Question Re: Shure E4C from PlasmaBay

[BlackStallion]

Last week I ordered a pair of Shure E4C earphones from PlasmaBay.com for $175 after seeing the site mentioned here as having some of the lowest prices around.

I was very sure to specify that I wanted the E4C (Black) model that was advertised on their site to match my iAudio X5. I received the earphones today and the packaging says E4 and not E4C as I specified. I then went back to the website and the product description page is totally different from last week with no mention of a E4C, only an E4: see here: http://www.plasmabay.com/Plasma/Product.asp_X_Sku_Y_E4 Also, the price now shown on the site is $169.95.

I looked at the online order form in my account form and it reads "SHURE E4 Sound Isolating Earphones (Black)" while I'm absolutely sure it said "SHURE E4C Sound Isolating Earphones (Black)" last week when I ordered.

Now I'm unsure whether I should open the package or just return it since I don't know for sure what I really have...it could be a E4S, an E4C, or even an E4G model. Does anyone have any experience with this? Does anyone know if this is a grey market product?

Here's a picture of the package I received:

 

[fondy44]

Mine came in the exact same packaging. They are dark grey instead of black. From what I understand, there are four versions:
E4c Black
E4c White
E4 Grey
E4g Black
The only difference I can find on Shure's page is that the black versions (E4C and E4G) have a 55-inch cord instead of the 61-inch cord (E4 Grey and E4c White).

 

[BlackStallion]

You're right. From what I can see of the cord through the packaging its a dark grey and not black. According to contents listing on the package I have, this has a 62 inch (1.57m) cable while the Shure website describes the E4C as "E4c (in black): 1.42m (55 inches)"

I'm not sure what exactly I have since the package does not specify and only says E4 but apparently its not the E4C model I wanted.



Quote:

Originally Posted by fondy44 Mine came in the exact same packaging. They are dark grey instead of black. From what I understand, there are four versions: E4c Black E4c White E4 Grey E4g Black The only difference I can find on Shure's page is that the black versions (E4C and E4G) have a 55-inch cord instead of the 61-inch cord (E4 Grey and E4c White).

 

[BlackStallion]

BTW, where did you see the E4 model mentioned? It is NOT on the Shure website.

 

[BlackStallion]

Okay, as I'm poking around the Shure website I found this bit of information: http://tinyurl.com/z26v3


Differences between E4, E4C, E4G, E4C-N
Question
What is the difference between all the E4 versions out there?
Answer
The E4, E4C, and E4G are all the same earphone and will sound exactly the same. The difference is color and packaging. The E4 is dark gray, the E4C is white and the E4G is black. the E4C also comes in black which is basically the E4G in a different package. They will all sound EXACTLY the same. Recently the E4G started to ship with an ear hugger which loops around the ear for a more secure fit of the earphone. This just started to ship with the E4G only with this accessory and may not be on shelves yet. It is not available as a separate item...only with the E4G. Other than that...the E4 series will ship with the same accessories. Also the E4G does NOT have more bass. Please click below for more info:

Click Here



Strangely enough the E4 is not mentioned in their product descriptions; only the E4C. And it still isn't the black color I wanted; I feel like I've been taken.

 

[BlackStallion]

Hmmm... I suppose I got a "professional" version of the earphones:


Differences between the "professional" and "consumer" versions of Shure earphones?
Question
What are the differences between the "professional" and "consumer" versions of Shure earphones?
Answer
Shure distributes earphones to performers through professional music equipment dealers as model numbers E2, E3, E4, and E5, and to consumers through our website and through consumer electronics retailers as models E2c, E3c, E4c, and E5c. There are absolutely no differences in performance between the "professional" earphones and the "consumer" earphones. The only differences are: The E2 and E2c have different User Guides and packaging. The E3 earphones are gray, while the E3c earphones are white; they also have different User Guides and packaging. The E4 earphones are dark gray, while the E4c earphones are white; they also have different User Guides and packaging and include the same accessories. The E5 earphones are shipped with a small velvet pouch and a molded plastic storage case; the E5c earphones are shipped with a small round zippered carrying case, an adjustable volume control, 1/4" adapter, and has a different User Guide and packaging.