Shure E3 vs. Westone UM1

[TBSN]

Finally I've narrowed down my price range to a couple models of IEM's, and I'm wondering which is the better value.

I can get the Shure E3 for about $127 and the UM1 for $109.

I've decided to stay away from the Etymotic just because of the extra cost of the filters and the fact that they do not wrap around the ear.

Also, what is the difference between the E3g, E3 and E3c, besides the color and a few bucks price difference?

Thanks for the help!

(BTW, I listen to hard rock, jazz and electronic music and I'll most likely be using these with an iPod in a noisy environment...)

 

[derek8555]

E3 lacks in both high and low extension and in quantity IMHO, so unless you looking for a shure midrange otherwise get UM1.

IIRC, E3=E3g=E3c in terms of sound, the only difference I could tell is color and cord length. This has been mentioned quite a few times already, the search function built into the forum can help you find all these info.

 

[TBSN]

OK, so UM1 = cheaper and better than E3? Cool. How about the sound's characteristics? Are there any other IEM's at this price range worthy of mention? I checked out the ER-6i, which is about $80- $90, but I've heard that the cords have microphonics more than the Shures... It is a lot cheaper however... Any other opinions?

 

[marvelusjd]

I've also been looking into the UM1s to upgrade from my Shure E2s and they seem well regarded around here. They have a very low profile, seem not to have the microphonics issue and a good all around sound.

 

[LaBreaHead]

Hmmm ... iPod in a noisy environment. If you want an isolating in-ear monitor (IEM) in that price range, give the Westones a try. The comfort is supposed to way up the list for IEMs, and the relatively bassy sound is supposed to be fun and non-fatiguing. (I'd be interested to hear opinions on how the UM1's isolate compared to the ER6i's, because the Etymotics can isolate very well.)

While the price you cited is better than most prices for the E3's, as an E3 owner, I'm disappointed with how they sound out of iPods (with players that have a more effective customized EQ, they sound better to my ears ... but I like the Etymotics more).

I actually have grown to like the fact that the Ety wires don't wrap over the ear, but there is (are?) microphonics (not a problem for how I use them, but if you're on the move or exercising while wearing them, it might -- or might not -- bother you ... I don't find them as pronounced as the microphonics on the EP 630's, which I also like and use a lot).

So, based on the basic criteria you've listed, you might be a UM1 person.

 

[Febs]

I think that the UM-1 does better for its price in terms of overall performance than the E3.

If you want a solid all around performer, get the UM-1. If you want the Shure sound, spend a bit more and get the E4 rather than the E3.

 

[3X0]

From what I've heard the E3 is mostly a lot of the midrange of the E4 with much less bass and much less highs.

 

[TBSN]

Alright, I'm going to go for the UM1's. I'll let everyone know how they sound once I do. Thanks for the input!

 

[Circle O Willis]

I've just recently started looking into some IEM's and i'm also leaning towards either the UM-1 or E3. an update on what you think after deciding would be helpful.

anyone have any more advice in deciding between these two or if there is another that i should really consider for my first pair of IEM's.

....have a friend now who may sell me his e4c for the price of the e3c. so i guess for me its UM-1 vs e4c...personally not knowing much about any IEMs not having heard them, is this even a contest or should i just go ahead and take the offer?

 

[derek8555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Circle O Willis I've just recently started looking into some IEM's and i'm also leaning towards either the UM-1 or E3. an update on what you think after deciding would be helpful. anyone have any more advice in deciding between these two or if there is another that i should really consider for my first pair of IEM's. ....have a friend now who may sell me his e4c for the price of the e3c. so i guess for me its UM-1 vs e4c...personally not knowing much about any IEMs not having heard them, is this even a contest or should i just go ahead and take the offer?

For the case of UM1 vs E4, I think there is no question about the superiority of the E4s, but UM2 is much better than E4 in many regards IMO. However, if you say you can get E4 for the price of E3s, then it's a bargain, and I doubt any other deal would give you a better performance/price ratio than this one. FYI, E3 are about $90-100, and E4 in the $150 range usually, used.

 

[acegazda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaBreaHead /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmmm ... iPod in a noisy environment. If you want an isolating in-ear monitor (IEM) in that price range, give the Westones a try. The comfort is supposed to way up the list for IEMs, and the relatively bassy sound is supposed to be fun and non-fatiguing. (I'd be interested to hear opinions on how the UM1's isolate compared to the ER6i's, because the Etymotics can isolate very well.) While the price you cited is better than most prices for the E3's, as an E3 owner, I'm disappointed with how they sound out of iPods (with players that have a more effective customized EQ, they sound better to my ears ... but I like the Etymotics more). I actually have grown to like the fact that the Ety wires don't wrap over the ear, but there is (are?) microphonics (not a problem for how I use them, but if you're on the move or exercising while wearing them, it might -- or might not -- bother you ... I don't find them as pronounced as the microphonics on the EP 630's, which I also like and use a lot). So, based on the basic criteria you've listed, you might be a UM1 person.

In your opinion, does the 3x price increase justify the sound quality jump from the ep-630s to an er6i or UM1?

 

[Jokieman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by acegazda /img/forum/go_quote.gif In your opinion, does the 3x price increase justify the sound quality jump from the ep-630s to an er6i or UM1?

Yes. The UM1's and UM2's also benefit from being very versatile. With different tips, come different sound signatures. Nothing beats their comfort and they have almost no microphonics at all due to the cord design.