To those who have heard both the E5 and UM2, which do you prefer?

[Imyourzero]

Don't worry, this isn't another "E5C vs UM2?" thread because I think a lot of us know about the minor differences between these cans. What I want to know is (for people that have gotten a chance to listen to both) which one did you prefer?

I recently purchased another set of UM2s which I'm very happy with (happier than the last time for sure!) but it was a tough decision between the UM2 and the E5C. To help myself decide, I made a list of pros and cons for each based on what I've gathered from this site:

[size=small]E5C[/size]
+ Comes with lots of accessories
+ Described as more musical and fun to listen to by some
+ Well built, with Shure's excellent warranty/support to back them
- Boxy, "one-note" bass
- Highs are even more recessed than those of the UM2
- Cable will eventually turn green
- More expensive than UM2 (cheapest I found was $356 w/free shipping)

[size=small]UM2[/size]
+ Slightly better/less rolled off treble
+ More bass
+ New cable won't suffer from the greening issue
+ Less expensive than E5C
+ Very nice hard case, but...
- ...comes with less accessories than the E5C (not as many eartips, no soft portable travel case, etc.)
- Some people have heard sibilance in the UM2, though that may depend on source/music/individual ears and tolerance for sibilance
- Could possibly be more prone to breaking around the nozzles since they are glued in place unlike those of the E5C (I've only heard of 1 set breaking though, and that was vr's set)

I'm probably leaving out some stuff, but I'm about to go out with the GF for margaritas at a Mexican restaurant so I'm kinda rushed. Basically, I just want to know that I made the right decision. I just couldn't see paying MORE for less bass and treble, plus I'm a bit turned off by the green cable issue. However, I have seen the E5C described as being more musical and having more texture, and I definitely like a musical (as opposed to analytical) sound. I'm just not a fan of treble that's rolled off very much...I don't need Ety-like treble but I do want to hear most of the detail in the music.

Most people say the two models are very, very close so it may not matter that much. I hope that's the case so I can rest easy. I'm sure the differences become somewhat exaggerated around here, but everyone has different ears and equipment.

Anybody wanna send me an E5C for a short audition?

 

[Imyourzero]

5 votes so far...I didn't vote b/c I haven't heard the E5 but I'd like to get a larger sample if possible.

 

[chef8489]

Just wanted to know about cables turning green. I am wondering what people think causes this? I am wondering if it is caused by uv light. I am defently considering purchasing a pair of either e5c's or ue5c's and want all clear,but I do not want them turning green. With my e2c's I rout the cable under my shirt behind my back. This reduces the amount of light the cable recieves and I am wondering if this would keep the clear cables from turning green.

 

[spinali]

Quote:

Just wanted to know about cables turning green.

This shouldn't be a problem now that the UM2 is available with black or clear cables.

Oh, to answer your question. A rep at Westone informed me that humid environments can cause the greening. So don't use them jogging, and store them with dessicant. Greening doesn't affect the sound at all, and seems to be uncommon.

Visit my UM2 blog for more tips, including pics of the two cables. http://um2.blogspot.com/

 

[ken36]

Sent mine back to shure. Sole complaint. Green cable. Shure sent me a brand new set. Case, tips,everything. What a company.

 

[jaw5]

My vocabulary seems to be lacking the word sibilance, could someone please help me out here?

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaw5 My vocabulary seems to be lacking the word sibilance, could someone please help me out here?

think i don't like is the UM2 the mids are recessed and sound alittle darker then e5s.

 

[CookieFactory]

If the E5 cord is anything like the E4 cord (in fact it's reported to be even thicker/heavier), it definitely doesn't "disappear" weight-wise, and is a relatively uncomfortable load on top of the ear.

 

[chrisfromalbany]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieFactory If the E5 cord is anything like the E4 cord (in fact it's reported to be even thicker/heavier), it definitely doesn't "disappear" weight-wise, and is a relatively uncomfortable load on top of the ear.

being that I had the e5s.. that wasn't an issue for me. e5s weight wasn't an issue. It was there but I found the length of the cord to be better then the UM2s. Um2s cord is to short and me being 6'3" was issue putting it in my pocket of shorts.

BTw.. that is the new black cord that comes with the newer UM2s.

 

[Ant1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaw5 My vocabulary seems to be lacking the word sibilance, could someone please help me out here?

Sibilance has to do with "esses" (S) in recordings that contain vocals, in words such as "Song", or others that have an "ess" in them, and particularly female vocals. Instead of sounding like an ess (S), it sounds distorted, more like a "Shh" (i.e. "Shong), and quite unpleasant to the hearing. If you want to hear this for yourself - and if you have EQ facility on your cd/mp3 player - just turn the treble to the max in a musical passage that contains some lyrics with esses. You'll hear it.

A.