Etymotic ER6 vs Shure E2?

[raindown]

Hi

I received my 4G 20GB iPod today and have been reading reviews for a new pair of earphones for the last few days. I've come to the conclusion that these two are probably the best for my budget, and I dismissed the popular Sony earphones due to reading many many reviews on lots of websites that claimed they weren't actually very good.

Anyway, I want a pair that isn't white (for safety reasons), that doesn't require much maintenance (I've heard that either the ER6s or the E2s need a lot of cleaning, I'm not sure which) and that has the Y-shaped cable (the same as the standard Apple earphones).

It would also be nice to have one that has a straight plug thing at the end (again, like the Apple ones) so that it fits the iPod better. Unless the 'normal' ones fit ok... does anyone have any experience with them? Also, what is the cable length like with these two models?

I've seen the ER6i is mentioned around here, but the fact that it's white and more than my budget allows means I can't really have them.

So basically, I want to know which of these two would be the best for my requirements?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[raindown]

Anyone...? :(

[kauffee]

I'm guessing there's a lack of responses because there are already dozens of threads comparing these two phones. Search the forums and read around. You'll find more info than you need.

As far as the cords, you can find cable length on the manufacturer's website. I had Ety ER4Ps and the Shure E2s and the cable length was fine on both. As far as the "straight plug" versus the angled one, I wouldn't worry about it. The angled plugs work just as well. It really makes no difference other than look.

[raindown]

Originally posted by kauffee
I'm guessing there's a lack of responses because there are already dozens of threads comparing these two phones. Search the forums and read around. You'll find more info than you need.

As far as the cords, you can find cable length on the manufacturer's website. I had Ety ER4Ps and the Shure E2s and the cable length was fine on both. As far as the "straight plug" versus the angled one, I wouldn't worry about it. The angled plugs work just as well. It really makes no difference other than look.


Thanks for the response :)

Yeah, I have read a lot of the reviews and comments on this board, but I wasn't sure about the cable lengths/plug shape/cable formation, etc. I guess I'll look on the manufacturers websites.

[QueueEhGuy]

I've got the ER-6 headphones, and I love 'em. I got them in March, and they just keep sounding better. They replaced my Fontopias.

The cords are pretty thin, so they can make some noise, and you have to get used to putting them in your ear, but the foam fits nicely. I can't hear a thing on the train outside of my music.

I got mine from outward sound, that's a good place to shop. Great staff and good policies.

Good luck!

[hotch]

e3c.

[raindown]

"these two are probably the best for my budget" - suggests that the E3c is too expensive :)

I just read some more reviews and saw a good deal on the Shure E2s, and so ordered them :D

[usurp]

its like the Sega Genesis vs Super Nintendo war.
Except its Shure vs Etymotics.

They both are good but each has something special.
I have the E2s but I got them because I read the E2s had better bass and were more "fun". But if you want better highs and clarity and Etymotic ER6 is the way to go.

But correct me if i am wrong Etymotic fans, I read that the ER6 has a minor issue which is you could hear the cords rubbing against your shirt. The E2s on the other hand are perfect :)

[MuzakMan]

I'd get the E2's. Also, in my opinion, the standard elbow jack is much better than the straight jack, especially if you wear your iPod on your belt.