Do Shure e4c' NEED an amp

[thebrain]

Since the new batch of e4c's have shipped, I thought I would start this thread up again.

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vranswer any of the Sony players (which are colored for bass)

Does this include the PSP? Anyone tried it with the E4's for music?

 

[Oski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox Does this include the PSP? Anyone tried it with the E4's for music?

PSP as a musical player is just okay. It will do in a pinch, but not as good as a dedicated DAP. The sonic image is just a bit flat and lacking in fine detail. The volume level is also fairly limited.

 

[thebrain]

bump

 

[wakeride74]

I am new to the IEM world but I am blown away by my E4c's. I have tried running them straight out of my iriver H10 and they sound really good.
I hear the ipod is a bit weak on bass and you may have to tweak your EQ a bit to get a balanced sound with some good punch running straight out.

I use the SM3 with them and it really makes them shine and I mean SHINE! Keep in mind that the SM3 is really geared towards the IEM user (IMO) so it is expected to make such a difference in added punch in the low end and many other areas that are really brought to life to a larger degree.

The short answer to your question is good cans will always sound good but the better source and amplification you have the more they will fill their potential and really start to dazzle. Think of it like a muscle car, you can really get a feel for the handle and umph cruising around the city streets but it's not until you lay into it on the open road that you realize it's true potential.

Get the E4c, you will like... worry about the amp later, if you are hanging on this site you will end up with at least one sooner or later!

 

[thebrain]

I have the e4c

What is an SM3 and how much does it go for? Does it add hiss?
In addition to it, what are good amps for IEM's (specifically the e4's)?
thanks

 

[chungsoi]

SM3 stands for SuperMacro v3. Its one of the most highly rated portable amps here at Head-Fi due to its miniature size and versatility. They're not cheap either at $350 for the standard model.

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrain I have the e4c What is an SM3 and how much does it go for? Does it add hiss? In addition to it, what are good amps for IEM's (specifically the e4's)? thanks

As stated above it comes in 2 versions but you will want the more expensive one four the switches. The impedance switch is almost necessary (with this amp for some reason) to knock out hiss. It also has a bass boost switch which is far more valuable than any boost from your source. It does a very good job on keeping the boost specific to the low end of the bass instead of muddying the low end of everything which seems to happen with the standard bass boost in most mp3 players. It really adds a nice tight punch to the E4c's.

 

[thebrain]

*cough*$350*cough*

How does a PA2V2 and CMoy's sound, they are more in my price range
thanks

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrain *cough*$350*cough* How does a PA2V2 and CMoy's sound, they are more in my price range thanks

I know, that's a tough bullet... I don't have any experience with either of those amps but it seems that you get what you pay for around here.
You may want to run a search for reviews on those amps and see if anyone giving praise is using IEM's.

Good Luck!