'' speaker sound with them now. I am struggling with the iPod earbuds, because the sound was definately better with the Shure.
Not sure I want to invest in something so expensive again.

Also did want to mention that I could turn the sound way down with the Shures.

I have a pair of E2C's. Worked well for a couple years. Very happy with them. Drowns out annoying neighbors,etc.

Then as happens with most of my ear phones, the plug fails. A left or right input wire breaks at the junction of the cord to jack assembly, thus cutting off the right or left sound input. Wiggling it around can restore the sound temporarily,till I move around too much.

So I have a pair of E2C that I'm pleased with as long as I don't move. Are plugs easy to replace or fix?

I may take a look at those Sony's.

After reading the reviews, I went ahead and decided on the Etymotic ER-6i's. So far I am really impressed with the sound quality. I have had zero problems getting a good seal. It's just like using earplugs. I have no idea how you can NOT get a seal using these. The quality seems great. No issues with the cord like others have mentioned. Yes the cord seems somewhat thin, but unless you're using these while framing houses or excavating dirt, I have no idea how you could break them. I plan on also using these as in-ear monitors for studio recording.

Two thumbs up.

Both the Shure and the Etymotics are great earbuds but if you're serious about getting the best then you need to consider the Ultimate Ears range too. There has been some criticism about the ''fragility'' of the earbuds but you don't chuck a Stradivarius around . . . . so I guess you need to treat them with a little respect too. They come with a great protective carry case and spares are readily available should anything ever break. They also know what customer service means!!
Over to you . . . . and your ears. Did I mention they also fit a treat??

I use the Shure E4C's and couldn't be happier. They're super sensitive, you get great volume with very little power, they have super good highs and totally awesome lows, and when installed properly, block about 80% of most audible sound when you're not playing anything, and when you've got something playing, you can't hear anything except what you're playing. The sound quality is fantastic, and while you should be careful with the volume, they sound fantastic all the way through ear splitting levels.

I'm not sure (Shure) why acheiving a proper seal is such an issue. A pair of E3c's comes with a Fit Kit that has seven different types and sizes of sleeves. I would think this would fit just about anyone. Also, on the web site Shure shows the correct way to insert the ear bud. This might help a few users.