[Mr Iriver]

Which canalphone do you think is the best all around canalphone, concerning the following:

--Detail
--Clarity
--Decay
--Timbre
--Soundstage
--Frequency Balance from lows to mids to highs
--Sibilance control
--Improvement when amped
--instrument separation
--extension
--speed
--Musicality/involvement
--value
--Comfort
--Cable Noise (Microphonics)



Please post comments, on why you think that pair of canalphones is the best, all around.

 

[EdipisReks]

i've heard the Sony EX70's, EX71's, Apple In Ears, Shure E2c, E3c, E5c and Etymotic ER-6i, ER-4P and ER-4S, and of those i think the ER-4S is the best, given the criteria.

 

[Jasper994]

I'm currently torn between the E4 and the E5 on this issue. I'm part way through my review now, and should be done in the next day or two. Check it out when it's done for my thoughts. The review will contain: Shure E2/E4/E5, Etymotic ER4s, and Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 Pro/EB.

 

[RickG]

I'd really like to see comfort and microphonics as part of that criteria.

Those are two very important factors for me and a primary reason I don't use mine very much.

 

[Mr Iriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickG I'd really like to see comfort and microphonics as part of that criteria. Those are two very important factors for me and a primary reason I don't use mine very much.

There you go. Comfort, musicality, value and microphonics are very important.

 

[warpdriver]

Hey, I voted already, but now you changed the poll so that comfort, and microphonics are the most important?

If so, I wouldn't have voted the way I did.

 

[RickG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Iriver There you go. Comfort, musicality, value and microphonics are very important.

Thanks, man. I'll be watching the poll. I've been considering purchasing the Shure E4. While I've read a great deal in regard to sonics, there hasn't been a lot of info regarding comfort/microponics as compared to the other canal phones.

 

[catscratch]

Good poll idea, but there are very few people here who are qualified to make that kind of judgement. I know I'm not. Sonically, the best I've heard thus far is the Stax 001, but in terms of comfort and practicality, it's among the worst. Overall, I would have to pick the UM2, but as I'm only familiar with a few options, I'm going to hold back my vote.

 

[Possede]

Damnit. Clicked on the Super.Fi 5 Pro's by accident. Meant to press the E5c's. Sorry.

 

[Mr Iriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver Hey, I voted already, but now you changed the poll so that comfort, and microphonics are the most important? If so, I wouldn't have voted the way I did.

For example phone A and phone B.
- --Phone A:
Sound Q: 85% (say UE10 level sound)
Comfort/microphonics...: 0% (as bad as cactus in ear)
Total: 85%

- --Phone B:
Sound Q: 10 % (Sony Ex71 level)
Comfort/Microphonics....: 100%
Total: 110%

Then phone B would be the better choice. Not because sound is more important than comfort, or the other way around, but rather because taking both sound and comfrot equally into account makes that phone better.

 

[Mr Iriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possédé Damnit. Clicked on the Super.Fi 5 Pro's by accident. Meant to press the E5c's. Sorry.

Poor superfis. They thought someone liked them more than the rest, but that is not the case.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

The Etys ER-4 never ceases to amaze me. I voted for the UM2 because the votes are down and it needs a little push

 

[Bolt San]

Haven't heard the UM2s, but I'd say the ER-4Ss are the best sounding in that line-up.

With that said, the E4Cs are the best all-around.

 

[darkninja67]

I voted for the Ety ER4 series but I own ER6i IEMs and love them. Very good for the amount paid.

 

[Jmmmmm]

I've heard a bunch, and to me, the e4c is head and shoulders above the rest in the 'best all-around canalphone' rating.