Sound Isolation

[tavilach]

I bought the Shure E3c's, and I really enjoy the extreme sound isolation, but they're just too cumbersome to set up (cord behind the ear, cord down my back...). I like to wear headphones while walking around campus (I obviously don't set up a wonderful isolation seal when walking, for safety purposes), and I like to be able to pop them in and out as I please.

Furthermore, whenever I turn my neck, the cords get pulled, which is very uncomfortable.

So...

How do they Etymotics, or other headphones, compare to the Shures in terms of raw decibel isolation? I know that the Etymotics block out 15-20 dB, but I don't know how that compares to the Shures.

If I were to switch to the Etymotics, I'd need to be sure of a few things. First of all, the sound isolation needs to be great (see above). Second, the cord needs to be sturdy. Third, for that price, the sound better be great (like the Shures). Finally, the shirt clip better work extremely well.

On that note, can anyone with Etymotics take a picture of the headphones being held by the shirt clip when not in use? That would be fantastic!

[BillClinton]

I'm reading a few conflicting statements:

"I obviously don't set up a wonderful isolation seal when walking, for safety purposes)"

"If I were to switch to the Etymotics, I'd need to be sure of a few things. First of all, the sound isolation needs to be great"

Which is it? Do you want a lot of isolation, or limited? The Etymotic ER-6i would probably be just right for you - a lot of isolation, but not as much as the ER-4s. The sound is fabulous.

[kauffee]

Why are you putting the E3c cord down your back? Just put them over your ears and then put the cord in front of you like a normal phone. Don't even bother with the sliding plastic thing. It shouldn't take more than a second or two to put each phone in.

On that note...

I don't think the ER-6i is right for you. First of all, the sound signature is completely different than the Shure E3c, which you obviously like a lot. I won't go into the specifics because there are already dozens of threads about it.

The 6i and cord will be less sturdy than the E3c. The Ety shirt clips do work well, though. But you do realize the shirt clip is there for when you're actually using them, right? It's not for letting them hang when you're not listening... it actually cuts out microphonics by not letting the cord bounce against your body.

[tavilach]

Originally posted by BillClinton
I'm reading a few conflicting statements:

"I obviously don't set up a wonderful isolation seal when walking, for safety purposes)"

"If I were to switch to the Etymotics, I'd need to be sure of a few things. First of all, the sound isolation needs to be great"

Which is it? Do you want a lot of isolation, or limited? The Etymotic ER-6i would probably be just right for you - a lot of isolation, but not as much as the ER-4s. The sound is fabulous. Those aren't conflicting statements. I want little isolation when walking, but when I'm studying I want the best isolation possible.

[bobb-mini]

Originally posted by tavilach
but they're just too cumbersome to set up (cord behind the ear, cord down my back... and I like to be able to pop them in and out as I please...Furthermore, whenever I turn my neck, the cords get pulled, which is very uncomfortable.
There is no shortcut. Either u spend the extra time to clip the dang thing or the cord will be dangling and pull your ears with head turns.

In my experience with the ER4, the time spent inserting the phones properly not only improves sonic quality but also makes it really comfortable for long listening sessions.

It's really ez, I don't know what your fuss is about. Flip the whole cord behind you, back-reach for the clip and secure the cord behind your collar, then insert the earbuds. To take it out, simple pull one or both earbuds and let them dangle over your shoulders, don't need to unclip. When you are really to resume listening, re-insert earbuds. EZ.

[Riprazor]

Stick your fingers in your ears and listen....that is about -26db of isolation and that is the best you are going to get. Etymotic's, Shure's, Ultimate Ears, all provide about that level (a few db less) when properly inserted with either good foam or well fitting silicon/rubber ear pieces. The key is fit. Bad fit, bad isolation, good fit, good isolation. It is that simple.

[warpdrive]

Originally posted by tavilach
Those aren't conflicting statements. I want little isolation when walking, but when I'm studying I want the best isolation possible.

Yes they are conflicting statements, you have one or the other. There is no "switch" on the headphone -> Quietest <-> Quiet

The only thing I can suggest is buy an earbud that doesn't isolate so well (moderately) like the EX81, and then buy hearing protection earmuffs and wear them over your ears at the same time when you want more isolation

[bobb-mini]

Originally posted by warpdrive
There is no "switch" on the headphone -> Quietest <-> Quiet
Haha!

One of these day, they will come out with an "air blader" tip, u push a button, and the blader fills with air and seal your ears, u push another button and some air are let out and voila!

Hey I should patent this thing!