Shure e4c or Etymotic ER-6i?

[Philberttheduck]

I'm not going to purchase one of these headphones until AFTER the video iPod is released. But I'd like to know, in case I get a sudden urge to spill money.

The two models I've been contemplating over the last couple of days are the Etymotic ER-6i (better bass response than the 6) and the Shure e4c, both of which be black. Now, I've found prices on these bad boys to be $100 and $175, respectively.

My question is, which is better in the long run? Is the extra $75 dollars going to "make itself up" for the excellence in quality, or is it just not worth the extra money? How much of a difference in quality is the etymotics from the shures?

Thanks

 

[onthat]

nothing beats a pair of etymotic er-6i's with custom molded ear fittings, but you'd have to go to an audiologist or hope that a booth is set up at a sound off competition...I was with a friend at a sound off in Houston and a woman pulled him over to her booth and basically used him as an advertisement, she made the custom fittings right there in front of a drooling crowd, took about 12 minutes.

To be completely honest though, you're best bet would be a pair of shure e2c IEM's, great quality and you can get them for 50 bucks on ebay...or pay the 100 dollars at an apple store.

 

[kbonnel]

I have the ER6i, and the E3c, so here is my thoughts. I love both of them. The quality is great, and the sound is beautiful. Both of them don't have great bass response, so don't expect it. Personally I use the ER6i's the most, as they fit better in my ears, and don't pop out. The E3c has the following issues IMHO:
- the cables is super thick and does not bend easy. Great if you are using them at a desk and not moving around much, but not good if you are always on the go.
- I hate how the E3c work. You are supposed to run the cables up and around/behind your ears, which I just don't think works all that well. I tried to use them as regular buds, but they pop out too easy if you don't use them the way they are designed. Again, not much of a problem if you just use them while not moving around much.
- finally, my last complaint are the cushions that are used with the E3c. I could not find the right pair that fit just perfect in my ears.

The ER6i seems to not have any of the above issues, as the wire is very thin and easily bendable, they fit very nice, and don't run behind my ears.

So that said, my suggestion is: if you move around a lot get the ER6i, if you are stationary most of the day, get the E4c's.

Kimo

 

[onthat]

bass response with either set will be better than any regular earbud, as long as you fit it properly...if you get the custom molds it'll get even better. Just know that anyone who says that IEM's don't have bass, have yet to find a good fit.

 

[trogdor!]

I heard the E3g have a lot better bass responce then the the E3c and I think they are in the 100-175 price range.

 

[Philberttheduck]

Thanks for the responses.

Looks like there are lots of positive reviews for the er-6i's so I'm leaning towards them.

What's the difference with the Shure's gaming ones (outside of the black color)?

 

[WillMak]

- I hate how the E3c work. You are supposed to run the cables up and around/behind your ears, which I just don't think works all that well. I tried to use them as regular buds, but they pop out too easy if you don't use them the way they are designed. Again, not much of a problem if you just use them while not moving around much.

You can wear the e4cs as regular earbuds instead of the wrap around method.

 

[WillMak]

HOLY ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just tried the wrap around method with my shure e4cs and the bass and sound quality exploded!!!!!!!! It sounds 3 times better than before!!! DAMN!!!!