Upgrade from Sony MDR-EX 71

[danmonk]

Hi
I currently use the Sony MDR-EX 71 earphones but I'm looking for a new pair that isolates more backsound noise.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a pair of Shure E2c's or maybe UE Super fi 3's

Will these offer a noticeable difference over the Sonys or is it worth me spending a bit more money and going for the E3cs?

[Jackonicko]

You can do better for your money than the E2C (uncomfortable and a bit harsh) while the SuperFi 3 is disappointing. Either spend a little more (SuperFi 5) or look up the Panasonic HJE70, the Sennheiser CX300 and the Audio technica ATH CK7 all of which provide a vast improvement over the EX-71 at modest cost.

[danmonk]

Thanks Jackonicko.

The Panasonic HJE70, Sennheiser CX300 and the Audio technica ATH CK7 all look good but do they offer the same level of noise isolation as the UE SuperFi 5's?

I use my iPod mostly on the tube and I'm looking for a pair of earphones that cuts out as much of the outside world as possible.

[Jackonicko]

Then get a pair of active noise cancelling earbuds or, if you can stand the discomfort, a pair of triple flange buds (eg Ety ER6is or Shure E3s).

The SuperFi 3s and 5s aren't any better for isolation than the EX-51/70/81 or the Panasonic HJE70, Sennheiser CX300 and the Audio technica ATH CK7.

You only get so much isolation from soft sleeve in-ears.

If you need more isolation than you get from the EX-71 then you need a different type of headphone, not just a different brand!

[Jodiuh]

I've tried the following canalphones out of the Nano and would rate them as follows:

Sony EX71's - 1 - Just plain muddy with WAY too much bass...or something that resembles low tones.
Panasonic HJE70's - 3 - I just couldn't get into these and can't remember why I didn't like them.
Shure e2c - 3 - Same thing here...except these lacked punch and clarity...I do remember that.

Shure e3c -6 - EXTREMELY uncomfortable...they're big, bulky and have that over the ear thing goin on just like the e2's only they extend out furter. The sound was good, but I hated the mount.

SuperFi 3 - 7 - Again with the over the ear crap. Tho these had a hard wire that helped. The sonics were quite pleasin' here.
Etymotic er6ib - 8 - Ahhh...finally no more silly over the ear crap. Comes with a clip, goes on shirt, buds go in ears. I can lose myself for hours with these. There's a slight bump in the freq's but it mates well with the nano.
Etymotic er4p's - 10 - Def my favorite for classical or female vocals, like Enya/Celtic stuff. These are my bro's, but I "borrow" them often.

1 being worst I've tried, 10 being best I've tried

The SuperFi's came with foamies which isolated better than the bumpers, but it's all about the ear shape. Once I finally figured out my ear canals go up a bit more than the norm, I got a much better fit.

Right now I'm using the Ety er6i's in black. (can't stand white cords) They are one of 2 phones that I've not felt the need to eq them...both are Ety's. So it all depends on your ears again, but my vote goes for the Ety's. They let me just fade off into the music and lose track of time better than any of the others.

Good luck!

[axtech]

I will recommend these headphones: Audio technica ATH-CK7 & Sony MDR-EX90! I have the CK7 is very much similar to the Etymotic ER6i! Got them for $70! Very comfortable and very nice finish! Highly recommand them.

[VipFREAK]

It's more like starting from the bottom than an actual "upgrade". lol

hell... I think Sony's cheapy buds are probably better.