Sony EX71 vs. E2 & ER-6

[Jaws]

I'm looking to purchase a new set of headphones to replace my old $20 Sony behind-the-neck set. I've been using the Sony because it sounds so much better than the included iPod earbuds, which I found "tinny." I was looking at getting a higher quality pair of earbuds, and it seems as though the Sony EX71 and Shure E2 are the best? Are the Shure E2's better or more highly thought of than the Etymotic ER-6? And how do the Sony's compare to the E2 and ER-6? Are there any other good earbuds I should look at under $100, like Apple's in-ear (although I heard they are uncomfortable and don't sound very good)?

I assume that in-ear earbuds sound way better than earbuds that sit in the ear (like the iPod's). As far as earbuds that don't insert into the ear, it seems the best models for the price are the Philips HE-245 and the Sennheiser MX400/500.

And finally, how do the above earbuds (EX71, E2, & ER-6) compare to full headsets like the Sennheiser PX200 or others? Any good suggestions in this category?

Thanks!
-Jaws

[HRA]

I won't comment on the ER-6's since I've never used them but the E series, including the E2's from Shure are wonderful. Nix the Sony's....not even in the same class. They're a $20 set of plugs at best selling for $40.00.

[bastion]

I'm in the process of doing an EX71/E2C comparison now. Let the E2C's burn in all last night and I'll give them an extended listen later today. Want to see both how they sound and how comfy they are. Wore them for about 30 min last night, and so far, I think the EX71's are a bit more comfortable, though they don't give as good of an acoustic seal. Both the medium silicone and foamie tips worked ok fitwise on the E2C's, not sure yet which I like more. Foamies seems like they might be more comfy for longer periods, but they aren't as convienient to put in your ear as the sillicones. Plus the foamies pick up dirt very easily. My ears were pretty clean, but when I want to roll up the foamie, some dirt from my hands got all over one. Definitly going to need to buy a backup supply of replacement foamies if I decide to keep these earphones.

Oh, and can anyone comment on the storage case for the E2's? After placing the buds in the middle and winding the cord, where is the plug supposed to go? It sticks out too much for it to sit on the outer winding area (case won't zip or if it does it bulges out), and won't go in the center without squishing the buds. Am I winding it up wrong?

[ugaguy2004]

can't give any comments about the shures', but i have the ex51's (basically same as 71) and they are great for what i want. they're comfortable, reasonably affordable, and sound 50x better than the white buds...coincidentally, the white buds are huge in comparison to the sony's and don't hurt my ears at all....


one thing we all must remember is that we shouldn't use price as a proxy for quality- just because you spend more doesn't mean you are getting the best...at best, many times the extra $$$ is a slick marketing ploy that traps us...i'm not trying to tell you not to spend more money on something else- by all means, if they sound better, than it can be justified. best thing to do is try out all the phones and pick the one that fits your budget.

[HRA]

Originally posted by bastion
I'm in the process of doing an EX71/E2C comparison now. Let the E2C's burn in all last night and I'll give them an extended listen later today. Want to see both how they sound and how comfy they are. Wore them for about 30 min last night, and so far, I think the EX71's are a bit more comfortable, though they don't give as good of an acoustic seal. Both the medium silicone and foamie tips worked ok fitwise on the E2C's, not sure yet which I like more. Foamies seems like they might be more comfy for longer periods, but they aren't as convienient to put in your ear as the sillicones. Plus the foamies pick up dirt very easily. My ears were pretty clean, but when I want to roll up the foamie, some dirt from my hands got all over one. Definitly going to need to buy a backup supply of replacement foamies if I decide to keep these earphones.

Oh, and can anyone comment on the storage case for the E2's? After placing the buds in the middle and winding the cord, where is the plug supposed to go? It sticks out too much for it to sit on the outer winding area (case won't zip or if it does it bulges out), and won't go in the center without squishing the buds. Am I winding it up wrong?

I totally agree with the case for the E2's....very poorly designed. I might call Shure in the morning to tell them.

The problem with earbuds are that they are highly personal. The opening to the ear canal is usually different on your left ear than your right making for a difficult fit. I use different sizes for each ear.

[kauffee]

This thread was from last week:
http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25088

As far as in-ear sounding better than earbuds, that's not necessarily the case. Canalphones create a seal, go deep into the ear, and provide nearly complete isolation. If you're using earbuds of the same quality in a quiet room, then there's no reason their sound would be any worse. Problem is, there aren't that many really high-end earbuds. Audio Technica makes a few pairs, but I haven't seen any really good comparisons to canalphones.

Regarding the case, mine closes just fine with the plug on the outer winding area. Honestly, though... these things are pretty durable. I never use the case... just wrap them around my iPod.

[bastion]

well after burning in the E2's overnight, I listened to them for about 4 hours tonight. Comfy the whole time with the medium foamies, though I felt ther presence a bit more than I did with the 71's. I liked the way the cord is setup better with the E2's. Over the ear and down the front or back works great, and there is no extra weight pulling on my left ear like with the 71's. Though with the 71's I would only notice it after wearing them for an hour or so while walking around with the connector dangling. Fit is not a problem, though with how easily the foamies pick up dirt (mainly from my hands, while squishing and rolling them between my fingers. How do you keep these things clean?) I think I'll be needing to order a few sets of replacements to have onhand, or test out the silicon buds more, since they are easier to clean.

Soundwise, I didn't think I liked the E2's as much . . . at first. Sounded too muted compared to the warm and vibrant lower end I was getting out of the EX71's. But as I listened to them today, and a a much lower volume than I generally listened to the 71's on, I started to get used to having a bit less low and much more balanced mids and highs. Granted I still miss the good ol' thumping of a large driver, but the concert that was going on in my head seemed pretty good none the less.

For my electronic dance music they were ok, accentuating any of the sexy female vocals, but still lacking the tumping bass that I love with this music. Then again, I don't feel like carrying my MDR-V700DJ cans with me, so it's a trade I'm willing to make. For rock stuff they were very nice. Still seem a bit muted at times, though I'm thinking now that it is more due to the quality of the recording/compression than the earphones. Jazz, piano, Dave Matthews, Sting, anything with nicely layerd instuments and vocals sounded great. I swear, it sounds like it's playing live in my head.

So after listining to all of the above, plus some Pearl Jam, 311, Outkast, Bjork, Led Zeppelin,Yokko Kano, and some others, I switched back to the EX71's (specifically, while listening to PJ's "Not for You"). The first thing I noticed was the increase in bass, which my first response was "Yay!" But after listening for a few more seconds, I realized how muddy it sounded, and how muted the highs and mids were now. Sounded like listening to the E2's with some foam stuck in it's directional tube (thingy . . .). The vocals were not as pronounced, And the bass, while a bit more pronounced, seemed to drown out the rest. Separation was not as good either, and I had to crank the volume up a bit to get them to a comprable level with the E2's probably due to both the effeciency of the 71's and the fact that they don't isolate as well at the E2's.

So, result is, I'm returning the 71's. I don't know if I'd go as high as the E3's, cost wise (well, unless I heard them first :D ), but for $79, the E2's are definitly a good purchase. the 71's were pretty good, DEFINITLY better than the ipod standards, but for a bit more, the E2's provide better mids and highs with crisp vocals, better isolation, and while a bit more bulky, overall a better fit, since the cord arrangement is better and I get pretty much no microphonics from the cord. If you've only got $40 to spend, get some of the 71's. But if you can spend a bit more, definitly check out the E2's. And as long as you get them from an authorized dealer, you have 30 days to try them out and see if you like them.

Once again, if you are into big bass, as I still am, then earphones in general are not for you (unless you can spend some major bucks and go to the E5's, from what I hear). I'll still use my V700's when I'm at home, but anywhere I go with my pod, I'll be taking my E2's.

Oh, BTW, I used them yesterday while mowing my lawn. Nice. The mower was a dull hum, while music was playing sweetly in my ear, with the pod only cranked up to right below half volume. Tonight while listening with the TV on, I only had to have them up to 1/4 or less. Nice isolation.