Shure e3c's broke for the third time; warranty expired. Which IEM?

[Meifa]

This is not my week. First my 5g ipod broke, now my e3cs broke... For the third time in 2 years. Unfortunately, my 2 year warranty expired last year, so no free replacement this time.

Suggestions for a new IEM? I liked the sound of the e3cs, but I'm not married too it. Other features I need/want:

1) I would love to have more durability in whatever I buy this time. I use my IEMs at the gym and when I travel, so they get dragged around quite a bit. I know I should be more careful and not let the headphone go loose in my purse, etc., but sometimes when you're on the run, it's hard to avoid!

2) Airplane-travel rated, i.e., good sound isolation. I like foamie tips.

3) Nice sound, not too treble heavy please!

Any suggestions? I'm on a plane Wednesday/Thursday and really would like to lay hands on a new pair before I have to fly.

 

[DJShadow]

My e3c broke twice in a year

.

I upgraded to the e4 last week and the improvements are astonishing, you won't believe how much you were missing with the e3c. Highs and lows aren't 'veiled', but its not treble heavy at all in case you were worried.

Not only is the sound quality better, build quality is way superior as well. You see how the e3c has nozzles made entirely from crappy plastic? The e4/e4c nozzle is made from better plastic but is secured to the housing with a metal base that screws on i.e reduces the potential of the nozzle coming/snapping off. The cable seems to be the same but they're very durable in my experience anyway.

This is only my experience, hopefully others will chime in with different views.

 

[3X0]

You could also look into the Westone UM1.

 

[virusvoodoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meifa /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is not my week. First my 5g ipod broke, now my e3cs broke... For the third time in 2 years. Unfortunately, my 2 year warranty expired last year, so no free replacement this time. Suggestions for a new IEM? I liked the sound of the e3cs, but I'm not married too it. Other features I need/want: 1) I would love to have more durability in whatever I buy this time. I use my IEMs at the gym and when I travel, so they get dragged around quite a bit. I know I should be more careful and not let the headphone go loose in my purse, etc., but sometimes when you're on the run, it's hard to avoid! 2) Airplane-travel rated, i.e., good sound isolation. I like foamie tips. 3) Nice sound, not too treble heavy please! Any suggestions? I'm on a plane Wednesday/Thursday and really would like to lay hands on a new pair before I have to fly.

You can directly upgrade to the Shure E4 series, something that is generally better but still retain the nice Shure sound signature if that is something you've grown accustomed to. There are also the Shure E500/E530's (both are the same) that is supposedly the best offering from Shure. The bass is great and the midrange is out of this world. The downside is that they have a little bit of roll off in highs, which may suit your preference.

If you mainly care about isolation then I think Etyomic IEM's are the best in this. They also have great detail and clarity, especially the ER-4 series. However, Etyomic may have more treble than you might like. Also, these may sound to have thin as the bass response is not as solid as others but it is said to improve if you can manage to get the right fittings.

If you want some fun with more bass and fuller sound/bigger soundstage then you can try either the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro's or the Westone UM2's. These two IEM's generally sound the same but often criticized of having recessed mids.

For comfort, I think the comply fittings that come with the Westone IEM's and the new Shure E500/E530's. Those things are unbelievably comfortable as I can wear them for a whole day without feeling any ear-ache.

Now that I think about it, it looks like the Shure E500/530 is probably the best for you.

 

[DSlayerZX]

shure might still give you a replacement with a little charge even after the warranty expires. Then you might be able to sell the IEM and use it to fund your next purchase. Wait..... this is not a fraud is it? @@

 

[Trippytiger]

Just to clarify - has it been over two years since your E3c last got replaced, or since you bought the first pair? Because if you got your last replacement pair less than two years ago, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't get your current pair replaced under warranty. Shure does offer a two year warranty from the date of manufacture (as stamped on the plug) on every pair of earphones, after all.

 

[dealmaster00]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trippytiger /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just to clarify - has it been over two years since your E3c last got replaced, or since you bought the first pair? Because if you got your last replacement pair less than two years ago, there shouldn't be any reason why you can't get your current pair replaced under warranty. Shure does offer a two year warranty from the date of manufacture (as stamped on the plug) on every pair of earphones, after all.

op said "Unfortunately, my 2 year warranty expired last year, so no free replacement this time."

 

[Olorin]

You could also look into the YUIN PKs. Although afaik not many people have heard them yet. Their sound is supposed to be very unique without any real flaws, judging by the few reviews that have already been posted.

 

[vo328]

Meifa, how exactly did they break? Did the nozzle snap off? Just curious... thanks.

 

[Flavio T]

I would strongly recommend going with the new Shure SE210.

 

[Febs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dealmaster00 /img/forum/go_quote.gif op said "Unfortunately, my 2 year warranty expired last year, so no free replacement this time."

Right. And Trippytiger asked him to clarify why he reached that conclusion. The OP may be under the mistaken impression that the warranty expired two years from his original date of purchase, and may not be aware that Shure will honor the warranty from the date of manufacture of the replacement pair that broke.

 

[dealmaster00]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs /img/forum/go_quote.gif Right. And Trippytiger asked him to clarify why he reached that conclusion. The OP may be under the mistaken impression that the warranty expired two years from his original date of purchase, and may not be aware that Shure will honor the warranty from the date of manufacture of the replacement pair that broke.

oh yeah, my bad

 

[smsmasters]

Just call Shure, I'm "shure" they will help you out

In the UK, they let me upgrade my E3c to the E4c for a small fee.

I've got a good feeling they will just send you a replacement for free or a small fee if you ask nicely, even though your warranty has expired.

What exactly broke by the way?