e2c versus e3c versus e4c

Mar 22, 2006 at 4:17 AM Post #32 of 50
If the E4 doesn't come in the color you'd prefer, that would be a good excuse to get "only" an E3 version. If you get a good price on an E3C (which I have), you can legitimately tell yourself that you've significantly improved on the overall "bundled earbud experience," while saving a little money.

But then, if you get the E4's, you will have fallen prey to Head-Fi Syndrome ... you'll convince yourself you did the right thing by cutting out the "middle man" (the E3's) and going for a higher-end earphone at the outset ... only to upgrade beyond that point, sooner or later, anyway!
very_evil_smiley.gif
 
Mar 22, 2006 at 11:06 PM Post #35 of 50
My only experience with IEM's is the E3C, which I use with my Nano. They are wonderful compared to stock buds, but I want more bass (will upgrade to E500 when sanity fails me).

I like the black, but after learning here about the SQ boost you get by adding an Apple remote/radio, I now have a mismatched cord; the remote only comes in white. However, the remote is an AMAZING little accessory, and well worth the fashion faux pas it induces.

Finally, I use the foam buds exclusively, which are mustard-yellow. All in all, it's pretty damn ugly, but sounds good--and that's what matters. It didn't used to matter, but now I've got the bug so I'm screwed.*Sigh*
 
Mar 23, 2006 at 3:09 AM Post #36 of 50
Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs
I summarized my thoughts and impressions of the E2 v. E3. v. E4 in this thread over at Mistic River.


Thanks that was a very good overall comparison. Sticky in headphone reviews maybe?

I got my E3s (gray; best colour in my opinion) for 100$ shipped (waiting on damn USPS) and I'll let you know. I know the bass will be lacking, but I just needed more clarity on the E4s. I just can't justify moving to the E4cs for more bass. It would've costed another 80$, but I may upgrade later or move to something along the lines of Etymotic. If you're not a basshead (like me) I think the clarity will be really nice and the extra money isn't really worth it at the moment.
 
Mar 23, 2006 at 6:30 AM Post #38 of 50
Quote:

Originally Posted by unlimitedx
Oh yeah, how durable are these Shure IEMs?

Since they cost SO much, can I still put them in my pocket like I do with my current ipod stock earbuds? Do they seem fragile?



They are durable, but I wouldn't just dump them in your pocket. Treat them with the same care you would with ipod stock buds. If you get E3 or E4 series I'd be careful not to scratch them. A case is highly recommended.
 
Mar 23, 2006 at 6:37 AM Post #39 of 50
Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli
They are durable, but I wouldn't just dump them in your pocket. Treat them with the same care you would with ipod stock buds. If you get E3 or E4 series I'd be careful not to scratch them. A case is highly recommended.



The e4 or e3 comes with a case too, right?
 
Mar 23, 2006 at 7:27 PM Post #42 of 50
Quote:

Originally Posted by unlimitedx
Oh yeah, how durable are these Shure IEMs?

Since they cost SO much, can I still put them in my pocket like I do with my current ipod stock earbuds? Do they seem fragile?



My E4c's don't seem fragile, in fact they are much more substantial feeling than buds.

However, I don't fancy stuffing $250 pieces of equipment into a pocket full of lint, change, keys, and other stuff. I want to keep my sleeves as clean as possible.
 
Mar 23, 2006 at 7:34 PM Post #43 of 50
Quote:

Originally Posted by luckybaer
My E4c's don't seem fragile, in fact they are much more substantial feeling than buds.

However, I don't fancy stuffing $250 pieces of equipment into a pocket full of lint, change, keys, and other stuff. I want to keep my sleeves as clean as possible.



Word.
 
Mar 23, 2006 at 7:38 PM Post #44 of 50
i bought the e3c's a year ago coming off of stock ipod buds since i also wanted to try something better. back then the e4c wasn't out yet and i read that the e3c was a pretty good buy, so i went ahead and got them. i'd have to say that it is very impressive and it was worth every penny. i'm not an audiophile either, but based on what i've read about the e4c's, they are quite better than the e3c. this stuff is very addicting and i'm already looking to get the e500 when it comes out.

i haven't had any problems with the e3c when it comes to wear and tear. i never really take care of anything i own. normall i just toss them in my backpack along with my ipod without the case that it came with. and so far after 1 year, its still perfectly intact. the cables are thicker than the regular ipod buds and heavier, but it doesn't really affect me or most owners...

bottomline is that i think you will be impressed with either the e3c or the e4c. with that in mind, you should just get the e3c, save some money, and then go from there. when i got mine, after listening to it for couple months, i came back to the forum and started reading the reviews of different earphones and i finally knew what they were talking about, which leads me to wanna upgrade.
 

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