[gnychis]

Hi all,

I am considering purchasing a pair of Shure E500PTHs and was looking for some general feedback. I have seen nothing but great reviews from them, but they are a bit pricey. I was considering the Ety ER4P's at ~$150 less, but figured I might as well go all out.

One thing that I am truly looking for in a pair of headphones is durability and longevity. Nothing peevs me more than having to replace a pair of headphones in a year or two... like is the case with my iM716s which no longer have filters available. I've read posts about cable failures with the E500PTHs, and I'm hoping that isn't that much of an issue given the price of these. I bought a pair of Sennheiser HDs nearly 6 years ago that are still flawless today, this kind of durability is great.

I'm expecting a major sound quality increase between the ER4Ps and the E500, is this true?

I was very turned off by the replaceable filter mechanisms in the ER4Ps and iM716s...whereas the E500s have a cleanable filter, are there any issues with this?

How is Shure's customer service? I've been reading good things using the search on the forum about replacing parts.

Does the warranty only come when purchasing from a supported retailer? Where do you suggest I purchase them from? Amazon has them for $350.

I'd greatly appreciate any replies, thanks!

- George

 

[Downer]

Cables seem to be a main concern with E500s but with warranty I wouldn't worry about it that much... By the way they sound amazing....

 

[webbie64]

I've heard them and they do sound very good (I wouldn't say great but I'm a very picky electrostatic guy: slightly recessed highs, less so than Westone UM2 but more sparky/digital highs than UM2 - tried via an iRiver H120 playing WAVs through a fully burned in RSA Hornet M).

However the reason I'm not going with them is all that's detailed in this current very active thread...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=251172

The poll results show cable breakage as an (ongoing) issue for nearly 40% of users!

BTW, the Etys are quite bass shy without really good amplification (even then bass recessed)

 

[tbonner1]

Worth it over ETY 4p-Yes for me

Durable-One of the most durable I have seen

 

[gnychis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cables seem to be a main concern with E500s but with warranty I wouldn't worry about it that much... By the way they sound amazing....

it's a 2 year warranty... hmmmm....

i would be very sad if they broke just outside the 2 year mark

 

[robm321]

I don't think you'll find it a major increase over the Ety ER4s (s version anyway). In fact, I own both and almost sold the e500s in favor of the ety's. Price wasn't a part of that decision either.

But the e500s are growing on me. They don't do what the ety's do well but do other things better. All in all, I'd say they are equal or slightly better than the ety's.

 

[derek8555]

Ety's and Shure's simply don't sound the same. It is really hard to compare E500/SE530 to ER4 because they are completely different animals. It all comes down to personal preference whether you want sparkling highs, or more powerful bass and doniment midrange. Soundstage wise, E500 > ER4 IMO.

If you like the darker sound but don't like the distant midrange on the E500s, you can look into UM2's, smaller soundstage though but much more forward midrange.

 

[Febs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by webbie64 /img/forum/go_quote.gif However the reason I'm not going with them is all that's detailed in this current very active thread... http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=251172 The poll results show cable breakage as an (ongoing) issue for nearly 40% of users!

Prospective E500 purchasers should definitely read that thread, but be sure to read the whole thread, as it contains Shure's response to the problem. In a nutshell, Shure has changed the formulation of its cable to correct the problem and is replacing defective units without question.

As far as sound quality, I have never heard the ER4P, but I have heard or owned the E2, E3, E4, UM1, UM2, and SF5P, and the E500 is the best of the bunch. I am very happy with mine.

 

[Jeff E]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs /img/forum/go_quote.gif As far as sound quality, I have never heard the ER4P, but I have heard or owned the E2, E3, E4, UM1, UM2, and SF5P, and the E500 is the best of the bunch. I am very happy with mine.

To paraphrase Febs to reflect my history, I have never heard the ER4P, but I have owned the E1, E4, IM716, UM2, and SF5P. I have had the E500 for a month or so. It is clearly the most accurate IEM of the lot, not even close.

 

[gnychis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robm321 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't think you'll find it a major increase over the Ety ER4s (s version anyway). In fact, I own both and almost sold the e500s in favor of the ety's. Price wasn't a part of that decision either. But the e500s are growing on me. They don't do what the ety's do well but do other things better. All in all, I'd say they are equal or slightly better than the ety's.

interesting post... I was not aware of the ER4S until now. They have an excellent review over at headphonereviews.org, but it seems as though everyone suggests they require an amp... and the reviews were done using an amp. I'm definitely not interested in an amp though... extra cost, and I want to be able to toss these things in my pocket, jog with them, and have them be extremely portable.