I bought mine online from
Mercury Audio (£179.99). Service was very good (they came straight away by first class post). If, like me, you still feel unsure about buying high value goods from ebay, Mercury may be the answer because it is a 'proper shop' (based in N. London, I think) and so you have all the safeguards of the manufacturer's guarantee, the vendor's guarantee and, ultimately, the Sale of Goods Act and the local trading standards departments (not, as I said, that I needed any of those things).
I have been very pleased with my e4cs. I listen almost exclusively to classical music, mainly from my iPod, and find that I can close myself off both at work and at home. The real boon is being able to listen to music, containing many sound levels, on trains and the tube, without the volume being set to deafening (because the external sound attenuation of the triple flange ear pieces is so good). Any Londoner will know the appalling noise levels on the Victoria Line, between Victoria and Kings Cross, and one can even listen to music there!
There have been quite a few comments on the effect of the e4c's flat frequency response (a desirable feature) coupled with the low frequency roll-off of most iPods (a less desirable feature, because the e4c faithfully reproduces attenuated low frequency (bass) signals). Whilst that may be more of a problem for rock afficionados, I have not found it a significant issue with the music to which I listen. I am full of praise for my e4cs and would definitely buy them again.
