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E2Cs failing: Replace with Klipsch image S4 or Head-Direct RE0?

post #1 of 7
7/8/10 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 

Hello everyone,

 

I'm sure you've seen this countless times, but even after reading through numerous threads I'm having a hard time deciding on what I would like to get.

 

I've used my E2Cs for 2.5 years, and today, the right earphone is beginning to fail. I found a specific spot on the cable where the wire must be fraying because sound cuts out when I lightly manipulate that area. 

 

Now I know that the Image S4 and the RE0 are both excellent sets for my price range (<$100). I just wanted to get some help on deciding which is right for me. I don't listen to bassy things like techno or trance, but more indie/alternative rock. A lot of acoustic stuff. I don't need them to be booming in my ears.

 

I'm leaning towards the image S4 because I've read that they are great for making music sound richer. I really like that the RE0 does a great job of staying so balanced. I don't have an amp, and don't plan on using one either, so the image S4 might be a better choice in that area. Another important thing for me is durability. Hopefully more than 2 years of life. With this being an audiophile forum, you'll probably stone me when I say most of my collection is 192kbps mp3 files, but with that being said, it's important to me that the earbuds are at least a tad bit forgiving on the downfall of compression. It's hard to find that kind of information in reviews.

 

Basically, I'm wondering what is your opinion of these 2 pairs of earbuds, and which would you recommend to me? If you have a different recommendation, I would love to hear that as well!

 

Thanks for your help!!

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post #2 of 7
7/9/10 at 5:42am

Never heard the S4 but I upgraded to the RE0 from my E2c and like them very much.  They are significantly more detailed, have a flatter response and the frequency range extends further in both directions.  I felt that the E2c had slightly less bass than average and the RE0 has even less but its much better quality.

 

Isolation is not as good and cable issues aside, the E2c felt a lot more rugged.  My RE0 has been sent back twice already and I've replaced it with an M6 for commuting.

 

I listen to a lot of indie/alternative and the RE0 is perfect for that and acoustic as well.  It does not need an amp but it's a nice upgrade if/when you get one, I think of this as an upside.  I don't think low bitrate files are an issue with it, I'd rather listen to 128kbps files through a revealing earphone than a higher bitrate file through a lesser earphone.  IMO, the earphone is more revealing of production quality and style rather than the audio file itself.

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post #3 of 7
7/9/10 at 9:16am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your response!

 

I think I've decided that I'm going to get the S4 from Best Buy, burn them in and see how I like it. If it doesn't work for me, I can return it. I don't think I could do the same for the RE0 even though that may be the path I go in the end. If the S4s have too much bass for my liking, then I will get the RE0s.

 

Thanks for your help. I still have a few hours of work before I will head out to Best Buy, so if anyone has many more opinions, I would be happy to hear them.

 

Thanks!

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post #4 of 7
7/9/10 at 9:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phalangees View Post

Thanks for your response!

 

I think I've decided that I'm going to get the S4 from Best Buy, burn them in and see how I like it. If it doesn't work for me, I can return it. I don't think I could do the same for the RE0 even though that may be the path I go in the end. If the S4s have too much bass for my liking, then I will get the RE0s.

 

Thanks for your help. I still have a few hours of work before I will head out to Best Buy, so if anyone has many more opinions, I would be happy to hear them.

 

Thanks!

Going from the Shure to the S4 will be a big change, if the E2c is the main thing you've listened to.  The S4 is a very strong IEM with very big, almost boomy bass, and highs that might be harsh.  Long burning in will help smooth it a bit.  Buying it and testing it will let you see the difference.  

 

If you have become used to the more gentile presentation of the E2c, and want to stay in that camp, the RE0 will be a multiple step up a very similar ladder -- very detailed and very smooth.  The RE0 is not quite as mid-centered as the E2c, but much clearer with no perceived roll-off at either end of the sound spectrum.  The bass on the RE0 will be better in quality, not necessarily in quantity.
 


Edited by kmhaynes - 7/9/10 at 9:37am
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post #5 of 7
7/9/10 at 9:48am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for your suggestion. I keep flip flopping on what I want to do.

 

I usually use an equalizer boosting the bass, and tuning down the mids a bit when using my E2C's, so it seems like the RE0 may be the best way to go to balance that out. I may still have to boost the bass a bit, but I have no problem with that. My biggest concern is amping. Do the RE0s sound better than the E2C's when unamped? I don't have an amp, and I don't really want to deal with one since I want something I can quickly hook up and be on the go. I don't want to fiddle around with an amp every time, and spending the extra money is hard for me to do.

 

Now it's time to research head-direct's return policy. This is the hardest decision I've made in a long time.  Thanks again for all of your help.

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post #6 of 7
7/9/10 at 10:15am

I also upgraded from e2c to re0 and would recommend you get the re0 over the s4, based on your listening tastes. Yeah sure, they may not be the most durable IEMs out there but I know the S4 has its share of durability issues as well. It all depends on how well you take care of them. Actually the re0 lasted longer (still in perfect condition) than my e2cs.

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post #7 of 7
7/9/10 at 10:21am
Thread Starter 

 

EDIT2: Went with the RE0s. I would more than likely lose that special adapter with the ZEROs making it kind of a deal breaker. Plus, from what I've read, the sound isn't that much better. Should still be a significant step up from the E2Cs.

 

EDIT: Not so convinced anymore. Now I can't decide between the RE0 and the RE-Zero. :( Still trying to do some research to see which would be a better option for me.

 

Original:

Alright I'm convinced! Purchasing my RE0s. I'll post back here when I get them before and after burning in.

 

Thanks everyone for your help.


Edited by Phalangees - 7/9/10 at 11:34am
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