Ety 4-P's or Shure E5c's...STILL CONFUSED!!!

[morpheus5885]

This is my first post and just wanted to say hi and thanks for all the great content found on this forum.

Without trying the Shures yet, I "shure" better be. I purchased the Ety's a week ago, and am still wowed by the experience I still get by putting them in my ears. I mostly listen to jazz, and as a jazz musician myself I really appreciate the soundstage they provide. I can literally see the instrument combos layed out and pick apart the intricate sounds of each instrument very clearly. The only real problem I have with the Ety's is the ergonomic aspect. I can't stand the microphonic effect, and how annoying the cord is in general. The ergonomics of the E5's really appeal to me. I like the idea of the cord going down my back and being out of the way, as well as the nice support offered to the speaker portion of the phone provided by the ear curve. I am still able to return the ety's, and because of this I need to make a decision quickly. I feel the price warrants the ergonomic change alone, as these headphones are to be used for mainly portable applications such as jogging and taking busses/trains. They will also be used with my computer and as a monitor for my keyboard.

That being said, I just wanted some additional opinions (in addition to the ones already found on this forum) as to what I should do. If I switch to the E5s will I get that same great sense of clarity and soundstage as I get with the Ety's? If not, I certainly would put up with the microphonics to get a superior sound. From what I've read on the forum, the Ety's would seem to be better for jazz because it really doesnt need that bass punch that the Shure's supposedly provide.

These phones are used in: iriver flash mp3 player, computer, my korg keyboard, and a soon to be acquired ipod.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[blessingx]

My limited experience with the E5s has me think you may not consider them as Ety equals, if detail/clarity is a primary concern. Not sure either is the best jogging phones though. If moving around that much I'd go for lesser phones like the KSC35s (if you can keep them on your ears).

 

[morpheus5885]

Actually the E4s arent too bad for jogging with the shirt clip. It did take me a few minutes to clip it so the cords weren't rubbing against my shirt though.

 

[pedxing]

Most earcanal phones in general are for sitting down and listening usage. If you want to exercise with something, you may want to consider buying a different pair of headphones that are more convenient for exercising or moving about. Some people have used the E2 while they exercise.

 

[JulianL]

I've got a few questions myself:

How are the Etys as 'out and about' headphones? I remember reading that the E5's are slightly more convenient. Also, does it require significant effort to insert and remove the Etys?

 

[NightStalker]

i cant really speak as a shure owner but i use the 4S myself both at home and out and about.

these are my thoughts on them:
-hard to use in highly populated areas as u litterally cant hear ANYTHING happening around you so its kind of hard 2 concentrate on whats goin on around you. As for moving in general i both jog around the block (on the foot path) and work out at the gym with them with next 2 no microphonics (as said b4 if u take ur time 2 set up the clip and cables nicly then it doesnt cause much of a problem). the etys are easy enuf 2 look after when u dont want them on while your out and about by either using the little case or my way is just to clip them inside the belt clip about 2cm from the phones themselves so u got them safe nica and close 2 u.

cheers guys.
-jake

 

[joni]

To avoid microphonics whilst walking / jogging with Etys, I put the clip on the back of my collar and feed the plugs over my shoulders into the ears from behind. The other end of the cable, I feed down my back. It also has the added advantage of reducing the "Pig Tail" effect .....
------>

 

[Fastjack]

Just wanted to mention that I was surprised to find that the E5 is also quite microphonic. That may be because I don't run the cable down my back but keep it in front of me as with e.g. Etys. Using a shirt-clip to fix the cable to the collar of whatever you may be wearing helps with both phones to reduce the annoying noises however.

Regarding clarity I think you may be better off with the Etys as the E5 sounds a bit muffled or dull at a first listen. I haven't done a direct comprison, though. Maybe you should get a nice amp instead of the E5. That should fill out the Etys bass a little more.

JulianL: With a little practice it's easy to put the Etys in and get a good seal plus equalized pressure. Removing is even easier, of course. Using the tri-flange tips, that is.

 

[RunsWithScissors]

I've had a lot to say on this topic and a good discussion can be found in the thread I cite below. I won't restate everything here but suffice it to say that the Shure E5 and Ety ER4 do not sound at all alike - you are comparing apples and oranges. They are often discussed together because they are both relatively expensive phones at the top of their respective product lines - aside from this, they have little in common.

The only way you can be certain about which phone suits you best is to audition both (preferably side-by-side).


Quote:

If I switch to the E5s will I get that same great sense of clarity and soundstage as I get with the Ety's?

IMO no you won't get the same experience from the E5 compared to the ER4.

From what you've stated so far, I'm betting that Ety's suit you best but I don't know for certain as I am not you!

Check out this discussion:
http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70975

Audition from a vendor like Todd if you can in your timeframe. Call (don't email) Todd and explain your situation and timeframe and I bet he will help you out.

Good luck!

 

[morpheus5885]

Thanks alot for the input. This forum really rocks! The back of the shirt clipping idea works great for exercise! I am definately going to compare them side by side before I make a decision. Any chance anyone can let me know if 364 shipped is the best price for the e5c's?

Will definately let you guys know what I think in the end and ultimately what I decide.

 

[RunsWithScissors]

$364 shipped is a great price for E5c. Even if you can find a better price, it would only be a matter of literally a few dollars so you might as well go for it.

who quoted you that price?

 

[morpheus5885]

Pro Audio Superstore --> www.proaudiosuperstore.com

 

[morpheus5885]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joni To avoid microphonics whilst walking / jogging with Etys, I put the clip on the back of my collar and feed the plugs over my shoulders into the ears from behind. The other end of the cable, I feed down my back. It also has the added advantage of reducing the "Pig Tail" effect ..... ------>

Wow, thanks for this suggestion, as this has practically eliminated microphonics for me!!! Also, working out is perfectly fine with them now. My E5's should be here sometime next week, and now I can decide between these two headphones strictly based on sound versus ergonomics (unless I really cant stand the way the E5's wear).

 

[blessingx]

Remember Austonia's Ety-Earhugger mod.

 

[Jeffie]

I too am debating between the 4p/s and the Shure E5's...

Currently have E2's and they are ok, but like others have said
its upgraditis. Or better said, are they really better?

In my case though, I dont have that great a hearing
anylonger. I encode everything at 128k, and honestly
cant tell (with my equipment ((Rio s35s and the E2's))
any difference between 128k and 256k encoded sources.

If I recall though, isnt the impedance of the E5 pretty high
though, and maybe problematic with portables?

I prefer accurate sound and kind of leaning towards the 4p's
but still wonder if they are overkill for my setup.

Thoughts and insights would be appreciated...