Just over a week ago, I posted an initial comparison of the E3 and ER6. http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...threadid=57386

It is a week later and the E3s are going back in favor of an ER4P. I wouldn't change any of the adjectives I used in my initial review, but I came to realize that the differences between the Ety sound signature and the Shure sound signature are significant and I prefer the Ety sound even using the ER6, their lower end headphone.

I originally said I heard more detail in the ER6. I would modify that now to say that the ER6 highlighted the detail. I found that I could always find anything I heard in the ER6 when I listened carefully to the E3. However, the ER6 sounded more transparent and I could place the instruments more precisely with the ER6. The E3 continued to sound warmer and more resonant, but it sounded like I was listening "through" something compared to the ER6. With the ER6 I was in the middle of the music to a greater extent. The E3 always sound a little "down the hall" from the music.

There seems to be a tradeoff here between transparency and fullness of the sound, the Etys sounding more transparent and the Shures sounding fuller. I can more easily adjust to the Ety sound, while the Shures always left me wondering how it would though the Etys. That is my personal sound signature preference.

BTW, I listen while seated using my laptop (Echo Indigo) or while reading. So although I need portability, the microphonics are not a significant issue for me.

I am joining team Ety, but regards to those with Shure ears.

Alan

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Alan,

I looked at your musical preferences, and I highly advise getting the ER-4S over the 4P in your case. From what you seem to like about the Ety sound, the 4S is truly better. Of course, the best of both worlds is to get the 4P with the S adapter. I use the P when I'm moving about and find I much prefer the sound of the S when I'm at home, really listening.... If you can, I'd order the package so you could hear the differences for yourself.

Welcome to the Team Etymotics, Ailevin.

good descision, ailevin. I also find the Ety ER4S offers significantly better sound quality and I am sending the E3c back.

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I agree, but I definitely want to start with the P, since while Echo Indigo can drive the S, I can't count on my IMP350 to do so. Also, anyone have thought on advantages/disadvantages of other P to S adapters besides Etymotic?

Thanks,
Alan