Super.fi 3 vs E3C

[browniefever]

I'm on the market for a new set of in ears, as my current e3c's have kicked the bucket. I've been quite happy with these e3c's, but have been hearing great things about the UE cans. I'm not sure if it's fair to compare the e3c's to the super.fi 3's, but the two fit into my price range. I would love to try the super.fi 5's if I only had the cash for it...Does anyone have any suggestions when trying to compare these to? I'll mainly be using these with my ipod and powerbook when travelling. Thanks in advance

 

[derek8555]

I can't comment on SF3, but if you like E3's midrange, you won't find it in the SF5P, best bet is a pair of E4, they are way above E3 in terms of sound quality.

 

[browniefever]

I find the e3c to have almost too much mid-range at times (depending on the type of music I'm listening to). I really likely the livelyness of the shure's, but was looking for something that had that same sort of liveliness but with a more even overall soundstage. I've been reading some good things about the v-moda vibes. Perhaps that's a valid contender?

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by browniefever /img/forum/go_quote.gif I find the e3c to have almost too much mid-range at times (depending on the type of music I'm listening to). I really likely the livelyness of the shure's, but was looking for something that had that same sort of liveliness but with a more even overall soundstage. I've been reading some good things about the v-moda vibes. Perhaps that's a valid contender?

The V-moda Vibe sounds (from the reviews) like it would be a good contender. I think there was an SF3 vs. E3C thread before which you may want to check out. How much do you have to spend? You can get the SF5pro for $189 now (you don't have to spend the retail price of $249 on them).
Since you don't want too much mid, the SF5pro would be a great choice for you if you can afford them. I don't care much for the SF3 but I think it is still better and would choose it anyday over the E3C.

 

[derek8555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by browniefever /img/forum/go_quote.gif I find the e3c to have almost too much mid-range at times (depending on the type of music I'm listening to). I really likely the livelyness of the shure's, but was looking for something that had that same sort of liveliness but with a more even overall soundstage. I've been reading some good things about the v-moda vibes. Perhaps that's a valid contender?

You feel the E3s have too much mid is because that's all they got... No highs, no lows.
E4s have a much more livelier sound than E3s, more highs, more lows, and overall fuller and bigger. If you can get a chance to try them out at some local audio store that would be great.

 

[browniefever]

I was hoping to only drop around $100-130. I found the E3C's for $130, and I see that the vibe's go for about $100. The only problem is that I haven't been able to find a place around buffalo to check out the vibes or the SF3's...Is it possible to order the vibe's or SF3's and then return them if I don't care for the sound? Not sure which online store has a good return policy for that...

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by browniefever /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was hoping to only drop around $100-130. I found the E3C's for $130, and I see that the vibe's go for about $100. The only problem is that I haven't been able to find a place around buffalo to check out the vibes or the SF3's...Is it possible to order the vibe's or SF3's and then return them if I don't care for the sound? Not sure which online store has a good return policy for that...

Yeah, you probably can... but there was this same question posted in the amp section today. Where do all the returned amps go?
Similarly, it is really unfair to the manufacturers to order several pairs and then return all but the one you like because then they take a big loss on them. They can't sell them as new, and therefore have to repackage and possibly recondition them and take a loss on them.
It is better if you can find a store near you that has them, or maybe try to go to a user meet and test out someone's gear. Even though the bigger IEM companies and IEM resellers will take less of a financial blow than the individual DIY amp guy, it still isn't really a good thing to make a habit of IMHO.

 

[derek8555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPodPJ /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, you probably can... but there was this same question posted in the amp section today. Where do all the returned amps go? Similarly, it is really unfair to the manufacturers to order several pairs and then return all but the one you like because then they take a big loss on them. They can't sell them as new, and therefore have to repackage and possibly recondition them and take a loss on them. It is better if you can find a store near you that has them, or maybe try to go to a user meet and test out someone's gear. Even though the bigger IEM companies and IEM resellers will take less of a financial blow than the individual DIY amp guy, it still isn't really a good thing to make a habit of IMHO.

x2. Try local audio stores see if they have anything to demo.

 

[browniefever]

yeah, i agree with that. I'd much rather try them out first and simply buy the ones i like. It just seems like most of the shops around here carry shures and etys...haven't been able to find too many other options in my price range otherwise...what's the best way to find out where nearby meets may be?

 

[derek8555]

Quote:

Originally Posted by browniefever /img/forum/go_quote.gif yeah, i agree with that. I'd much rather try them out first and simply buy the ones i like. It just seems like most of the shops around here carry shures and etys...haven't been able to find too many other options in my price range otherwise...what's the best way to find out where nearby meets may be?

Here
Browse it and see if there is any near your place, you can probably also see what people are bringing too.

 

[browniefever]

Ended up picking up the vibes earlier today and really like them so far. For $100 I think the sound is great. thanks for all your help...