Choice of in-ear headphones

[vcarriere]

I was planning to buy the shure e3c when i started searching for alternatives and i found alots like, fontopias, etymotic's and ultimate ears. Because i was overwhelmed by all the differents choices i could make. I would like your opinions on differents models like the sure and ultimate ears super fi pro5.

Thanks

 

[Arainach]

What sort of budget are you looking at?

 

[vcarriere]

about 200-250.

 

[LaBreaHead]

In that price range, whatever you get should be good (it had better be, anyway).

Also, whatever you get, try the different tips. I didn't think I'd like the foamies, but aside from the fact that they need to be cleaned/replaced from time to time, they work for me. Flanged tips seem to isolate well for me, but they seem weirdly intrusive. The soft silicone tips are comfortable, and seem to work well for some people. As Head-Fi members say, YMMV (your mileage may vary). Experiment to see what you like. Again, at that price, you should do well.

You might want to consider the Shure E4's (if you were considering the E3C's, which I have), or maybe Westone UM2's (maybe neither is in your price range, but check around online -- and don't forget the Head-Fi sponsors). At the price level below $200, research Etymotics ER6i's, the Shure E3C's and the Westone UM1's. And of course there are 'phones from Ultimate Ears, and others as well, in a variety of price ranges.

You might do well to go for the $200 - $299 range right away, just to avoid the inevitable upgrade-itis for a while (I got Etymotics ER6's and Shure E3C's within the same year, but think what I could have gotten if I had just gotten one with the combined money I spent). Oh, and my condolences about your wallet ...

 

[K2Grey]

In the general $200-250 pricerange, there are 4 choices, the Etymotic ER-4P ($190~), Shure E4c ($190~), Ultimate Ears super.fi 5pro ($250~), Westone UM2 ($300~). The E4c and UM2 can use the same tips, and to some degree the ER-4P can use the E4c/Um2 tips and vice versa. It is a matter of preference which one is best.

According to reports the UM2/5pro tend towards a warmer and bassier sound while the E4c and the ER-4P go more towards the treble.

 

[drarthurwells]

The Shure has a treble roll off (sound diminishes in the upper treble range).

This reduces harshness from portable sources but at the cost of less sparkle, sheen, and detail in the treble as compared to the Etymotic (4P is best with portables and no external amp otherwise 4S).

With a source lined out to a good external amp (BLAudio is very smooth and sweet for only $335 - great for the Etymotic) the Etymotic 4S is best in its price class.

The Altec Lansing M716 is like the Etymotic 4P and has a switch to convert it to the 4S - great for only $120. Does not come with extra filters and flanges that the Etymotic comes with, and may not be as durable over time, however.

 

[randyruiz]

I second the ETY 4p/s recomendations. I have tried many IEM's and found the ETY's to be the best all around performer. Bass heads will disagree but at the ETY's price point it dosent have any problems that a little bass boost cant fix.

 

[Sparky191]

Any links to the Altec Lansing M716 ?