Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I understand this is something of a ridiculous question, since trying earphones are not at all the same as listening to a CD -- but since they're such a costly investment, I was wondering. Does anyone know of a store that will allow you to try the earphones/headphones before you buy them?
The other solution I can think of is buying from an authorized dealer that has a decent return policy -- that is, they allow you to return the open box if everything is in "like new" condition, if you are not satisfied with the purchase. However, the problem with this is the shipping times & costs -- I'm on a budget. I'll probably take this as a last resort though...
I'm just wary because I bought Sony EX-71s and was VERY displeased. Unfortunately I read only the glowing reviews, but, even AFTER getting a proper seal (trust me, the sound was ten times tinnier without the seal), the highs were too shrill and sharp and painful to listen to. I had a pair of cheap Sony earphones that I compared them with, and while it was muddier, it was not painful. So I wasted about $40 on the Sonys since I'm not doing anything with them now. :/
But I figure by now, it's much better to invest in a more expensive set of headphones since the quality will be better. At first I wanted the Ety 6i's, but after hearing that the Shure E3c's have a more "fun" sound even though it's not as clean/detailed, I've switched to those. However, now that the E4c's are almost out -- anyone know which I should pick? Any personal reviews? I know that there are TONS of reviews out there -- and I've read back pages and pages on the forums themselves, but anyone willing to give their opinion again? :) Thanks for your time, everyone.
And hopefully, whatever headphones I end up with, they'll be much better than the Sony EX-71s. :(
[1902 byte] By [
lastwaltz] at [2007-11-10 14:27:33]
# 1 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Well, in some airports, there are places where you can rent dvd's and dvd players. They also sell Shures E3's and E5's. You can try them out too. I did that once at the St.Paul/Minneapolis airport a few months ago. I found out that they isolate like almost completely, and that the E5's are FAR superior to the E3's (understandable), but I didn't like the E3's because they sounded muffled to me. My source was my zen micro and the music files I listened to were in 224 kbps mp3.
# 2 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I purchased the Sony ex 71's and didn't like them either. They are my dust collectors now. The Shure E3 or E5's are nothing like the Sony's. I have both and the UE Super.fi 5pro's + Grados SR60's and they are great phones.
You can purchase the Shure's from this website. They have a 30 money back guaranty:
http://www.headphone.com
# 3 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by honeybee1236
The Shure E3 or E5's are nothing like the Sony's. I have both and the UE Super.fi 5pro's + Grados SR60's and they are great phones.
Hi HB,
How do the Shure E5 and the Super-fi 5Pro match up in a head on comparison? I'm considering moving up from my E3's but I don't think I'd do it unless the new purchase is a dual drive model.
Reiki at 2007-11-15 15:24:50 >
# 4 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
lastwaltz - I feel your pain. I'm also one of those people who bought a pair of EX-71's, after hearing the glowing reviews. I found the highs to be harsh and over-analytical. The bass was bloated and uncontrolled. The midrange was.... I never could find the midrange. Positively anemic in the midrange. I also hated the neck chain design. The only good things about them were the isolation and the comfort in my ear.
Im wearing Radio Shack 33-1991 earbuds right now, and am overjoyed with the sound. From what Ive read, they are discontinued, but Ive found them at a number of local Radio Shacks. The midrange is outstandingly musical. The highs are not harsh, and the bass is tight. The bass doesnt go outrageously low, but it is controlled. I highly recommend them as an inexpensive quick-fix. They run about $20.00. Theyre a steal at that price. Ive read that they are rebadged Sennheiser MX-500s, which can be found for $13.63 at Amazon.com.
So Im in the same boat. I have a good pair of earbuds, but I still crave better. And I dont want another expensive pair of canal phones to grace my graveyard of shrieking noise makers, better known as my desk drawer. I ordered up a pair of Shure E3s yesterday from an authorized retailer ( $111.94 at http://www.discountheadphones.com ). Ill take the 30 day trial, and return them if necessary.
Ill post my first impressions of the Shure E3s later this week, and compare them to the EX-71s and Apple in-Ears.
# 5 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
LittleSwallow -- hmm, that's actually pretty cool. My parents are due to go to the airport tomorrow or so. Maybe I can let them know -- though I guess I'd have to go myself to try it out? :)
honeybee1236 -- Good to hear that the Sony EX-71s are far inferior in quality to the Shures. I've been to headphone.com and they seem like an excellent source, though I'm leaning toward earphonesolutions.com for their free shipping. Thank you!
Buzzbait -- Glad that I'm not alone! And yes, indeed, I fear getting ripped off yet again... Though I'm sure the Shures will be immensely worthy (hopefully?). I'm looking forward to your review! Though, at first I thought you meant E3cs (not quite sure what the difference is). I might myself go for the 30-day trial. I'm leaning toward the E4cs though, so I'll wait until there's more compare/contrast reviews out. Thank you as well!
# 6 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
My EX51s were disappointingly tinny at first. I thought, are these the same buds so many praise as a cheap step up from stock? But running them in for a few days tamed the highs and I'm satisfied with them now--for a 'disposable' $25 pair of buds. Of course I wouldn't think to compare them with E3s or other quality buds.
# 7 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I have the EX70 and have heard the EX71 extensively.
I also have the E3C
For the record, I was displeased with the Sony's, but equally displeased with the E3C's
The Sony's are too bassy, with artificial sounding highs.
The E3C's are flatter in the bass, nice midrange but completely missing the top end.
I gave the Sony's to my wife, and the E3C's are now my "beater" earphones.
My ER-6i's are coming, hopefully they will be somewhere in between.
# 8 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I've had the EX70/71's (good comfort, sloppy bass). I also tried the E3's. No way I was keeping them. Completely over-emphasied midrange, and the most uncomfortable earbuds I had ever tried (yes, I tried all the tips). If you want to try these, definitely go with a place with a 30-day return policy.
After cutting the last tip off the ER-6i's, I have my final setup; for a while at least. Excellent isolation, good, balanced sound (if maybe a tad bright). If you don't like the E3's, give these a shot.
# 9 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by lastwaltz
Though, at first I thought you meant E3cs (not quite sure what the difference is)
The E3s and E3cs are identical, other than color. The E3s are all gray, while the E3cs are predominantly white. I really wanted the white, but couldnt find them on the site. So I emailed discountheadphones after I placed the order last night. I had a reply this morning saying that theyd be happy to send E3cs instead. Great service so far.
My E3cs should arrive on Wednesday.
# 10 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I forgot my big Sony headphones last week when leaving for a buisness trip.
I bought the Shure E3c headphones and kick myself for not doing it earlier.
WOW, just WOW...
I can run my Ipod at a MUCH lower volume setting now.
Background noise on airplanes is all but removed.
I am invincible to rude screaming children and their crappy parents.
I can work in peace in the office now, I can't hear any of the annoying people any longer.
Now I am curious to try out the E4's and E5's... :)
# 11 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
dragfree -- I guess running them in is worth a shot, but I tried them on different days multiple times with the same result... So, in my drawer they rest. I'm not sure about the 51s -- I mean, I'm quite pleased with my $8 Sony earbuds (MDR Fontopia series, I believe) but just hate thet 71s. :(
warpdrive & leadfoot -- Wow, first reviews I've seen that actually dislike the E3's! I'll keep that in mind; if you can try the E4s in the future, let me know what you think! Hmm, now I'm not so sure about getting the E3s. I keep hearing repeatedly that E4 is better, so maybe E4 won't be disappointing?
Buzzbait -- I had no idea that color was the only difference! The discount you recieved is amazing. :) Thanks for the info, and after you try them out fully, a review would be most appreciated! I'm still "iffy" about which one to order.
topmounter -- That's excellent! What did you think about the sound quality?
# 12 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
The E4's are an improvement, but they still sound rolled off compared to most other headphones. That's my impression with limited auditioning.
Definitely buy from a place that allows returns.
I really wanted to like the E3C's, but they are the opposite of bright sounding, they are excessively dull sounding. I don't want my sounds above 6Khz rolled off as much as they are with the E3C's. I bought my E3C's based on good reviews alone, and now I'm stuck with them (or have to sell them at a big loss). I figure I'll just use them as "beater" earphones.
As far as bass, I don't have a problem with the bass. It's fine. And the midrange is pretty sweet.
# 13 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
IMO the e3c gives an accurate, 'flat' response across the whole range - I listen to mine through a Shuffle (push-pull output) and a mains powered BADA PH-1 headphone amp (when using my PC) - I think the amplifier/player your using to power these headphones is important
I'm happy with my e3c's - not sure if I'm getting the e4c's - don't understand the 'customer feedback' to give the sound more 'omph' - take's away the accuracy away from the source IMO - people should look at their sources rather than focusing on the headphones to do all the work
If your used to 'splashly' treble and 'thumping' bass then I'd look elsewhere...
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:35:09 >
# 14 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I disagree about the E3C being "flat". Go to headphone.com, look up the E3C, and look at the frequency response graph. Simply put, the treble response is considerably rolled off. If there are cymbals in your music, you aren't going to hear much of them. Most other headphones don't cut off the top octave like these do.
I like accurate sound as much as the next guy, but I think there are better options for accurate sound. I'd rather put up with the lesser bass response of the ER6 than the rolled off highs of the E3C.
I have, on hand, a pair of very nice Sennheiser HD580's right now...pretty much a neutral headphone, nobody would consider those to be "splashy" or "thumping". But they sound considerably more detailed just because they convey high frequency energy that is completely cut off in the E3C's.
# 15 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
warpdrive - No offense, but you don't make a very convincing argument. You mention the headphone.com frequency response graph of the E3C's, and then talk about how the highs are so much better on your HD580's. Have you looked at the headphone.com frequency response graph for your HD580's? The high end looks very similar to the E3C's, with a dramatic roll-off around 9,000 Hz.
And if you look at the graph on the ER6s, the bass is identical to the E3Cs. I also seriously doubt that the E3C's and ER6s bass is almost flat down to 20Hz. I have a feeling that those graphs are not very accurate.
# 16 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Under "how to interpret headphone data"...
"Headphones also need to be rolled off in the highs to compensate for the drivers being so close to the ear; a gently sloping flat line from 1kHz to about 8-10dB down at 20kHz is about right. "
Ouch, those Etymotic ER-4S spike +10db near 20KHz
The Etymotic ER-6 look good except for that +5db spike in the drop
I'm wondering how long they ran the e3c's for when doing the tests coz mine took a couple of weeks to lose it's 'hard' sound (as they put it)
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:38:10 >
# 17 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
A spike at 20Khz is not going to affect the sound because
1) there is very little musical content
2) most people's hearing cuts off below 20Khz
As for the E3C, I know I can't be the only one that is less than thrilled with the lack of treble in the E3C
Headphone.com states
" These cans have good solid bass and midrange balance and response, but are slightly too rolled off in the highs. "
All I am saying is that the E3C rolls off the highs, and it's extremely noticeable subjectively. I don't know how anybody who's heard more than one headphone can claim otherwise. It was a shock going from my HD580's to the E3C's. It almost sounds like somebody cranked down my treble control all the way.
I think the problem is the huge dip that occurs at 3Khz, which most other headphones are still flat at. 3Khz is smack dap in the middle of lower treble range.
All I can say is...my E3C's have the be the most disappointing headphone purchase I've made.
All those considering them should buy from a place that allows risk free returns. I'm stuck with them, but you don't have to be. Don't buy into the hype. Listen before you commit.
# 18 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by Buzzbait
warpdrive - No offense, but you don't make a very convincing argument......I have a feeling that those graphs are not very accurate.
No offense, but I trust their measurements more than your "feeling".
# 19 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=237&graphID[]=489&graphID[]=471
That Etymotic ER-4S spike is deffo before 20KHz
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:41:10 >
# 20 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by dnd
http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=237&graphID[]=
As I said, I think the problem with the Shure's is the big dip at 3Khz which most other headphones are still flat at.
# 21 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by dnd
That Etymotic ER-4S spike is deffo before 20KHz
Who cares. Most people can't hear anywhere near 20Khz.
# 22 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by warpdrive
As I said, I think the problem with the Shure's is the big dip at 3Khz which most other headphones are still flat at.
Noticed that the Shures drop and the Etymotic rise roughly at the same frequency - near the top end (wonder if this range is audible - hard to tell from the graph what it is)
http://graphs.headphone.com/graphCompare.php?graphType=0&graphID[]=495&graphID[]=489&graphID[]=471&graphID[]=465
The ER4P's look sweet - I'll wait for the e4c's results...
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:44:15 >
# 23 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
that's odd since Tyll of headroom said in a post at head-fi that the er4p/s is the flattest headphone they've ever tested.
# 24 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Just got my E4c from Earphonesolutions and I'm still breaking them in, but I so far I love them. They have much better highs and well balanced bass compared to the E3c. A friend had E3c which were OK but the high end was a little muddy. Because Shure ships them with so many sleeves I was able to try them with some sleeves my friend had never used. Although I did not get to hear the E4c before I bought them I am very pleased with my decision. I think they were well worth the price difference. I got mine with 2nd Day Air for under $200. Thanks Flavio T.
# 25 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Originally posted by warpdrive
Who cares. Most people can't hear anywhere near 20Khz.
Who says I can hear till like 10Khz...
Anyways thanks for this thread... I might consider buying the E3/E2s now... duno still :(
Maybe i should just settle for the apple in canal ones...
# 26 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Just got my e4c's yesterday...
First impressions are that the e3c's (my previous/current model) top end sounds muddy in comparison to the e4c's but the lower end sounds similar (which is good)
I'll have to use them for a couple of weeks before saying anymore about them
I will say, however, that you probably won't go back to e3c's once you've heard these...
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:48:19 >
# 27 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Having listened to the e4c's through a BADA PH-1 headphone amp and an iPod Shuffle - I won't be using them on the Shuffle coz the sound is thin - I don't think it's got the power to drive these things sufficiently
Tried them in the gym for and hour and got fatigued through the, IMO, over emphasised top end...
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:49:14 >
# 28 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
I've had the E3cs for a few months and had the E4cs for a couple of weeks. I've since sold the E3cs on eBay as the E4cs are superior in every way. Bass is more prominent as is treble. In fact, I can now listen to my iPod with the EQ set to OFF for the first time (which, in turn, gets rid of the infamous bass distortion.)
Sure, $299 is a bit steep but you can find them heavily discounted on eBay. I got mine for about 120 including delivery to the UK. That's the same as the retail price of the E3cs at the Apple Store, here in the UK.
I've also tried them at various bitrates and while I would consider myself a bit of an audiophile, I am hard-pressed to notice any difference between an AAC file at 128 and the same file encoded with AAC Lossless.
I'm sure anyone who is that concerned about compression would not consider an iPod in the first place and would stick to a CD Walkman!
# 29 Re: Try before you by & Shure E3c or E4c?
Listening to the e4c's with a iPod Shuffle -
The sound was so flat - it made the music dull and boring - no excitement in anything - very difficult to listen to
Music I usually like just sounded drab and empty - these things just don't have the bass of the e3c's
They also overemphised the treble - which sounded compressed, false and very tiring to listen to
You turn the volume up to give it some excitement and the sound becomes a muddled mess
Listening to the e4c's with a BADA PH-1 headphone amp -
Fine - all the subtle sounds in great detail - emptiness gone - good bass and treble - better than the e3c's
Conclusion - I bought these to listen to my Shuffle in the gym - the Shuffle just doesn't have the power to drive these things properly - so they going back... :(
dnd at 2007-11-15 15:51:24 >
