Quote:
Originally Posted by boodi
e4c look probably the most interesting midbudget canalphones..
waiting for more feedback and comparison before i try them
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Wow! More comparisons and reviews...? No doubt you'll get them if you continue to wait, but there's an abundance of material already written and I think a concensus (although not unanimity) has materialized re: E4C's:
- E4C's represent a sonic enhancement over E2's and E3's (might be unanimous).
- E4C's are not as bass rich as E5's, but present more and cleaner treble and cost at least $150 less.
- Many/most owners report the E4C's bass to be adequate, tight, and balanced.
- Super.Fi Pros produce more bass than E4's, but less treble (rolled off).
After all the reviews I digested, I ruled out the Super.Fi's even though there was a lot of interest in them when they were first mentioned here. My decision came down to Shure E4C vs. E5C. I'll admit to being heavily influenced by Jude's post in which he provided a convincing rationale for preferring the E4C.
I did experience some early difficulties with the E4C's. Before becoming properly acclimated to them, I wore them too long/deep with the wrong fitting sleeve and ended up getting a very distorted perception. Thanks to advice from Head-Fiers, I cleared up those early misperceptions and am now truly enjoying the sound. I find the bass sufficiently deep/extended to be realistic, if not basshead quality, and the overall sonic spectrum is wonderfully detailed and nicely balanced. Since these are true canaphones (tight seal), unlike my previous EX71's, I am still getting used to the feel of them, the minor cable microphonics, and other noise caused by body movements. Those factors appear to be intrinsic to canaphones in general, regardless of manufacturer.
At one point, I thought I might sell the E4's in order to upgrade to the E5's, but I have since done a reversal on that notion. I have decided to keep these E4C's which, although not perfect, may very well be the best value available in canaphones from $175-250. After all, I don't think I want to pay more for earphones than I did for IPOD itself!
KenB