Okay- ordered both from Headroom and plan on returning one. Got home Thursday and there was a fedex box waiting for me. A little small I thought, but hey, they're small headphones. I opened the box and only the Er6 was in there. I called Headroom and akwardly explained how there was only one set in the box, although the packing list clearly said two. I was hoping they didn't think I was pulling a scam, and the CSR said they have some "problems" in shipping and she'd get the E2c to me the next day. True to her word they were there Friday after work. The box was 3 times the size of the original a nd when I opened it and saw how big the blister pack is for the E2c, I wondered how the heck any shipping person could've though they were both in the same small box I originally received?! Low marks for initial impression, but very very high marks for the way Headroom recovered and made the situation right.

On with the test- Since I had the etys an extra day, I used them on the 40 minute train ride into Boston and then home. I could not even hear the announcements or the conductor! My 3G iPod drove them really well at about 40% volume level. The fit was great and comfortable. I tried on the Shures and was already looking at them kind of funny as I removed them from the package. I din't not like that they fit behind the neck- to clumsy and afraid of strangling myself if I get hung up! And they stuck out of the ear much more than the etys, and they feel a little heavier. Not in your hand, but in your ear. The angle shape makes it difficult to wear them facing front. The sound was better at the low end, a little lacking in the middle, and really nice at the top. My iPod drove them effortlessly at about 20% volume level. So less volume equals longer battery life- that's a plus for the Shures!

I'll be wearing them both off and and on for the next week and I'll report back with more info. Initial impression- the Shures have more bass, but the etys just feel more comfortable..... -Dan