Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

2003-07-09 04:27:33

Has anyone out there tried both the Shure E2c AND the Etymotic ER6?  I've seen reviews for both companies higher end products but I've never seen a comparison between their lower priced units.

My plan is to drive them with an IPOD with lots of airplane use.

Any personal experience with either unit (preferably both) would be greatly appreciated.

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #1 – 2003-07-09 05:23:53

I have had the higher-priced Etymotics for about 10 years.  They are excellent.  The next step up is a set if Stax 'earspeakers."  I cannot comment on the ER-5's.

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #2 – 2003-07-09 05:26:32

Umm, isn't there a constant hum in the plane? I'd probably care more about eliminating that first and go for a cheaper Sony MDR-EX71 or one of the noise cancelling ones

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #3 – 2003-07-09 05:43:46

The Entymotics are of an "ear plug" type design, and eliminate a great deal of noise -- so much so, that I won't jog or ride with them on because I can't hear traffic, etc.

While I was awaiting my 4P's to arrive, I borrowed a buddy's Sony noise cancelling headphones for a series of cross-country business flights. The Sonys don't block near the noise the Entymotics do. However, it may take a few minutes at first to get the knack of getting a good seal with the Entymotics. If you don't get a good seal, you lose a lot of bass -- it makes a huge difference -- even though they come with a warning about this, I almost returned mine until I figured it out. Overall, I am very happy with them, and use them with my new iPod.

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #4 – 2003-07-09 06:22:30

Yes, the bass will scare the bejabbers out of you.  I had recorded on my SONY MZ-N1 the sounds of the local tianguis, or native market, in Ajijic when I was living in Mexico (Jalisco).  I forgot the opening had a truck passing by.  Almost lost it when that truck came across the Etymotics.  Quite an attention-getter.   

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #5 – 2003-07-12 02:45:48

I'd check out head-fi.org for that.

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/forumdispla...y.php?forumid=2

Do a search on "e2c er6" and you'll get a whole slew of threads.

I'm trying to decide between the two myself. I think I'll get the Shure for overall practicality.

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #6 – 2003-07-12 05:23:10

I just bough a pair of the Shure E2s a week ago... I'm using the medium sized foam plugs.  Have to say that at first, they were a little hard to get used to.  Now though, no issues.  And the isolation and the sound is amazing.  I'm running them off of an ipod right now - I was using a pair of Senn PX200s, but they just weren't portable enough.

At any rate, consider this an endorsement for the Shure plugs.  I've never owned the ER-6s, but after reading comments going back and forth on head-fi, I figured I'd go to my local guitar center and at least try the Shure plugs out.  I have no regrets.

Shure vs. Entymotic ear canal buds

Reply #7 – 2003-07-12 13:47:12

God, I wish I could help.  I swear by my Ety ER-4Ps, and have had them 20 months now.  Still impressed by them, and hope the ER-6s are similar.

Kimberly, who relies on her Etys when working the machines at work.