Er6i or e3c - which are better for me?

[IamWeasel]

Hi,

I know there is a thread about er6i vs e3c but it seems to be in oposite to things I have previously read. So I decided to ask which earphones would be better for me.

I have iriver h140 and t10. The music I listen to is basically rock, folk, metal, reggae and jazz - in that order. I am not a great fan of bass, it just should be nice, just as mids and trebles. In general I like balanced, detailed sound.

Omit the price in this case. Which earphones are better for my case? I've also read that in Etys I will have to change sleeves and filters from time to time - thats not good news. What is the maintenance cost when it comes to shures?

[umcloud]

Originally Posted by IamWeasel

In general I like balanced, detailed sound.

Sounds like the Etys are for you! As for replacing sleeves/filters, it's part of the upkeep of any IEM. The rubber triple-flanges should last, but any foam sleeve is going to need to be replaced eventually. I also understand that the new Shure black foam sleeves fit the er6i. These are supposed to be very comfortable and durable.

Another IEM to consider is the JAYS d-jays - these are pretty much the 2 earphones I'm trying to decide between. Think I'm gonna go with the er6i, though. Anyway, good luck to you!

[IamWeasel]

Forgot to add: Er6i will be using with Shure volume control, because I cant stand the player internal noise. e3c have higher impendence, however I dont know if it is high enough to block all the internal noise. If it is, that would be a significant gain of sound quality (shure vc makes sound a little crappy), and that would be a big advantage.

[LaBreaHead]

I have both. Your iRivers can both be EQ'd to your preferences, right? If so, it's closer between the Etys and the Shures. Otherwise, I'm very unimpressed with the E3Cs with players that can't be EQ'd well (iPod), but I kind of liked them with a heavily EQ'd Rio Carbon.

However, I switched back to ER6i's for airplane/travel listening. I don't use my Etys as everyday 'phones, but I really like them more than the E3C's. Ergonomically, with foamies the Ety's are actually very comfortable, and the cords running straight out of the ears (rather than over the ear) are more comfortable (for me) for long-term listening (the Shure's cords seem more durable, but the cords seem to be Shure's Achilles heel ... I haven't read much at all about actual cord problems with the Etys).

Higher up the price scale, Shures are supposed to shine, but even the $122 online sale price for my E3Cs seems too much, especially in light of the $89 I paid for my Etys (I got the black ones, online).

[IamWeasel]

Well, I am in the UK and here the e3c is actually cheaper that er6i (ab. 55 to 60 pounds, not a big difference, thats why I said don't bother with the price).

Another thing is that I will probably not use foams with the Etys, as from what I've read they are getting used up quickly and I am not going to buy new ones every 2 months. So the Etys will be used with tri-flange.

But in general you say that Etys, even used with the crappy shure volume control will be a better choice?

[LaBreaHead]

I personally don't like the tri-flanges -- everytime I see them, I think, "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!"

Maybe the E3s will work for you. You would have a choice of the non-foam tips ... but if that's the case, why not get the Crossroads Mylarones from Jaben in Singapore (free international shipping and a growing reputation for customer service)? They wouldn't isolate as well as the Etys, but they would provide a beefier sound than the Etys or the Shures.

[RickB]

I own both the 6i and the E3. Personally, I would get the Etymotics and also get the Shure Black "Olive" Foamies. These foams are very durable. I bought 5 pair 2 months ago and I'm still on my first pair and they still look new.

Rick

[rbui]

Originally Posted by LaBreaHead

why not get the Crossroads Mylarones from Jaben in Singapore (free international shipping and a growing reputation for customer service)? They wouldn't isolate as well as the Etys, but they would provide a beefier sound than the Etys or the Shures.

i've heard rave reviews about the mylarone X3's, but never in the area of "balanced, detailed sound". the X3's have more of a warm sound, and aren't as neutral or balanced as Ety's offerings. i'd personally recommend the er6i based on your listening preferences.

[IamWeasel]

Sorry, but those Crossroads look just ugly, like a cheap toy.

I have ordered er6i, hope they will be nice. Thanks for advice!

[ClieOS]

Originally Posted by RickB

I own both the 6i and the E3. Personally, I would get the Etymotics and also get the Shure Black "Olive" Foamies...

Also own both, and like 6i with the original tri-flange. Shure is warmer, but Ety is detailer. I think they are on par in SQ, but I am more of an Ety guy

[GreatDane]

I used to own the E4 and IMO the ER6 that I replaced them with is better, for less than half the price. I've never heard the ER6i.