luc0
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2006
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Well friends, I've been sitting here literally for 3.5 hours trying to decide which IEM's to get. Here's what I've come up with and I know you guys have to read threads like these 20 times a day, so bear with me.
First a little background info: I'm coming from Shure E2C's which were my first pair of IEM's. They sounded great compared to stock buds I had before. However they weren't very comfortable because of the thick, stiff cord which is now damaged beyond repair in only 6 months. And I know there are better sounding buds out there. Anyway here's what almost 6 hours total in research has gotten me, hopefully it might help other people in the market as well. My music tastes are almost always guitar heavy rock/alternative ie: Smashing Pumpkins, White Stripes etc. Lots of Frank Zappa which is often full orchestra.
Oh and one more point, I will NOT be getting an amp. I hate carrying crap in my pocket as it is, I don't need an amp in there as well. I know they add a lot but it's just not practicle for me since 90% of the time I will use my new headphones it will be on the go.
1. Westone UM1: PROS: Superb comfort, well built with exellent flexible braided cable (this is huge for me since how badly the Shure cable has fared, its far too stiff and splits if bent at a sharp angle), low profile when they're in the ear, better sound with Shure triple flange tips. CONS: Well balanced sound but a little muddy especially with the comply tips. Looking for a definate sound upgrade from the E2C's, unfortunately I expect the UM1's will leave something to be desired. Price in Canadian dollars: $124 (additional $15 for triple flange tips)
2. Ultimate Ears Super. fi 5 Pro: I know it's a completely unfair comparison but it's a battle of comfort/durability vs. sound. The lower price, better comfort and better cord put the UM1's above the Super.fi's so far. I do not want to spend 200+ on headphones only for the cord to last 5 months because of how hard I am on them. The cord is replaceable but only available directly from UE and the total price for shipping to Canada will be more than the cords themselves are worth for a total of $55 dollars plus whatever customs fee's. PROS: Dual drivers, Sound quality should blow the UM1's and the E2C's out of the water. CONS: Not as comfortable as the Westones, and again, I predict the cable will deteriorate quickly since how hard I am on them at work especially. Price in CDN: $235
3. Shure E4C's: Two weeks ago this would have been #1. But now seeing how much better the cable design on the UM1 is, they've dropped to third. I still fear the stiff, unflexible cable the Shures have. PROS: Better sound quality than the UM1's, most definately. Comes with quite a few more tips than the Westones or UE's, and my favorite tip with the E2C's were the small clear plastics, which the E4C's come with as well. CONS: Crappy cable, not as comfortable as the UM1's, most people say the Super.fi 5 pro's are much better sounding. Price in CDN: $168
Notable exceptions: Ety ER6i, ER4p/s: I'm sorry, they're just too ugly for me, I didn't even consider them. I think the sound is more detail less balance which I'm not into.
Shure E3C: High high detail, not much bass response. Not the type of sound I like. I listen for long extended periods and do not want to get fatigued.
Super.fi 5 EB: Most say only good if you're a total and utter bass whore.
Anyway I guess I'm still looking for some perspective on this, I want to make the right decision. Please feel free to correct me any misconceptions I have, or anything I've left out.
I think what I really need to do is find an audio shop where I can demo my top 3 buds. Anyone know of any stores like this in the Toronto/Guelph area?
And I hope anyone else thats finding it very difficult to come to a similar decision on this will come in here and express their thoughts.
I WISH I WISH I WISH I WISH THE UM2's were 100 dollars less than they are
Maybe I should wait for my birthday and split on a pair of UM2's with my parents or something. I can't wait till August though
Thanks all.
First a little background info: I'm coming from Shure E2C's which were my first pair of IEM's. They sounded great compared to stock buds I had before. However they weren't very comfortable because of the thick, stiff cord which is now damaged beyond repair in only 6 months. And I know there are better sounding buds out there. Anyway here's what almost 6 hours total in research has gotten me, hopefully it might help other people in the market as well. My music tastes are almost always guitar heavy rock/alternative ie: Smashing Pumpkins, White Stripes etc. Lots of Frank Zappa which is often full orchestra.
Oh and one more point, I will NOT be getting an amp. I hate carrying crap in my pocket as it is, I don't need an amp in there as well. I know they add a lot but it's just not practicle for me since 90% of the time I will use my new headphones it will be on the go.
1. Westone UM1: PROS: Superb comfort, well built with exellent flexible braided cable (this is huge for me since how badly the Shure cable has fared, its far too stiff and splits if bent at a sharp angle), low profile when they're in the ear, better sound with Shure triple flange tips. CONS: Well balanced sound but a little muddy especially with the comply tips. Looking for a definate sound upgrade from the E2C's, unfortunately I expect the UM1's will leave something to be desired. Price in Canadian dollars: $124 (additional $15 for triple flange tips)
2. Ultimate Ears Super. fi 5 Pro: I know it's a completely unfair comparison but it's a battle of comfort/durability vs. sound. The lower price, better comfort and better cord put the UM1's above the Super.fi's so far. I do not want to spend 200+ on headphones only for the cord to last 5 months because of how hard I am on them. The cord is replaceable but only available directly from UE and the total price for shipping to Canada will be more than the cords themselves are worth for a total of $55 dollars plus whatever customs fee's. PROS: Dual drivers, Sound quality should blow the UM1's and the E2C's out of the water. CONS: Not as comfortable as the Westones, and again, I predict the cable will deteriorate quickly since how hard I am on them at work especially. Price in CDN: $235
3. Shure E4C's: Two weeks ago this would have been #1. But now seeing how much better the cable design on the UM1 is, they've dropped to third. I still fear the stiff, unflexible cable the Shures have. PROS: Better sound quality than the UM1's, most definately. Comes with quite a few more tips than the Westones or UE's, and my favorite tip with the E2C's were the small clear plastics, which the E4C's come with as well. CONS: Crappy cable, not as comfortable as the UM1's, most people say the Super.fi 5 pro's are much better sounding. Price in CDN: $168
Notable exceptions: Ety ER6i, ER4p/s: I'm sorry, they're just too ugly for me, I didn't even consider them. I think the sound is more detail less balance which I'm not into.
Shure E3C: High high detail, not much bass response. Not the type of sound I like. I listen for long extended periods and do not want to get fatigued.
Super.fi 5 EB: Most say only good if you're a total and utter bass whore.
Anyway I guess I'm still looking for some perspective on this, I want to make the right decision. Please feel free to correct me any misconceptions I have, or anything I've left out.
I think what I really need to do is find an audio shop where I can demo my top 3 buds. Anyone know of any stores like this in the Toronto/Guelph area?
And I hope anyone else thats finding it very difficult to come to a similar decision on this will come in here and express their thoughts.
I WISH I WISH I WISH I WISH THE UM2's were 100 dollars less than they are
Thanks all.
