Shure E3c, E4c or Etymotic ER6i?

[evilmutent]

So, I've been looking to get some new phones, and I've tried some in-ear phones before, like the sony ex71s and I liked the idea of them earphone bein secured in the ear canal. So I looked into gettin a good pair of in-ear phones for myself, and ran into the problem of choosing where to invest my money. At first it was jsut the Shure E3c and the Etymotic ER6i, but with the release of the E4c, I'm Wondering weather the extra money is worth it for the E4c. And if it is just an highly priced step up from the E3c, then my question is who hear has been able to compare the Shure and the Etymotic? I live in a small town where i can't see them in person and thus have to buy them only and don't want to spend my money on the wrong product. Thanks in advance for those who can help.

[dyonisus]

Hi and Welcome to the forums. I wouldn't call myself a pro at this but I'll do my best. I myself use the E3cs and happen to love the sound. Granted it does take a bit of getting used to but the payoff is well worth it. I haven't tried the Etymotic ER6is but they were an option before I got my E3's. I went with the E3s because of some people claiming that the ER6s would break. As far as the E4s now I really have my eyes on those now. I'm not too sure of spending what the shure site asks for so I have been looking on ebay. For a more detailed comparison try this link -->Click This.

[dvallere]

I'm right at the other end, I bought the e4 from Shure and didn't really think it was worth it. It sounded very much like my Sennheiser HD280 Pros (though they are a closed can and not really suitable for portability).

IMHO the white ones look pretty dorky, so I'd go for the black models. The models with "c" (at Shure) or the 6i from Ety are all white models.

I suggest headphone.com if you can't try them out, because you have 30 days no questions asked to return them.

D.

[A440]

I have the Shure E3 (subtle gray color) and am very happy with them.

Before I got them I tried Etymotic 4Ps and (1) the bass was anemic--Ety fans say it's simply clear and un-hyped, but I'm sorry, the music had no body to it. (2) They're not built for real-life use. Two thin twisted cords are just asking to break. The cords also picked up more microphonics--sound of rubbing on the cord--than my Shures do. And I didn't find them too comfortable in the ear either, with any of the sleeves.

The Shures are best with a little bass boost, and you have to try all of the sleeves to get the best sound. But when you do, they sound extremely good, and they're sturdy.

I actually had trouble with a pair--one side just went dead for some reason--and sent it back to Shure, and immediately was sent a replacement pair. Fine with me. But then, a few days later, the head of Engineering at Shure called to ask me about them and talked to me for 15 minutes. They couldn't replicate my problem, and we eventually decided that it was probably sweat getting inside the tiny speaker, and it had dried out by the time I mailed it to them. They clearly care about the product.

[evilmutent]

Thanks for all your help guys, but i just baught a pair of E4c on ebay last night. i basically saw a BIN deal that i could hardly refuse. this guy was offering them with the case and everything for 169, plus 14 for shipping. mistake me if i'm wrong, but i thought they sold for 300 plus tax in stores. anyways, for anyone reading, i'll be posting a review of the E4c pretty soon on here. thanks for your comments guys.