[Entropic]

Hi all,

I am going to get my Ety's on a business trip this week in Zurich, Switzerland.

I've also just bought a pair of Shure e2c's. So I can eventually do a review of these verses the Ety-4p if anyone's interested.

My initial impressions are that the Shure e2c's are much more clearer and open than my current phones which are the ear bud style, noise cancelling, Sony MDR-NC11.

Shure e2c's are definitely better sound quality when I listen in the comfort of my home. BUT they still do not beat my Sony MDR's on the noisy London Subway network!!! The isolation is a bit lacking so I have to crank up my IPod in an effort to drown out the ambiant din, this seems to have a bad side effect of distorting the bass.

I've just recently bought a pair of Ety ER-20's (triple flange earplugs) to see whether I would have any problems with the "ear canal" style design. I was pleasently surprised to find that I could wear the ER-20s all night without any discomfort, in fact I completely forgot that I was wearing them after a while.

Entropic (Can't wait

)

 

[blessingx]

Looking forward to the comparison. Thinking about a Shure purchase myself.

 

[psxguy85]

Thats funny....I'm exactly the opposite. Looking into buying into Etymotics.

 

[richard]

I'm very fond of the Shure e2c's, but I don't get total isolation with them. For example, on an airplane I can tell when the pilot is making an announcement and, if I turn off the music, can tell what is being said. On the other hand, the isolation with sound off is about the same as with earplugs and with sound on is much better. I'm using the large foamies and don't believe I could insert them any deeper into my ears.

I have no problems with the sound quality of the e2c's, but do wonder if the Ety 4's would provide better isolation. It's quite possible different people experience different degrees of isolation due to differences in ear shape.

 

[erikzen]

I find the isolation with the E2s more than adequate for riding on the train from suburban New York into the City and even good enough for the NYC subway. Maybe it's not as loud as the London subway though.

 

[BDA_ABAT]

Entropic: you'll likely be pleased with your ER4Ps. They isolate very well and make air travel a joy (or at least, much less of a drudgery). If you can tolerate the Ety earplugs, you will likely have good success with the Ety phones.

Don't know your amp situation, but if you have a decent source and decent power, would suggest also getting (or making) an adapter to bring the resistance up to the ER4S. While the 4P is excellent, the 4S provides just that bit more of everything good... luscious midrange, terrific high and low extension, with everything as crisp and clear as can be.

Good luck!
Bruce

 

[Rotareneg]

Just to warn ya, the ER-20 earplugs are NOT an accurate way to determine if you can handle the ER-4's when using the plastic tips.

I can have my ER-20's in for hours without a problem, but the ER-4 plastic tips just don't get along with my ears. They're much more difficult to insert because they trap air when being inserted and cause suction when being pulled out, while the ER-20's on the other hand are vented though the little filter inside the plastic tube. Also the ER-4's stem goes into the tip further than the ER-20, making it less conforming to your ear.

However, I can listen to my ER-4S for hours without any discomfort at all with the foam tips, and IMHO they are far easier to use, isolate better, and possibly sound better too.

 

[Entropic]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Just to let you know, I am currently writing up my thoughts in a head to head comparison of

1. Shure E2C
2. Etymotic ER4P
3. Sony MDR-NC11

The comparisons will be

1. On the UK Subway (The Tube).
2. On an airplane
3. In a very quiet hotel room!

The trouble I've had is that my initial observations were clouded by my inexperience fitting the Etys and the Shures.

I'll give a final diagnosis when I've had them an extra week!

Entropic (no longer Ety-less)

 

[psxguy85]

Good Luck. I may finally buy Etys based on your comparisons.

 

[hazmat]

Quote:

Originally posted by Rotareneg I can have my ER-20's in for hours without a problem, but the ER-4 plastic tips just don't get along with my ears. They're much more difficult to insert because they trap air when being inserted and cause suction when being pulled out, while the ER-20's on the other hand are vented though the little filter inside the plastic tube. Also the ER-4's stem goes into the tip further than the ER-20, making it less conforming to your ear.

The trick to removing the ER-4's is to push them side to side or up and down to break the seal and they come right out.

 

[Swigger]

<Begin off topic post>

Entropic, from London eh? I traveled there in the summer of 2001 and it was the best time I've ever had. I stayed in a 5 star hotel in Canary Wharf, and traveled the tube all the time. I'm jealous of England's public transportation system, though from what I hear, it's currently falling apart -_-.

Anyways, I logged around 20 hours of flight and 3 hours of train (non-subway train) ride in that trip, where I visited both London and Paris (Paris was terrible, by the way). Too bad I wasn't "in to" portable audio then. I was listening to my old discman and some crap headphones.

I can't wait until my next overseas trip. 8 hour flights of pure bliss

</end off topic post>

 

[troublemaker]

etymotics changed my life

oh.......and i wanted to use this smilie!

that is SOOOO Cool!

 

[hazmat]

Quote:

Originally posted by troublemaker oh.......and i wanted to use this smilie! that is SOOOO Cool!

Even though the red is in your left ear?