Shure E3c or something else?

[PTCHFRKR]

I used to own a pair of E2cs, which in terms of sound quality was relatively pleased with (haven't really tried any other IEM); unfortunately there's clearly a design flaw with the cable and after several replacements (which had the same problem - an eventual split in the cable near the earphone after 3-4 months) I'm finally getting an upgrade to a pair of E3cs from Shure. The question is, having seen several not-great reviews of the E3cs, should I keep them when they arrive or sell them on eBay and buy something else? I like the look of the v-modas but have heard a lot of conflicting information concerning sound quality.

 

[DJShadow]

I strongly suggest that you don't open them up, sell them and get the Shure e4c (or Etymotic er-4) or higher up. The e3c in my experience always makes you feel that its sorely deficient in highs and bass, leaving the sense of yearning for more. The difference in price is fully justified imo.

 

[virusvoodoo]

A vote for the Shure E4's or Etymotic ER-4's if you are concerned with details and neutral sound otherwise go with the Super.fi 5 Pro's for its full sound with superb bass and soundstage.

 

[Wildcard30]

I would skip over to the E4C.

 

[Thade]

I was going to post a thread on this question but I guess I can toss it in here. I wonder if anyone can speculate on why earphonesolutions bumped the E4 down a notch below the E3 recently on their "best earphones" page??

http://www.earphonesolutions.com/beeaforip.html

 

[Spyro]

Shure should just drop the E3. The $179 retail MSRP is laughable. I couldn't see selling them for more that $50.

 

[PTCHFRKR]

The E4s are well out of my price range. Any other suggestions? How do the Vibes compare to the E3s?

 

[robm321]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJShadow /img/forum/go_quote.gif I strongly suggest that you don't open them up, sell them and get the Shure e4c (or Etymotic er-4) or higher up. The e3c in my experience always makes you feel that its sorely deficient in highs and bass, leaving the sense of yearning for more. The difference in price is fully justified imo.

Agreed. I own the e3 too. I own the er4s and it is leagues better.

 

[2ndbest]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTCHFRKR /img/forum/go_quote.gif The E4s are well out of my price range. Any other suggestions? How do the Vibes compare to the E3s?

Are they still out of your price range if you sell the E3's? I'd save up some more and would definitely try to get your hands on a pair of E4C's. i have a pair of E3's and I hardly ever use them, because, yuite frankly, i don't like the way they sounds.

 

[loco_ped]

How do the Westone UM1 compair to the e4c's? Seems to be another option, and they use the same shure sleeves.

 

[PTCHFRKR]

The E4s are still pretty much unaffordable for me even if I sell the Shures.

 

[DJShadow]

What kind of price are you looking up? I really don't think you should be keeping/getting the e3c or equivalent IEM because the improvements by going to the next model or substantial. To me, the gap from e3c to e4c is the inverse of diminishing returns.

 

[LaBreaHead]

Something else ...

... Ok, now that I've typed that, I'll go back and read your post.

Not to be harsh when it comes to the E3, but it's way overpriced in today's market, IMO. I paid about $139 (vs. the $179 retail price), and it was still too much for what you get. Don't get me wrong, I got some good use out of them on long airplane flights (good isolation and comfort with Shure foamies), but got good sound only on players that EQ well.

As for your situation -- I like the sound of the Vibes more than the sound of the E3s, but that's a subjective thing and might not apply to you (and do a search for the raging debate regarding them). No one has mentioned the Ety ER6i, which I have gone back to after giving up on the E3s (thumbs up on those with foam ear tips). I haven't heard the Westone UM1, but it could be a possibility for you in your range. If you don't mind the "pod," look into the Altec Lansings (do a search). Maybe the JBL's with the cloth-wrapped cords would be a possibility for you.

Just don't bother with the E3s ...

 

[loco_ped]

compared to my UM1's my old E3's seem like cheap sony crap. Happy with my switch.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

I think the E3 is actually a much better headphone than the E2 (I owned both). Sure, the Super5pro and ER4 are both much superior headphones (I listened to/owned those too) than the E3 but for the budget conscious I think the E3 is not bad for the money.