Canals for Classical, and coughing Question

[wnewport]

I currently have pairs of px100s and hd280s, i like each very much. I use them with my zen micro with no amp. I mostly listen to Tchaikovsky, I was thinking about some Shure E2c, but I have kinda a problem when i stick things in my ear, it makes me cough, like Qtips and ear plugs all are kinda itchy and make me cough, I was wondering if I would eventually get use to them and the irritation would go away? Should I look at any other canal phones for the under 75 dollar price range?

 

[Jasper994]

The E2 more or less seals very shallow in the canal (at least with the silicone tips they do) so you shouldn't really have any issues with them. I don't know that the E2 is really the best for classical though. I would consider it more of a hip hop or rock earphone. This is not to say it will sound bad, but it doesn't really produce the level of detail I'm looking for when I'm listening to classical music. On the other hand, the new E4 is simply amazing for classical!

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnewport I currently have pairs of px100s and hd280s, i like each very much. I use them with my zen micro with no amp. I mostly listen to Tchaikovsky, I was thinking about some Shure E2c, but I have kinda a problem when i stick things in my ear, it makes me cough, like Qtips and ear plugs all are kinda itchy and make me cough, I was wondering if I would eventually get use to them and the irritation would go away? Should I look at any other canal phones for the under 75 dollar price range?

The best for classical music at the 75 dollar range is the Etymotic ER-6i. It provides great detail and it is easily driven without an amp. If you can afford to spend $200, then get the ER-4P - practically built for classical music.

 

[micaela]

Yeah - I don't think the e2c's are good for classical. You really have to get to the e4c's in the shure line before the detail is good for classical IMO.

 

[adhoc]

the e2 isnt too bad for classical - it's attenuated highs somewhat alleviate the (imo common) problem of too-bright recordings.

 

[dk123]

I liked the E2s when I had them, but for something like Tchaikovsky...I'm not sure. I would think they would do better with something a little less lush. I don't think they would be bad though....it depends on your taste.

The comfort may be an issue though, if you have problems with having stuff in your ears.

 

[GanChan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk123 I liked the E2s when I had them, but for something like Tchaikovsky...I'm not sure. I would think they would do better with something a little less lush. I don't think they would be bad though....it depends on your taste. The comfort may be an issue though, if you have problems with having stuff in your ears.

The E2 does do well with vocals, which tend to lie more toward the midrange. So if you listen to classical vocals, they're still worth considering. If money were no object, though, the ER-4 is your real "classical canalphone." In the meantime, ER-6 I guess.

 

[albau]

E4c are very well suited for classical (much less for rock, imo), especially piano and violin. In this respect they're are much better than e2c/e3c resolving higher octaves detail and producing beautiful and uncolored sound. For quartet music they also present a wonderfull instrument separation. Bach organ fugas are less spectacular on e4c or Etys due to defficiency in bass extension. I doubt though that any canal phone could deal well with full symphonic orchestra due to limited soundstage. Full size cans like AKG K-501 are kings there though. Something like Tchaikovsky 1st Piano Concherto sounds pretty good on e4c though orchestra seems a little bit mashed together.

 

[wnewport]

Thanks for the advice, I really can't afford e4s or even e3s. I have thought about the ER6i, but all the prices I see are around 90 bucks, and i can get the e2s for 68. Plus, correct me if i'm wrong, but the E2s seem to have a very good "fit kit" included to help insure comfort. Will the E2s be quite enough different and/or better than my px100s and hd280s. And when I listen to stuff with more bass will they deliver providing that i have a good seal?

 

[la_marquise]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnewport Thanks for the advice, I really can't afford e4s or even e3s. I have thought about the ER6i, but all the prices I see are around 90 bucks, and i can get the e2s for 68. Plus, correct me if i'm wrong, but the E2s seem to have a very good "fit kit" included to help insure comfort. Will the E2s be quite enough different and/or better than my px100s and hd280s. And when I listen to stuff with more bass will they deliver providing that i have a good seal?

I think there was a special offer on buy.com or ecost.com for the ER6i, check the forum here for the coupon and offer details. Get their credit card, and you'll save another 30 bucks I believe.

The ER6is are good for chamber, piano, strings etc. I would NOT recommend them for choral, orchestral, or opera as you won't get that soundstage required to enjoy those works. These are also really detailed, so if there are any flaws or your mp3 is too low a bit rate, you will hear the problems. I find it painful to listen to some Rachmaninoff that I d/l from emusic as I hear all the recording flaws. However, my Chopin ripped at 320 AAC is quite fine, unamped.

Good luck!!

 

[Jasper994]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJGeorgeT The best for classical music at the 75 dollar range is the Etymotic ER-6i. It provides great detail and it is easily driven without an amp. If you can afford to spend $200, then get the ER-4P - practically built for classical music.

Hmmm I'm sitting here comparing the E4 and the ER4s, with classical. I like the E4 better. To me it seems to have as much if not more detail while providing a fuller sound. In comparison the Ety sounds very thin.

 

[donunus]

try creative's ep-630. It doesn't go deep in the ear. It's basically a sharp md33. should sound ok for portable with bass and highs to boot.
If you spend more, from reading the forums, the next thing up that is great would be shures e4/e4c. I wouldn't spend more than a hundred bucks for something with highly rolled off highs like the e3. I heard the etys also lack bass for most people and easily distort at high volumes.
Of course, audition them if you can. include westone's um2s in your audition if you want to spend more. Sensaphonics or UE10 pro for the high end in IEMs