Main difference from what I have read is that er6i is easier to drive due to less impedance I believe. If you have a strong source or an amp the er6 are great, but on a weaker source (i.e. iPod is one that has issues sometimes from my readings) the er6 might sound lacking namely in the bass...

Sony ex51's have different length left and right cables for behind the head wearing. They should be around your price range if you look online.

I had no issues on treadmills and in the gym and walking/running to class with my ex51's. From what I gather they are nearly the same headphone just a slightly different cable option. Anyway, I had no problems hearing those sounds. Eating is a different story, but running and breathing I had no...

are you actually logged in or do you log in to at post? My search goes away if I'm not logged in it seems.

Ok so if I were to choose the etymotics over either of the shure headphones, I still cant try them to decide. Would the microphonics be a big deal if I'm on a treadmill or walking to class and how durable are they cause the images make them seem very weak and the chord seems easy to break...

Well the nice thing about my karma is its got a fully customizable 5 band parametric equalizer so I can equalize any sound issues with ease. What about quality of craftsmanship and microphonics while walking though?

I have read through a large portion of the posts here and been unable to make a final decision. I currently have sony ex51 headphones and decided I want to upgrade them. I am considering the shure e2c, e3c or the etymotic er6. I have a karma and have been told it will drive the er6 so I dont...