Grado SR 60 vs. Shure E2c (E3c?)

[ipodtodd]

Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. I've seen plenty of discussions comparing different types of canal phones, but I haven't seen any comparisons between different types of phones. I'm looking at trying out some "high quality" headphones to see if this sort of thing is my cup of tea (in other words, I don't want to spend a lot of money off the bat if I would be just as happy with my EX-71's). From what I've gathered, the SR 60's are the best entry level headphones out there, but I'm curious as to how they compare to similarly priced canal phones. Are they a lot better than the E2c's? What about the E3c's? At this stage I'm only concerned with the sound, not aesthetics or portability. Based on quality alone, how do the SR 60's compare with the canal phones that are often mentioned here?

[kauffee]

I think the SR-60 is substantially better than the E2c and even the E3c. The E3c's mids are going to be a bit smoother than the SR-60's, but overall sound quality on the SR-60 will be better. The E3c is weak on the low end and just slightly rolled off on the high end. While the SR-60's bass isn't what I would call "slamming," it's still very good. The separation and extension of the SR-60 blows away the E2c. I don't think those 2 are even in the same league, but then again I like the E2c less than most.

[jordan]

If you're unconcerned with portability, you shouldn't even be considering the E2C or the E3C as a competitor for the Grado SR 60. The E3C might give it a run for its money in some limited aspects, but I assure you, every facet of the sound quality from the SR 60 will be better than the Shures. Bass will be tighter, more responsive, deeper, and will be better reproduced in every aspect. Highs might be comparable to the E3Cs, but the overall combination of highs and mids and the range at which they're reproduced will be better with the Grados.

Try it out for yourself . . . find an online retailer with a return policy and buy them both. Test 'em for a week and then return the Shures (which you inevitably will).

[Possédé]

Why are you comparing earphones to headphones? Obviously headphones have better sound quality than small earphones (When they are both at around the same price range). Anyway... if portability isn't an issue I suggest what jordan said and find a good online retailer with a good return policy. Buy them both and use them for a week. Then return the Shures. :p

[DylPod]

I'll be the voice of dissent. I own Grado SR-80's and Shure E3's and I prefer the Shures. I find the Grados to be harsh and fatiguing.

I disagree that the only reason to choose canalphones is for portability. Headphones and canalphones are different but I don't think one is inherently better than the other. Canalphones provide a level of detail unavailable in *any* other way of listening. They also provide an experience that the music is being beamed directly into my brain. This works very well with electronic and studio music but not so well with jazz and live music that captures a real acoustical space.

[Possédé]

Well thats me proved wrong. :( Lol. It really depends on yourself, what sounds best for you.