TenaciousO
1000+ Head-Fier
I received the er6i today, and here are my thoughts about it compared to the e3:
er6i
e3
Verdict: They have distinct tonal characteristics, but I would say these two earphones are very comparable and so I don't think you can go wrong with either purchase. Ultimately, it will depend on the sonic/build quality preferences of each individual listener as opposed to a discourse on which sounds better. The er6i is a brighter phone that can be sibilant at times (although lessened a bit by the foam tips) and has a bit of an edge. It's weaknesses are that it is a bit microphonic and seems more fragile than the e3. The e3s are more durable earphones (at least they feel like they are) so I think they'd be better for the active user, but they are more polite and lack the bite of the er6i. However, the e3s have a very pleasant, fuller sound. I think that the e3s would be easier on the ears for extended listening as the highs on the er6i could become fatiguing. I find the bass comparable. I would say that if you're a Grado fan, go with the er6i. If you're a Sennheiser fan, go with the e3.
er6i
- brighter, more sibilant
- more bite
- more fragile
- much more microphonic
- similar comfort
e3
- slightly rolled off highs; fuller and warmer sounding
- thicker cord, seems more durable
- similar bass
- similar isolation
Verdict: They have distinct tonal characteristics, but I would say these two earphones are very comparable and so I don't think you can go wrong with either purchase. Ultimately, it will depend on the sonic/build quality preferences of each individual listener as opposed to a discourse on which sounds better. The er6i is a brighter phone that can be sibilant at times (although lessened a bit by the foam tips) and has a bit of an edge. It's weaknesses are that it is a bit microphonic and seems more fragile than the e3. The e3s are more durable earphones (at least they feel like they are) so I think they'd be better for the active user, but they are more polite and lack the bite of the er6i. However, the e3s have a very pleasant, fuller sound. I think that the e3s would be easier on the ears for extended listening as the highs on the er6i could become fatiguing. I find the bass comparable. I would say that if you're a Grado fan, go with the er6i. If you're a Sennheiser fan, go with the e3.
