Shure E2C Consumer Headphones

Product Rating
4.55 of 5
22 reviews

Price Range
$66 - $99

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Product Description

Summary

This is a review of the E3's and I'm doing it here because there is no category for them and someone who is thinking of the E2's might want to consider the E3's. I first listened to the E2's (on my iPod) and was not overly impressed with the performance difference from the cheaper Aiwa headphones that came with my MiniDisc player. The salesman at the store is a musician and suggested I try the E3's which is what he owns. I was amazed at the improvement over the E2's. The bass was so much better and the overall sound a quantum leap in clarity and presence. Even though I thought it was too much to pay for headphones, I felt I would be really short-changing myself to go with the poorer audio. I recently purchased the iPod and recorded all my songs with AAC at the highest sampling rate of 320. However with the quality of the E3's, there is a noticeable improvement when I record with Apple's lossless compression so I've had to go back and re-record all my albums. Now I have a system I am completely happy with. The only difficulty with the E3's is getting a good seal in the ears; if you don't the bass is very thin. I have been using the E3's about a week and still have some trouble getting a good seal. The E3's make the AKG K-501's that I have for my home stereo sound muffled and distinctly inferior. I cna't imagine using them again.

Strength

Excellent sound; I can hear things I've never noticed before. Individual instruments stand out.

Weakness

If you like strong bass these probably wouldn't be a good choice; to me the bass is realistic without being exaggerated. Some difficulty in getting a good seal in the ears.

Summary

I love these headphones. At first, I was concerned about shoving them into my ear canal, but I got over that after about 10 minutes of listening. The sound is wonderful: rich, deep, clear, and NO background noise when I am jamming to my rather hard, alternative rock while working out at the gym. I even asked my doctor -- an ENT -- if these types of headphones are okay, and he said yes (I was going to say "shure", but that would have been awful). I have used Koss portapro's at the gym over the years, and they just do not compare to the Shure E2c's. I bet Shure's higher level phones or Etymotic Research's higher grade phones would sound even better, but my budget was for $100, so here I am. I also got my recommendation on the Shure E2c's vs. the bottom line Etymotic Research from Headroom, the lords of the headphones. Given the type of music to which I listen, they recommended the Shure E2c's. I am most happy. As others have indicated, one should use the foam sleeves for a custom fit, and wiggle them into one's ear canals. It is critical that they fit and are secured in your brain (ear canal, it's not anywhere near your delicate ear parts). It does not hurt me at all to wear them, and it does not take but a minute to put them in/on after you have done it a few times.

Strength

Quality of sound, elimination of background noise, bass, clarity, and soundstage.

Weakness

I guess if headphones with this quality were available that did not require one to stick them into your ear, I would buy them, but they would have to be portable, light in weight, sound as good and eliminate the sound level of background noise. I don't see or "hear" that happening right now.

Summary

In my last review, about the Grado SR80s, I told you (if you read it) that I would never have to buy another set of headphones again. Of course, I was very happy with them and I still am. I bought these shortly after I wrote that though. Why? I needed something, well, more attractive and portable. The Grados aren't the best looking peice out there. These Shures aren't that bad at all. Really, they are pretty cool, although some could compare them to hearing aids. Still, it is the music quality that it really boils down to. The Shures produce sound very comparable to the Grado SR80s, at least without an amp. I myself do not have an amp so I'm not sure how much of a difference this would make, but my portable source, the Rio Riot produces quite a bit of sound, a really underrated device. My mp3s are all recorded at very high bitrate (high fidelity, 320kbps), although that technicality wouldn't matter to much audiophiles, they do sound excellent. These 'phones do have great range. Although some have said that the bass is lacking, I disagree. The bass is very present and tight -- I guess some of the other reviewers do not have a good seal and it is leaking. There is great clarity also in the mids and highs. I tested these with my alternative/rock albums (e.g. Puddle of Mudd, Eve 6, Matchbox 20, and many others). The sound was reproduced very well -- you gotta love that acoustic guitar strumming. To test softer, maybe more classical, instrumental tracks, I listened to my mom's (heh) Enigma CD -- which I did find very soothing and also well produced. Then I listened to some rap - which I don't really like - so I turned some Eminem up. Really, this sounded amazing. Not only is his cd a great test subject, as it is well recorded, but it shows how well the vocals are done. Just Vibrant. If you are looking for sound isolation, these provide very well. Although some figures have said they reduce ambient sound by ~ 15db, I don't exactly what that means hahaha, but I can say that these really limit what you hear --- outside of the great sound quality. Comfort: eh.... I found myself inbetween the small and medium tube covers, closer to the larger side. This made my lobes slightly stretched, not by much, but I can FEEL it. The only thing that can fix this is time. Your ears will, at least mine did, adjust to the size. Some of you will fit right into them though.

Strength

Beautiful - In Sound and Style Great Build Quality - I don't think these things are going to break anytime soon. Complete Instruction Manual - I know it isn't much, but it just says a lot about the company - You are buying quality.

Weakness

Some will find it uncomfortable ... you know.

Summary

These earphones are the best! They are comfortable and very well made. The audio quality is outstanding especially for a $79 item (Shure sell these directly for $99.00 but I got mine from MicrophoneSolutions.com factory sealed for $79).

Strength

Sound quality, price.

Weakness

It takes some getting used to fit them properly the first couple of times.

Summary

Just got them in the mail yesterday and I'm very happy. These are replacing my Koss PortaPro's, which I've been very happy with. Overall -- 5 out of 5 for sound, 4 out of 5 for comfort and usability. Definitely great headphones!

Strength

Great, great sound. I've actually been surprised by noises that I though were coming from somewhere else...turns out that they were part of the music that I've been listening to for a long time and just never heard. Incredibly clear, great sounding headphones.

Weakness

Minuses -- they do take a little getting used to in the ear canal. Definitely more than your standard earbuds. I'm pretty used to earplugs and earbuds, and I still don't like the silicone sleeves. The foam sleeves feel OK. The cord feels strange behind my ears -- every time I turn my head or adjust, they seem to get caught on something and feel a little uncomfortable. Hopefully I'll get used to that, otherwise I'll try to figure a way to route them to feel more comfortable.