2 questions all i ask

[vwaddict]

Dont mean to post a question that has probably been discussed but after 2 hours of searching I still would like some more consistent answers rather than bias opinions and die hard users.

Ok 2 questions straight to the point.
I want in ear headphones that are comfortable and I am crazy about sound quality but i am willing to sacrifice a little for comfort and portablility My price range is under 80, Basically my ears are killing me. AND I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Please do not post unless you have tried multiple pairs of in ear headphones. Please do not repeat the same information unless its adding or supplementing all it takes is "i agree"

ok now thats that out of the way

1. what headphones have you used/compared?
2. which is the best comfort to quality ratio?

Just to note, im pretty sold on the shure e2s unless I get some phones that are alot more comfortable and sound as good.

[MikeM]

my 2??

I own the sony ex-71 and shure e2's. The shures are certainly much better sound and isolation-wise but the sonys are more comfortable overall. The Sonys don't go in your ear as for nor do they seem to fill my ear canal as much, especially with the smallest tips. They are also less secure in my ears. The sonys are better if you need to remove and reinsert a lot. I don't find the shures [with the foams] difficult to keep in for a few hours but they just aren't as comfortable as the sonys.

If you are crazy about sound quality and use high bit rate compression or lossless, you really need to save up for something above $80. I'm sure your hours of searching has shown you that the high-end in-ears cost a lot more than your budget.

If you're pretty much sold on e2's- go for them. Then start saving for some etys or shure e5's.

[kauffee]

I've owned 4 canalphones (Sony EX71, Shure E2 and E3, and Ety ER4P) and, in my opinion, comfort is really an overrated issue. In my experience, no matter how uncomfortable a canalphone seems at first, you simply get used to it. For example, the ER4Ps were extremely uncomfortable at first... but after a week my ears adjusted.

But in case you don't believe me, the EX71 is definitely the most comfortable since the tips are very thin and flexible and they barely enter your ear canal. If you want something with a little better sound and comfort, then save up for the Shure E3. The gray flex sleeves these come with are just about as comfy as the Sonys.

But like I said, I think it's an overblow issue. If you can only afford the E2, get them and just give them some time. You'll adjust.

[thedodgyguy]

EX71, E2c, E3c, ER-4P/S, E5.


The EX71 are the crappiest sounding, the least isolating, the nicest temporary case design and the most comfortable. In many ways, the physical design of these is the most thought out for frequent commuting use... but the sound leaves something to be desired, and the isolation is usable but mediocre in in-ear terms.


The E2's are demonstrably better earphones, being smoother, allowing you to hear more music (because of the higher isolation), more efficient and don't have the gritty sonic edge of the EX71. The E2 has almost EX71 sized ear tubes (The Etys/E3c/E5c all havemuch narrower ear tubes), yet these must go far deeper in than the EX71 for the E2 to work properly... so they could well be the most uncomfortable in-ear phones. Nevertheless, it's what I'd recommend if you have $80 to blow.

[usurp]

i would also suggest the E2s. The cost me 80$ with shipping and I have no regrets. My previous earphone was the Bang & Olufsen A8.

I also personally dont find the E2s uncomfortable. Using the Foam sleeves i have to say they are the most comfortable earphones you can get. you wont feel they are on!

[MuzakMan]

I suggest the E2'a also. I have gotten very used to the feeling, and they sound great.

[taavi]

E2s are truly the best 80 dollar headphone you can get. If you have the money though, go for the E3s. You can get them for 122 at earphonesolutions.com with the coupon code on the main iPodlounge page.

[chickenbackside]

I own thew following:

1) 5 pairs Sony MDR 7505 headphones
2) 4 pairs Beyerdynamic DT150 headphones
3) 8 pairs Audio Technica ATH-M40fs headphones
4) 6 pairs Sennheiser HD280 Pro headphones
5) 1 pair Shure E2c
6) 1 pair Shure E3c
7) 1 pair Shure E5c

In case you're wondering, I own a recording studio, that's why.

Most comfortable: Beyerdynamic DT150
Best sounding: That's a hard one.

Overall, I would have to say a properly fitted pair of E5c has the best compromise.

I use the Shures just to listen to my iPod and made the mistake of not auditioning the E5c's first.

So there you go...