In need of advice

[Vicsun]

I really hope people aren't sick of those threads, but here goes...

I'm looking into improving the sound coming out of my iPod by replacing the boxed earbuds with canal-phones. I've been lurking here for maybe two months now, and have come to the conclusion Shure E2(c)'s provide a best value for money. Bearing in mind I'm on a budget and all (I don't want to spend more than $100), what would you recommend? Would you recommend anything different?
And also, I've found several websites selling the E2s for $65. Is this a realistic price or are they scammers? I know a good number of people got burnt by trying to buy iPods at ridiculously low prices...
Also, I recall seeing a site claiming they would beat any price lower than $99.99, and figuring that would protect me from a potential scam (the site was a major one... I think) I thought of emailing them, but I've now lost the site. Is there someone who knows a site offering a similar... offer?

 

[joelongwood]

Welcome to Head-Fi, Vicsun!

I've been listening to the ER2cs quite a bit with my iPod, and I can tell you that the sound is wonderful. The iPod drives them quite comfortably.
The only problem I have is maintaining a good seal. I'm a silicone guy who really doesn't like foamies, but I can't seem to find any of the three sizes of silicone tips to be acceptable. The small and medium are too small, but the large is just a tad too big. Just about any movement on my part seems to break the seal, with the resultant loss of bass. But if I'm stationary, the seal stays and the sound is very good, with nice bass and good (not great) detail.
I much prefer the tri-flanges of the Ety 4s.....perfect seal every time!
$65 for the Shures seems like a very good price.....I don't know if you can do much better than that. As far as where to get them, I'm sure others here can post their experiences with vendors. It would be nice if you could get them from one of our sponsors here, as I believe that Headroom and Todd the Vinyl Junkie both offer a 30 day money back guarantee. If you don't like them, you can ship them back.
If you can swing it (at MSRP of $149, they're quite a bit over budget

), you may want to check out the new ETY ER6i which are designed for the electronics and aesthetics of the iPod.......and I think they now have tri-flange tips. They should be available shortly.
Hope this helps.

 

[go_vtec]

Try iDealSound (one of our sponsors) by clicking on the name on top right. As far as alternative goes, I would say check out Sony MDR-EX71SL (not bad for $30 dollar phones, but your mileage may vary). Welcome to Head-fi and sorry about your wallet (our official greeting).
-Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicsun I really hope people aren't sick of those threads, but here goes... I'm looking into improving the sound coming out of my iPod by replacing the boxed earbuds with canal-phones. I've been lurking here for maybe two months now, and have come to the conclusion Shure E2(c)'s provide a best value for money. Bearing in mind I'm on a budget and all (I don't want to spend more than $100), what would you recommend? Would you recommend anything different? And also, I've found several websites selling the E2s for $65. Is this a realistic price or are they scammers? I know a good number of people got burnt by trying to buy iPods at ridiculously low prices... Also, I recall seeing a site claiming they would beat any price lower than $99.99, and figuring that would protect me from a potential scam (the site was a major one... I think) I thought of emailing them, but I've now lost the site. Is there someone who knows a site offering a similar... offer?

 

[Vicsun]

Thanks for the replies. I'll be sure to check out head-fi's sponsors in search for the perfect retailer

Now let me add some more information as well as clarifying my orignal message.

Firstly, I live in Denmark and I know a good number of retailers don't offer international shipping... And to clarify, when I asked if the $65 e2's were scams I wasn't worried about the price being too high and thus getting ripped off, I was worried about them taking the money and not sending the product

 

[commando]

I don't like Shures - they lack detail and highs. I had the E3s and was so dissapointed I sent them back. You could always wait for the new Etys which are designed for the iPod - see this thread

 

[skitlets]

if you email idealsound saying u were referred by head-fi, they might drop the price some. I'm not quite sure about the shipping situation, however.

 

[John Reeves]

Hi,

If you e-mail Todd the Vinyl Junkie - a Head-Fi sponsor, he will ship headphones as a gift under $60 so you can avoid import duty and VAT.
Hope this helps.

Regards

John