"Better" is not entirely accurate... There's "more" bass.. but they're muddy and not as accurate. E2's base lack tonality and texture...

However, they're still much better than EX71's bass.

Edit:
Furthermore, if you get the E2's.. you're not really getting much of an improvement in sound over PortaPro, but you are getting a much smaller form factor and much better isolation.

It's not really an upgrade, as much as it is a side-grade?

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Wildeone, I have to agree with lindrone on this one.
He hit the description of the bass right on the nose.

BANGPOD

I think I will probably not get the E2's. My sense is, as lindrone implies, that it won't be enough of an improvement over the PortaPro to make it worth it. Plus, and I know this won't win any respect on this forum, but I think the E2's are kind of ugly, to the extent that they can be seen. If I'm going to spend a lot on earphones, I want to use them a lot, and for me that means I want them to look nice and to look unobtrusive. The e2's to me look unusual, which means they look expensive; the e3's look more "normal" which means they don't look so expensive. I don't mind spending a lot on something like this, but I don't want it to be obvious that I have done so. Also, I think the e3's look a lot more rugged than the e2's--and I'll want to be able to shove whatever I get in my pocket, and not have to worry too much about it.

I've definitely been convinced that I won't be happy with the EX71's. Now I am down to a choice between the e3's and just sticking with the PortaPro and saving my money. Wildone asks what do I have to lose with the money back guarantee? I have about $170 to lose, since if I buy them and really like them, I'm out $170. And then maybe more--who knows where this could lead? But my intention is to find one pair of earphones that I like, and stop. That is one of the reasons that I am willing to spend a lot once. I did that once before--I didn't mention this previously, but I've had my PortaPros for about 15 years. Not this pair, actually--they broke a few years ago, but, of course, Koss replaced them (love that lifetime warranty). So I am willing to stich with something I like for a while.

Which brings up another option: I didn't list the Etymotic earphones among those I was considering, since I don't want to pay as much as the ER-4 would cost, and I hear quite mixed reviews of the ER-6 (and they look flimsy to me). But I might be able to be convinced otherwise on either. After all, I think I've shown a williness to buy something and stick with it for a while. Which is one of the reasons the ER-6 is less appealing--it just doesn't look like it would last as long. it looks like I'd walk through a doorway, catch the cable on a doorknob, and rip out one of those skinny wires.

But otherwise, right now I'm leaning toward getting the Shure e3's "at some point." Maybe if a really good deal comes along. Or maybe tomorrow.

The E3c's are certainly better than the EX71's. But exactly how much better is going to depend on who you speak to.
Many of us old EX71 users have been able to modify them and the result can be pretty good. But even after the modifications the E3c's are better.
The differences in quality are more noticeable when using a large input device rather than a portable.
The factor you have to consider is money. If price is no object that the E3c's are the best portable solution right now. But if price matters then the EX71's are the best deal for the money.
For me price does not matter and I am already looking for something else because the E3c's are less than perfect. I am looking for some deep bass and maybe the E5's are the way to go but I am not sure yet.

DanielK,
I just got the Ex71 for a ski trip. I found them very comfortable and decent sounding for my intended use. But, I am not an audiophile and do not have much to compare them to.
I do, however, own the Koss sportapros and have tested them next to my EX 71's. Sportapros are a little less harsh in the treble-but they are really uncomfortable under a hat. I also have the Senn PX250. Neither of these make my EX71 sound like junk.

P.S. I did the tape mod on the wholes in the back (scotch tape over the 3 little holes).

Hope this helps a little.

Thanks, baies and nid2000, for a different viewpoint on the EX71's. I particularly appreciate the direct EX71 to SportaPro comparison (I think it looks like that is essentially identical to the PortaPro), Now I'm thinking that my best bet might be to buy the EX71's from someplace where I can return them, and see if they suffice first. If not, I can always return them and get the e3's. And if they sound good enough, I never have to spoil myself for their sound by hearing something much better.

But actually, while that might be the best idea, I don't think I'm likely to do it. I think I'm more likely to go ahead and buy the E3's. Hmmm...I guess I'm still completely undecided. Thanks everyone for the advice you've given so far!

DanielK, very limited experience from me... I used to own an old Aiwa model... J something. Bought Shure E3 (the gray ones) and would never look back. After the first hour or so, I understood how to get a good seal with the gray soft sleeves (I... ahem... lick them before inserting...) and they sit very comfortably in my ear. With a good seal the bass is not bad at all.

Obviously people here are comparing E3 to incredibly good headphones, but coming from more "normal" ones I am deeply satisfied (tried the bass on Prodigy Fat of the Land and it's outstanding).

I just recently picked up some Shure E3cs and let's just say that it wasn't love at first hear. For me the problem was the lack of bass even though I felt like I got a good seal.

I then played around with the foamies and instantly found better results. The bass magically appeared! And while it may have not been head vibratingly deep....it was certainly much better than I have heard many people say it was. I now have the triple flanges on order to see if I can take it one step further and improve the sound even more.

For what you plan on listening to, I bet that you will be plenty satisfied with the E3s. Just be very patient with the fit and try out all of the tips before you pass judgement.

RIDE

hey Ride, did you check your PM box?

Thanks, everyone, for your help in this thread. I ended up ordering the Shure E3c's from Todd the Vinyl Junkie (gotta support the forum that helped me make my decision!) yesterday. I'll post again when I get them and have a chance to evaluate them myself. I fully expect them to sound good--the only question is whether they sound good enough to me to justify the price.

You made the right choice. The portapro's are REALLY good for the money....so you have to drop some change to move that next level up. The E3's should provide that for you.

lindrone.....thanks and I replied to your PM.

RIDE

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Hey guys, is Todd an authorized Shure dealer? I'm just curious because I was thinking of ordering from him as well. Thanks.

I just picked up some Shure E2 yesterday. They were $70 at Guitar Center here in Dallas. I think they are the E2 not E2c (Last years model? No mention of E2c anywhere on the package). I assume the same product.

I also agree with previous posters, they have ample bass, however there is a “muddiness” that is difficult to quite pinpoint. Not just a lack of treble, but as if some of the resolution is lost. The detail is occasionally lost, most noticeable with reverb like decaying type instrumentation which seems to sound more dead, and less ambient. However, oddly enough there is detail in some tracks that rivals the analytical behavior of my AKG K271s (K271s are like microscopes for your ears). However they do make me yearn for more.

Overall though, they are excellent for they money, and I would highly recommend them for a mobile solution where I could not use a big can. Heck, I’ve even enjoyed them at the office simply due to the brutal amounts of isolation they provide.

Use the foams! The quality difference between the foams and the plastic pieces is a 200x increase. Unless your ears fit them PERFECT you will not get near the quality of seal, nor anywhere near the quality of sound. Simply do not attempt to judge quality without the foams. They are cheep to boot, I went to www.shure.com and ordered 10 more which should last a while (err.. Given I keep my ears clean).

Now, if I only had the big wad of cash for the E5c, would I then be content, or keep yearning for more?

Strike,

I ordered a bunch of stuff from Todd just this past week, including my E3cs. I had the chance to speak with him over the phone and made some alterations to my order. He was alwasy very prompt to return my calls and handled my order and requests quickly, and was an absolute pleasure to deal with.

His prices are also great, but the service is where he stands apart. I am a customer of his for life.

Gotta support the little guys!

RIDE