Shure E2C Consumer Headphones

Product Rating
4.55 of 5
22 reviews

Price Range
$56 - $99

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Product Description

Summary

The Shure E2c overall is a good earphone. Definately better than what comes standard with most Mp3 players. I'd give the E2c's a 7.5 out of 10. I hear a lot of people in these reviews talking about how these headphones need a "breaking in" period. I hope mine break in real soon because they sound very flat. I've listened to them using an iPod Nano, and using my home stereo receiver and CD player (both Denon). I tried all the different equalizer settings on the nano and it helps somewhat but I still can't get the higher frequencies (treble) to be crisp and clear. Only when I crank the volume literally to the maximum do I get those highs to come out. The bass response of these headphones is really good (I think). Most reviews I've read on this product have stated the bass to be more in the moderate category. I'd have to disagree with that I think the bass reproduction from these headphones is great. I'm no audiophile by any means, but I do have a trained ear for what sounds good. I love all types of music, country, rap, hardcore metal, pop, jazz, etc. These headphones sound pretty good for most types of music. Be warned, those of you who like the higher end frequencies wont be happy with this product. The bass production is great the highs aren't. I need the best of both worlds. I just wish some company out there could make the perfect in the ear style headphone. Philips makes a really good earbud style earphone. I honestly think the Philips model SHE9500 is a better sounding earbud style headphone than the E2c. The SHE9500 sells for $29.95 at Best Buy. But because I believe you get what you pay for I went big...Oh well

Strength

Bass response
they look cool
they fit really well
they stay in your ear when you go jogging
you can crank the volume and they wont distort
people will think you're somebody because you own a $100
set of earphones

Weakness

The highs are very flat sounding (not much treble)
$100 is a lot of cash to be spending on something that isn't worth but maybe half
that.
Shure wish there were more highs
Shure wish they didn't cost so much
Shure wish I didn't buy them on Ebay, then I could return them
Shure wish the "breaking in period" for the headphones is for real
Shure wish I bought that other brand

Summary

I purchased these headphones at a discounted price, and couldn't be happier with them. I do agree with other reviewers though, the highs aren't that great with these. I have spoken to many people who said the bass wasn't that great, but I think they didn't have the right earpeices in. Once i found the right fit, it was wonderful. They are a bit difficult to keep in your ears though, so if you have trouble with that you might want to consider using the foam earpieces they provide.

Strength

For the price, they're the best.

Weakness

Summary

These are just great. They sound very well rounded, with precise bass, and smooth highs that never get tinny. Other in ear phones I'd used sounded to bassy, and boomy. These deliver really precise bass, while accurately projecting the mids. I listen to alot of music, and am constantly taking these in and out of my ears to talk to people, etc. That can get a little uncomfortable if you don't have the right sleeve on that fits you. And these are very easy to insert. Some people have complained about the bass being non existant. I can assure it is because they have not properly inserted the phones. The cable is nice and thick, too. No need to worry about that getting damaged.

Strength

Precise bass, great sound on a whole. Cool way to get the cords out of your way, or conceal them under your shirt.

Weakness

Can be a little uncomfortable, even for an in-ear vet.

Summary

The Shure E2C's are my first pair of truly excellent earbud type headphones. They have clear highs, deep bass, and seal out the rest of the world very well.

Strength

Excellent sound. I like the assortment of plugs in various sizes. I personally like the orange foam ones.

Weakness

Price. Could these really be worth $99? They sound great, but I don't know about $99 great. The rubber plugs tear easily.

Summary

These earphones take some getting used to. It took me a while to figure out how to get a good fit and seal. Once you do, they are very good at blocking out outside noise. I haven't used them for long and I have heard they need break-in time. Currently they have decent sound quality. The soundstage is larger than i expected, but they are mostly the "in the head" feeling of music.

To begin with they had a very tinny sound. This was soon fixed by finding the right size sleeve. The bass is tight, and pretty deep - I would say the bass would be basically on-par with the Grado SR-60. They do not blow you away with bass, but that is to be expected with earphones. The midrange is nice and detailed. The highs seem decent, but I wouldn't call them extremely accurate. They definitely do not have the open-ness or airy quality of the Grado's, but they are totally different headphones.

For casual use and/or portability, these are pretty good earbuds. They are not the most accurate, but when combining they're sound isolating and decent sound quality, they are nice. If you are looking for a replacement to your stock mp3 player headphones, these will be better. For most users, these will probably replace the iPod's earbuds, and they are MUCH better. I compose music and do sound mastering -- I wouldn't say that I would trust in these earbuds for that sort of work, but for casual listening (iPod use) they are pretty good. If you want reference headphones, go with Grado. - Sennheiser if you want closed ear headphones, Grado if you want the real sound and don't mind the open air design.

Strength

sound isolation
decent sound quality
great portability

Weakness

fitting - it takes some getting used to
would like a bit more accuracy for the price