[Entropic]

Hi all,

I have searched though this site and haven't found an answer to this.

Can anyone who has used the Etymotic 4P and any of the Shure series (i.e. e1c, e2c, e5c) comment on the strenghs/weaknesses when compared with each other.

Thanks

Entropic

TO "CD44HI" SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION!!! AMENDED...

 

[CD44hi]

Hey Entropic,

Could you put a "?" in your topic line next time.

I am also interested in learning more about the 4Ps. I thought your post was more of a comparison that a QUESTION......

thanks

CD.....

 

[chuck josephson]

had etymotic 4c and was very unhappy with the bass even
with custom earmolds .just got shure E2cs and am overjoyed
with them.headroom says they are the best of the E series

 

[Hiker]

I hate to burst your bubble Chuck, but the e2c's are the lowest in the Shure line. Both the e1c and the e5c are better supposedly. I have heard the ER-4P (own it) and the e2c. Personally, the etys are much more detailed. I also have to say that bass response is not only more prominent, but also deeper than the e2c's. The etys are clearly better than the shures (e2c) by a large margin. However, I have no personal experience with the other shure models. Etys are EXTREMELY hard to beat though.

 

[psxguy85]

Personally, I like the Shure E2C's better. They are very durable, I've sat on them a couple times and they are fine. From what I hear about durability of the Ety's, they are much easier to damage.

The Shure E2's are in my opinion, the best of the Shure line because they are more durable than the E1's, and cheaper than the E5's. The sound isn't superb like the higher Shures, but it still holds its own.

I am not going after sound quality only when I look at the quality of headphones. I also look at the "wearability" and durability

 

[algo]

how comfortable are they (e2c's or in-ear in general)? I have been considering moving to in-ear headphones for portable use, and I don't really like buds; they are too 'hard' or 'stiff' in my ears.

all the in-ear phones look very soft and supple.

 

[benklop]

I dislike conventional earbuds alot, and I own Etymotic ER-6s. I have to say that the Etys really do not bother me when I'm just listening. Trying to do some things (chewing!) is a whole another story. They are not as comfortable as say a full sized pair of cans but they are certainly tolerable. If you order from Headroom you can try them out for 30 days. Worst case is that you don't like them and are out shipping costs.

Another thing you have to consider with almost all in-ear phones is the isolation. Not one to exaggerate, if I have my Etys in with my music at a reasonably loud volume I wouldn't be able to tell if somebody was screaming two feet behind me. Maybe this is good, but if your planning to use these while riding a bike or traveling along city streets I would get something else. I also have to warn you against buying these for jogging or exercising. Although some people say that the ER-6s have low enough microphonics for these activities, I find it extremely annoying, even if I am only walking to the next room.

That said, they are outstanding sonically; based on my (very limited) audio experience, they are by far the most detailed and neutral headphones/speakers that I have heard. I find the isolation to be very handy, especially for that 14 car ride with the family or for the 20 hour flight with the screaming baby sitting in the seat behind you.

In-ear phones certainly aren't for everyone but I would give them a shot if you are considering new headphones are need something for traveling.

 

[pedxing]

One of the things to consider besides price and performance is convenience. Some reviewers have found the Shure E2C more convenient to use while exercising or walking. The earphones don't go in as deep so there is less microphonic problems, but they do not isolate as well as the ety's.

If you are they type that sits still while listening to music in a noisy environment, I think the ety's offer the best performance for the price.

 

[Hiker]

Personally, I have had no problems with microphonics with the ER-4Ps. I have used them for the past half a year doing various activities from lounging around the house, cutting the grass, and running. I wrap the cord around my ear kinda in the same fashion that the shures were designed to do. This virturally eliminates microphonics for me. Plus, I would NEVER, EVER sacrifice the supurb sound quality of the etys for the e2cs!

 

[Nights_85]

personally I'd say the e2c's are very durable, especially those wax guards. so none of that continually buyiug filters for ur ER earphones. the sound is pretty good providing you have a source that can give it a good sound, so I guess an amp is in need for this. doesn't sound half bad out of your portable either.

definately a good buy, and way better than ex70 (just adding it in)

ladies and gentlemen this was my 200th post... just a side-non-important note

 

[Hiker]

I guess it seems that I am an unusual case. Not only do I not experience a lot of microphonics, I don't go through filters all that quickly. I have had my ER-4Ps for over 6 months and still have not had to change the filters. Its just a matter of keeping your ears clean which you should do anyway. And if you use that little case that comes with the etys, they won't get clogged with dust either.

 

[Sugarfried]

Quote:

Originally posted by pedxing The earphones don't go in as deep so there is less microphonic problems,

Earphones go in as far as people put them. The depth doesn't have as much to do with the microphonics as the actual cable used, and then the positioning of that cable. I've done extensive studies on this subject when considering cables to use on earphones, and the main consideration is cable type. That has a lot to do with the potential for microphonics.
Then, if that cable is positioned behind the neck and made snug with an adjustment tube, the cable isn't able to move freely and rub up against clothing, skin, etc. This helps to reduce microphonics even more.


Quote:

but they do not isolate as well as the ety's.

Again, this is more a factor of what sleeve is used, the shape of the ear, and how the earphone is positioned in the ear. From ear to ear results vary quite a bit.

 

[Entropic]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I didn't expect such a quick response.

From what I can gather;

1. The consensus is that the E2Cs are more durable than the 4p's.

2. Chuck and Hiker disagree about whether the e2c's or the 4p's have the better bass

3. Hiker says that he doesn't have microphonic problems with the 4p. (That surprised me since everyone else is constantly complaining about this issue!)

Does that sum it up?

At the moment I think I'll get a pair of Etymotic 4p's for quality and probably another pair for the gym or being on the move. The question now is do I go for the 6p's or the e2c's? for my second pair).

Which one would you go for? (I'll start a different thread on this)

Entropic

 

[Ari]

Hey Entropic !!

I've used ETY's 4 S/P for about 1 year now. And for about 4 months ago I bought a Shure E1c.

a) Ety's go a little more deep on bass and trebles, and are "technically" better. "Practically", I like E1c. They sound VERY good too.

b) Ety's are very fragile. E1c seems to be more durable

c) I can't understand how an ETY user do not have microphonic problems unless you change the cables. Cables on Shure are much more flex and do not "microphone"

d) I did try e2c and did not like it. If you go Shure, go E1c or E5c if you can afford.

e) I'm using my E1c with Triple-Flange Sleeves (optional E1c/E5c only) that came w/ my ETY's and they are working fine. This is another reason to go E1 and not E2. E2 do not fit in Triple-Flange Sleeves

For a second pair, I definitely would go for Shure E2. This way, in my opinion, you have the best of both words: The quality of ETY's and the practicity of Shure at about the same quality.

I hope you understand my poor English...

Best

Ari

 

[Entropic]

Hi Ari,

Brasilia eh? I went to Rio in May... fantastic!!! I live Brazil, the women are great and they can all do that dance where they move their hips like a pneumatic drill...

But I digress...

You said,

Quote:

Originally posted by Ari d) I did try e2c and did not like it. If you go Shure, go E1c or E5c if you can afford.

But then you say

Quote:

Originally posted by Ari For a second pair, I definitely would go for Shure E2. This way, in my opinion, you have the best of both words: The quality of ETY's and the practicity of Shure at about the same quality.

So you didn't like the e2 but say go and get a pair? Is that based on price or is there anything else to that?

What exactly did you not like about the e2c's? Was is sound quality or fit? If it was sound, what was the difference?

Entropic