Originally Posted by Ihatepopupads
Hello, I am considering purchasing the shure e500's and wondered how they compared sonic wise to the ultimate ears superfi pro 5? I really liked the sound of them, but could never get a comfortable fit.
I just upgraded from the sf5pro to the E500 recently for primarily the same reason.
I have found the fit of the E500 to be dramatically better, providing much improved isolation. Musically, the sf5pro has more bass. However, I find the E500's bass to be tighter with greater extension. Quantity-wise, sf5pro; quality-wise, E500.
Another difference I've noticed is that there's a touch of harshness to the highs and mids of the E500. (Note I am particularly sensitive to that.) I couldn't get used to it even after a few days, so I finally relented to EQ'ing down the highs and mids a smidgen. They sound fantastic now.
Overall, they're an improvement. I hear more detail and tightness in my music. I think the bass on the sf5pro, while very fun, tends to overshadow the rest of the spectrum. Fit and isolation are definitely better, which were very important for me as I do most of my listening during my commute.