I upgraded from Ex71's to E3's- My thoughts

[lizzardfire]

I have been a user of modded Sony EX71 earbuds for a few months now, and used them in conjunction with my iPod.

They were very muddy at first, but by enlarging the filter hole to 0.7mm (with a .7mm mechanical pencil) they cleared up nicely. I used them with the medium tips.

Then, I saw the Microphone Solutions coupon on this website, and having read many good things about the E3's both here and on HeadFi I decided to get them.

I ended up deciding the yellow foams gave me the best seal :) The bass is just as powerful as the EX71's, if not more powerful, but it is much cleaner. The highs are also more accentuated and seperate themselves from the mids and the lows.

I should also note that for the EX71's I preferred the Acoustic EQ, and the Rock EQ for the Shure E3's. The type of music I listen to is mostly Alternative rock :)

One more thing I really enjoyed about the E3's-- Even though the music sounds much more detailed than with the EX71's, lower bitrate music's artifacts are not heard much more. So you can enjoy crappy music with these headphones too :).

[King_Tweaker]

Well I am so happy with mine too, especially after having to go back to the normal iPod phones for a while.

I just gotta say that Microphone Solutions are Excellent. My e3c had a problem where the left phone stopped working so well and I had a replacement sent to me in no time from these guys, no questions asked.

What do you guys think I \ we should use instead of the yellow buds. Mine are gone unusable now so I am left with the white and grey ones...

Not really shure whats best.. I wish there was something as good as the yellow buds that didn't like run out after a while.

[Trekbiker]

just order yourself a 10-pack of foamies, if you can spare the cash. I don't remember how much it is. From what I've read, the grey ones are softer and more comfortable, but the clear ones give a much better seal. you'll have to try them out to see how you like them. my e2c's should arrive tomorrow. i'm looking forward to them!

[XBarbarian]

I just made the same jump ex71's to e3's - becasue of good prices avail. I agree with your experiences..same...I didnt mod the ex's, but I LOVE the e3s. I too found the foamies to be the best seal and comfort, so I just got 2 pack's of 10 pair each from Microphonesolutions. those guys are great. So, with 20 pairs on hand, I should be set for a bit. I have thought about an attempt at cleaning the foamies to too...maybe a quick wringing in alcohol..and let to fully dry for a few days, or..makin my own :) however, cheap enough - 15 a pack if ya buy 2 packs from micro

[usurp]

so if i get the E3s i wont have a problem with the bass?
why is it soo hard for me to decide!! one minute e2 and now after reading this thread i am going for the e3.

i should stop reading and just flip a coin!

[kauffee]

Tweaker:
Order a set of the triple flanges. Next to the foamies, I think they provide the best seal and you don't have to worry about them wearing out.

[Trekbiker]

ok, this is the deal with the bass. mind you, i don't have the e3s, so tke this with a grain o' salt.;)

The e2s offer more bass than the E3s, this is true. However, it is slightly muddier and perhaps even a little "boomy" compared to the E3s. I have the E2s myself, and while trying to figure out what I should expect from earphone bass, it isn't that much. I'm used to having a subwoofer in front of me whenever I listen to music, so I'm trying to adjust to it, and appreciate what they can deliver. Also, I'm still trying to get the seating right (they arrived yesterday). But, I'd have to say, I've noticed many, many things in my music that I have NEVER heard before.

Now, the e3s give you a tighter, punchy, more precise bass. It is more what the bass is intended to sound like, I believe. A truer bass if you will. Also, the E3s are supposed to give you more bass than the ER4, but once again, it's supposed to be the same story between the E3s and E2s as it is the ER4s and the E3s. So, really, the only way to decide is to let your ears decide for you!

I bought the E2s because I wanted some nice in-ear headphones, and a good price range. I heard good things about them, and at $66.66 shipped, it seemed like a steal. E-cost.com was great!

[AptMunich]

i haven't heard the e2's, but i can definetly agree with the comments on the e2 vs. e3 issue.

The e2 does sound good, and i too noticed lots of extra detail.
But somehow you had to be listening carefully to 'see' those extra bit bubbling under the veil of music. Bits of detail, like an extra vocal layer or more detail in the drumming would occasionly seap through and you'd go "WOW i've never heard that before, amazing"

The e3 presents everything for your convenience where as the e2 makes you work for the detail ;)

anyway

I JUST GOT A 12" iBook AND IT RAWKS!

[jhansman]

Nice to hear an opinion on these that doesn't imply (if not state outright) that you must be deaf or a moron if you can't hear the difference. The fact that you've spent as much time as you have with both products, and the even manner in which you share you impressions inclines me to consider these as an alternative to my EX-71s. Not too keen on the over-the-ear cord design, but I guess if I can get used to the Sony cord, I can adapt. Thanks.

[rmoody]

What mod are referring to on the EX71's? Got me interested in that. Until I can afford some new phones, the Sony will have to last me. I am hoping to hold off until I can swing for the E4P's.

[XBarbarian]

sorry rmoody...typo...meant "mind". I was trying to say I liked the ex71s, But the e3's are a noticeble improvement on clarity, detail, and with the good seal of the foamies, no loss of bass, either. But, heh, for 140+, they better be ;) And they are :)

[lizzardfire]

Originally posted by jhansman
Nice to hear an opinion on these that doesn't imply (if not state outright) that you must be deaf or a moron if you can't hear the difference. The fact that you've spent as much time as you have with both products, and the even manner in which you share you impressions inclines me to consider these as an alternative to my EX-71s. Not too keen on the over-the-ear cord design, but I guess if I can get used to the Sony cord, I can adapt. Thanks.

Keep your sonys, use them when you don't want to risk the shures. :)

As for the over the ear design, it's a pain to get used to,, but after you do it's fine :)

[Trekbiker]

you mean running the cord over your ear? you probably won't notice it. then again, i had sony street styles before my E2s, so it was like having just a much lighter thingy over my ear

[miner]

With E3s, try swapping the left and right phone ie put the left phone in your right ear and visa versa, Works for me. The cable hangs down in front and the sound is no different.

[jasperstory]

just reading T3 a tech magazine here in the uk, they claim the e3's are 345 FRIGGIN DOLLARS hahaha fools,,, i got mines at 180 dollars or something completely shipped...

anyway, they also gave it 2 Stars, claiming the sound was 'reasonable'... this is from the people that gave the ex71's like 4 stars... omg so angry, just sent them an abusive email :)

[usurp]

its T3 what do u expect...