Shure e2c v. Sony EX-71

[signumnx]

Well I've read several threads about quality of these individually but I don't think I came upon a direct comparison of these two. I don't really plan on buying anything more expensive than the e2c's for now. I mostly listen to rock and hip-hop. Could you guys who own both pairs of these give me a recommendation??

[leonthepro]

Shure e2's are alot louder. But to be honest, sound quality is not that much better, not worth the extra money. But if you want thumping loud music the e2s do the trick nicely.

I was perfectly satisfied with the ex71s and would have been happier with them (considering the price), but they kept on breaking and I had to go with replacements while waiting for the warranty.

[Foxx5]

I also had the sony's first but htey broke about a month ago so I bought the Shure E2cs. They have much better med range so I can hear the vocals better but I wouldn't pay $99 for them. I got mine for about $60 from Buy.com.

[MartyMcPod]

E2's are well worth the few extra dollars you would pay. You an easily find them for 60 or so, like Foxx said.

[signumnx]

Thanks a bunch!

[signumnx]

$60 huh.. I'm sure that was during a sale but the lowest price I am finding now is $75 shipped.. anyone know of a better price?

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by signumnx
$60 huh.. I'm sure that was during a sale but the lowest price I am finding now is $75 shipped.. anyone know of a better price?

$65, free shipping, HERE (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90132508&loc=111&sp=1)..

-Dan

[ruach10]

why do people compare the e2cs abd the x71s there not in the same price range!! cheapest e2cs $65 ex71s $32 thats more than twice!!
also cnet gave them the same rating, and ipodlounge gave the ex71s a higher rating!!!!
THIS MAKES NO SENSE

[ohdear]

People want to know if the sound of e2c's is significantly better enough, to justify spending twice as much.

And ratings are also based on value for money...

[mithil]

so is the sound twice as better?

[Mr. E. Mann]

The sound in my e2c's are very good for the price. If you aren't a semi-audiophile, the e2c's might not sound much different. It all comes down to how much you care about the sound. The e2c's have better mids and thumpier bass, while the ex71's base is muddy; but still there...

Also, the ex71 are very comfortable. If your ears are smaller, the e2c could be pretty uncomfortable. At least, definately the plastic plugs; the foamies are pretty good. If you can, try them before you buy them.

I got my e2c's for $75 at the Guitar Center. They are very high quality too and will last a long time. Check out the reviews of these earphones in the iPodlounge reviews page. It will help you decide.

[Xarthan]

get the sharp 33

[ruach10]

is there something comapareable or better than ex71s in the price range???

[Mr. E. Mann]

In the same price range?

Not really. But the Shure e2c's are the next step up in terms of sound quality. And to some its a big step, but to others, it is an insignificant step.

[Tech2]

I had been using EX51's for a while (same as the 71's except color and cord) and recently got some e2c's.

My opinion is that the ec2's sound much better. And they seem much sturdier than the EX phones. The cords are thicker, the case is outstanding. Both of which leave much to be desired with the Sony earbuds.

My advice would be this: Buy the ec2's. You'll spend more initially, but you'll be better off in the long run. I bought the Sony's and was disappointed with the sound (I'm not an audiophile, but I would describe the sound of the EX's to be muddy or muffled. The bass was strong, but other frequencies seemed to get lost in it), so I bought the ec2's. If I had just bought the ec2's first, I would have saved the cost of the EX51's

[bordeaaj]

Originally posted by Tech2

My opinion is that the ec2's sound much better. And they seem much sturdier than the EX phones. The cords are thicker, the case is outstanding. Both of which leave much to be desired with the Sony earbuds.

My advice would be this: Buy the ec2's. You'll spend more initially, but you'll be better off in the long run. I bought the Sony's and was disappointed with the sound (I'm not an audiophile, but I would describe the sound of the EX's to be muddy or muffled. The bass was strong, but other frequencies seemed to get lost in it), so I bought the ec2's. If I had just bought the ec2's first, I would have saved the cost of the EX51's

I agree...especially if you intend listening to your ipod in a noisy environment like a bus or plane.

[TigerLord]

I would be interested in knowing which are the most resistant..

Because I usually never use any case and just put the Ipod and the earbuds cord around the ipod and leave it all in the pocket of my jacket...

Thing is, if im gonna pay 80$ for e2c and Ill have to use a case everytime I travel to make sure they never break its not practical for me...

Any thought?

[Fiona123]

Try ‘SoundWise SnowDrops’

They have a better range, stronger base and brighter high end. They are also so comfortable and light that you hardly notice them. They are also louder than the EX71

[TigerLord]

where can I buy these and anybody else want to comment ?

The fact that I never heard of these before is not such a good sign ! Anyway :) I'm in germany

any help appreciated

[TigerLord]

Buy.com has the e2c for 59.99 after -5$ coupon and free shipping
This is a very good deal for them, but US only ... Given that EX71SL are around 45 plus shipping, and I read e2c were superior, it's a deal

I wish I could get them, but Buy.com don't ship internationnal... :(

[fiz]

Originally posted by TigerLord
Buy.com has the e2c for 59.99 after -5$ coupon and free shipping
This is a very good deal for them, but US only ... Given that EX71SL are around 45 plus shipping, and I read e2c were superior, it's a deal

I wish I could get them, but Buy.com don't ship internationnal... :(

how do you get this coupon?

edit: found it.

http://www.buy.com/retail/coupon.asp?prid=85094736&dcaid=1688

[bordeaaj]

The e2 monitors are very rugged and much, much sturdier than the sony ex71s and they come with their own special rigid case. They are so sturdy I never really have to use it though. In fact, I have read in these forums that using the included case can result in a stressed connection at the earbud resulting in the sound going in and out in one or the other of the earbuds. Shure has always replaced the buds with brand new units free of charge in the few cases I read about here.

[FallN]

I have brand new units of both the Shure E2c's and the Sony EX71's.

Here are the differences that I've been able, thus far, to ascertain:

1. Sony 71's have slightly more bass breed into them, but you can get a comparable amount of bass from the Shure's with a good fit/seal.

2. Shure E2c's are sturdier. MUCH, MUCH STURDIER! They're built "Ford Tough"! I don't see any real need for a case on a day-to-day basis, but if you're not going to use them for extended periods of time, I can definitely see the bright-side of storing them in their case in order to keep dust off and protect the earbuds/tips. The Sony's have the cheapest, flimsy feeling wires I've ever felt. I don't see these puppies standing up to daily abuse for long. Just my honest, hands-on observation from actual use.

3. Sony 71's fit is so comfortable! They aren't nearly as big and chunky as the Shure's or as invasive. They aren't inserted as deeply into the ear canal as the Shure's thus leading to a better fit. The interchangable eartips are also 100 times more flexible and soft than the stiff, unforgiving plastic of the Shure's or Shure's rough a$$ pink foamies. The Sony's are a pleasure to have in my ears.

4. Shure E2c's have overall better sound quality (when you get a good seal). The bass doesn't overwelm the rest of the music and the sounds are a bit more "pure". The Sony's, like so many people have already stated, are a bit "boomier" due to the jacking up of bass which can make some music sound "muddy" and "muffled".

5. Shure E2c's have better isolation and protect the music better from outside noise. Although the Sony's do a great job, they don't do it as well as the Shure's because the Shure's are simply inserted DEEPER (and I mean DEEP) into the ear canal. Also, the Shure foamies help to block out even more outside noise. Shure has Sony beat in this department by a few yards... but you pay for it in the form of "invasive", almost freakishly deep insertion that can creep out some people... LOL!

Overall, the Shure's (at the current sub $65 price) are the best bet if you can get a good fit!! The Shure's ain't gonna do nothin' and are a waste of money if you can't get a proper, deep, comfortable fit/seal, which in m case, due to freakishly small ear canals, is a waste of my hard-earned cash. (I'm looking to return them or sell them).

The Sony's retail for $49.99. For that price, you'd be better off getting the Shure's but if you can find them cheaper (and in most cases you can), then the Sony EX71's are the "best bang" for your buck if you are SERIOUSLY strapped for cash and can't afford the sub-$65 for the Shure E2C's or your ears just can't accomodate the Shure's girth (like mine). Also, if you like more "bass" then the Sony's are the best bet.

It's all about personal taste and fit. Again, if you have small ear canals, you might want to think twice about purchasing the Shure E2c's as they are pretty beefy. You'd be better off with the Sony EX71's. But if you ears are "normal sized" and don't mind the ugly look of the Shure's then I would suggest you pick them up over the Sony's.

Best of luck. :)

[bordeaaj]

Originally posted by FallN
Sony 71's fit is so comfortable! They aren't nearly as big and chunky as the Shure's or as invasive. They aren't inserted as deeply into the ear canal as the Shure's thus leading to a better fit. The interchangable eartips are also 100 times more flexible and soft than the stiff, unforgiving plastic of the Shure's or Shure's rough a$$ pink foamies. The Sony's are a pleasure to have in my ears.


Hey FallN...the small version of these new Shure e2 ultrasoft flexsleeves might help you in the comfort dept. And hopefully they come with the e2 for new orders.
http://www.shure.com/earphones/eseries_accessories.asp#FLEX

[ruach10]

The Sony's retail for $49.99. For that price, you'd be better off getting the Shure's but if you can find them cheaper (and in most cases you can), then the Sony EX71's are the "best bang" for your buck if you are SERIOUSLY strapped for cash and can't afford the sub-$65 for the Shure E2C's or your ears just can't accomodate the Shure's girth (like mine). Also, if you like more "bass" then the Sony's are the best bet.

you can get the ex-71s 4 $32 that is less than half than the e2cs

[podio]

Ok, I'm thinking of giving my set of ex71's to my brother and getting some Shure's is it really worth it. I would be listening to them everywhere, in the car (dont drive yet) , cutting my neighbors grass which is why better sound isolation would help, riding my bike ect. ect. ect. Now are the E2c's just as good of an active headphone as the ex71's are? Are they as lightweight as the 71's? My ear's are decent size so I dont see a fit problem, but I dont want something heavy.
And the cord on the 71's pulls the left earphone out of my ears because of the extension cord on it, the connectors so heavy.
I'ts not like that on the shure's is it?

[bordeaaj]

Once the e2's are in your ears they don't just fall out. They have an alarmingly secure fit pretty deep in the ear canal. The ex71 has a very shallow fit in comparison. The e2's are much more substantial than the ex71's but the extra weight feels more like a positive thing, added quality and durability, than a detraction . The e2's great isolation means you may have to use them awhile before you get used to hearing the sound of your own breathing, chewing, footsteps, etc inside your own body, esp during active use (which is weird at first). Also, the e2's can get very loud if necessary...full volume on the ex71 is about 1/3rd full volume on the e2 (comes in handy when cutting that grass). I still have my ex71s and the $150 noise canceling cousin of the ex71, but I never use them. They sound good, but I like the e2's better. Hope that helps. Also, your ex71 flexsleeves might be good to keep around in case you want to use them as a super comfortable modification on your e2's if they don't come with the new e2 ultrasoft flexsleeves included and you don't want to spend the extra money ordering them.

[podio]

Ok, thank's for your help.
What I might do is give the 71's to my 8-year old brother.
He just got a shuffle and he's using the cruddy earbuds that came with it.