EX-71's VS. Apple In-Ear VS. Shure E3/E2's, what to purchase for me?

[halo'effekt]

Hello everyone!

My iPod ( 3G )is currently a month old and I enjoy it more then anything else during my daily routines! The problem than I have is using the stock earbuds that Apple provides you with the purchased iPod. And suprisingly the problem isn't the sound quality. I wasn't really into music as much as I am now, so this is pretty much my first time in my life listening to music almost everyday now with my iPod. Since I'm not familiar with "quality of sound," so I don't even notice the "low quality" of the stock earbuds. Today, I experimented with my earbuds, what I did was I kind of tugged my earbuds with my fingers in my ear further and pushed it down wards. As a result, I was drooling on how good the sound was compared to not forcing the buds down in my ear. I am assuming this is like the sound of in-ear phones?

Since I have stocked up $400 for iPod accessories, I thought, why not get some new earbuds for even better quality? Already, $100 is spent on a new case ( Contour Showcase ) and a scratch polisher ( iCleaner Pro Kit ) these 2 products are a staple to me since I have noticed how evil the stock case is and how much scratches and scuffs I have in the front of my iPod. So that's $300 extra.. Since I'm not familiar with "high quality" and don't notice "low quality" I'm not going to choke out $350 for some E5's ( but that would be nice if I did have those, I think? No I know! )

So the choices are getting:

Sony EX-71 - $30?
Apple In-Ears - $40?
Shure E3 - $150?
Shure E2 - $80?

Since I am hearing negative comments on the EX-71's about tugging on one ear and lack of design, I kind of turn my back on it, but once hearing positive comments of its quality, I am sucked back into it. This is same with the Apple In-Ears. But what really drops my jaw and bursts my eyes out are the Shure E3/E2's. And since I have $300 left, why not just get a better pair with no regrets?

I have trouble deciding, and I really want to walk into another world with better sound. So can you guys give me some suggestions. ( my want is mostly towards the E3's )

[dmt1]

The E2's are the first earphone IMHO worth buying on your list--the others aren't worth it (I own E2's as well as the EX's. I haven't tried the new Apple buds). Personally I'd recommend going up to the Shure E3 though--it's well within your budget. I personally have the Ety 4P's, and those can be had for as low as $220.00--I prefer those to the E3's, but I've only listened to the E3's briefly (interestingly the person who's E3's I borrowed liked the 4P's better than his E3's too). That beeing said, I still think the E3's are a wonderful earphone, and I'd strongly recommend going with those--otherwise, you're going to get the bug to upgrade--you're already exhibiting some of the classic symptoms to those of us suffering from upgraditis, which, in it's current form, is considered incurable.

I haven't heard the E5's, but somewhere down the road I'll probably buy a pair. Yeah, I'm a headphone glutton; don't even get me started on Grado's...

[kauffee]

Go with the E3s and don't look back. I had the E2s and upgraded to the E3s, and there is a significant difference. Whether the difference is worth the money or not depends on the individual. Since you're not overextending budget-wise, I think it would be worth it for you to just get the E3s.

I had the ER4Ps briefly. They are a completely different sound than the Shures, and they might be up your alley depending on your tastes. There are more than enough threads comparing them, so I won't bother to rehash it here. But as far as your list goes, the E3 is the way to go.

[W9FIF]

I agree, E2 er E3 will be a fine choice. Have 'em all (almost) and the E2s er my daily drivers. E3s er back-ups.

[halo'effekt]

Alright, thanks alot for all your suggestions! I will probably move my money towards the Shure E3's!!

[joeysandoval]

try venturing outside the headbuds! if you can actually wear headphones and not feel like a music nerd, go for it! i bought some sony mdr-v700's, and they're absolutely amaznig. the only problem i have with them is the cord thing...but nothing a rubber band couldn't solve!