Honest review and comparison of apple in ears and Sony ex71's

[thebrain]

UPDATE
I have all three of these headphones, and I can honestly say that I personally prefer the shures
heres why:

Apple In ears (cost me $22):
Pros:
-one piece, correct length cord
-cord is thicker and stronger than the sony cord
-clean sound (I am a non audiofile listener)
-Bass is clear and less muddy
-apple has less impedance or something because they are louder than the sonys
-uber-kewl carry case
-comfortable
-hey, the Apple's
Cons
-fit of phones seems way less secure than sonys, due to the shape on silicone ( stay in when stationary and walking, dont know about running/jogging)

Sony MDR-EX71 (cost me ~$30)
Pros
-silicone sleeves are fairly secure in ears (stay in when jogging)
-If you are someone using these for excercise and your player in on your arm you well love the short cord
-gold connectors (honestly people I cant tell the difference in sound quality)
Cons
-(other than for jogging) the two piece, behind the head cord is freakin annoying (I have had plenty of time to try to get used to it)
-bass seems muddy and indistinct (somewhat annoying)
-high notes seems a little harsh
-reall craptastic included headphone case
silicone sleeves are not as secure on earphones as the apple ones ( i managed to loose one of the sony ones)
-tangle easily, moreso than normal

to conclude between the apples and sonys
Both are decent headphones and there is a little personal preferance involved in getting them
advise to joggers/excerisers I do not reccomend either headphones, instead look at something like sony S2 Sports™ Headphones MDR-A35G.


Ok now for the Shure e2c review and comparison (cost me $50)
*Some people might say that it is unfair to judge the shures with the apples and sonys, but as I have listed here, they are in reality about the same price (+ or - $10-20)
Pros:
-superior sound isolation, while not absolute, is very prominent (very nice for bus rides)
-Treble is less harsh than the apples or sonys (I am NOT an audiophile but I notices that on Its a long way to the top by ACDC the high pithced bag pipe (i think thats what it is) was noticablely screechy and annoying
-While many say the bass is not prominent in these phones, I believe what they are really experiencing is CLEAN BASS. THe bass in these headphones is NOT overly thumping but it is not muddy either.
-strong, thick high quality cord
-overall sound seems to grap your attention more than the other phones, it could be better instrument separation or the treble or bass but these headphones beg to be listened to.
-symetrical cord.
-many sleeve options
-THEY STAY IN!!!! The silicone sleeves are almost aggresive in staying in, not in a bad way. I am just saying that I doubt these headphones will ever fall out of your ears if you you the proper size of sleeve. this is a far cry from the sonys and even further from the apples
-very low impedance AKA they're nice and loud
-kick a$$ carry case ( I had two of them before I even got these becuase I liked them so much)
-easily replaceable sleeves, unlike the sonys and the apples
Cons:
-take longer to put in
-initially take some time to get used to and feel good. (experiment with the sleeve option)
-some people may dislike the behind the ear wires (personally i like like because you can pull out a phone and talke to someone while it is dangling from your ear. And it adds another layer of security in the ability of them to stay in your ears)
-Spendy (DONT BUY THEM FROM SHURE for 100 bucks. go online to somewhere like ecost and you can get them for about $70. Better yet look for here at the lounge and get em for $50-60)
-not white, if you care ( I used to, until I heard these things, trust me, color is not important. Plus non-white phones lessen ipod muggings) :eek:
-good isolation can be undesirable or dangerous in some situations (re: not reccomended for joggindg, even though they would deffinately stay in)
If you have any questions/comments feel free to ask
hope I helped

final note. If you want one more reason to by the shures. I am listening to my ipod right now and they are plugged in while the others collect dust 'nuff said.

[rx7_fan]

Totally disagree that apple stock headphones are better than sony ex-71. Yes, the sony 71 is crap compare to high fidelity headphones/earphones, but they are WAY better than apple's (using flat EQ or any EQ for that matter).

[darling_nikki]

Hes not comparing the stock Apples, hes comparing the ones you buy....

[thebrain]

I am sorry I did not clarify I was reviewing the $39 apple in ears (canal phones), that have 3 separate sets of silicone sleeves, and a plastic case. rx7_fan was refering to the stock apple earbuds. I agree with him in that they suck

[rx7_fan]

That's the thing about in earphones, getting the proper seal is the most important thing.

[thebrain]

what panasonic headphones are you refering to?

[Joshdude]

I agree with the review. I have the in-ears, and the sound is really quite a bit better than on the Sonys. The only problem is the sleeves, and I fixed that by *cough*returning the Sonys without the medium sleeves in the package*cough cough* So I had the better sound of the Apples and the comfort of the Sonys. Everyone wins!

[Tony Mac]

Originally posted by tonton
RP-HJE50

Wow, are those headphones any good? Their only $20 at Amazon.

[Buccaneer]

Which Apple's are you talking about??
I just looked on Amazon and found = Apple iPod M9394G/A Earbud Headphones, but they are $39.99

[jstylex0r]

i dont even use the carrying case for my ex71 and they dont tangle. ive had apple inears as well, they are unbelievably uncormfortable, they fall out of ur ears everytime u move ur head. and ex71's sound quality is better.
if you want a cheap but good in ear headphones
try 'The Plug' from Koss

[thebrain]

i think im gonna try to find some cheapie e2cs to see if I am missing anything, plus i could do with some more isolation

[G4Bruno]

I love my Sony EX-71s.

[thebrain]

heres a pic of all of them

[thebrain]

i cant change the title of the thread as it appears when on eis browsing the forums, so I cant tell people of the updates...annoying

[thebrain]

Depending on which set of e2c's you buy (new or old) you may or may not recieve a set of ultra soft flex sleeves. They are ~$10 from SHURE and even less on ebay. If you have been having problems with the comfort of the e2c's, you owe it to yourself to get some. Actually I think every e2c owner should try these out. They make the e2s as comfortable if not more so than sony ex's. One tradeoff, I have heard they have less isolation, but I have not tested this personally.
Oh yeah, btw E2c's ROCK!

[Proteus]

That's $12 better than I've found. Where'd you get them?

[jnorth51]

i am sooooo confused!

i want a basic set of buds to bump up from the standard apple ear buds that came with the ipod. i find those to be very uncomfortable in my ears - i have always found ear buds to be uncomfortable - maybe my ears are shaped weird! i do know that they are small!

i just want to get a set thats a small step up (in terms of sound quality and comfort) that won't break the bank yet.

and reading all of these threads.....i am MORE confused as ever!! : (

[thebrain]

I found my pair of e2c's here at the lounge (used) for that $50. THe lounge is better than ebay if you are looking for ipod related items.

[amp64]

I too changed out my sony MDR-EX71 size small sleeves with the ipod ear buds sleeves(not the stock ones the ones you purchase) and they have a tight fit and stay in my ear and the sound is so much better. I found the sony long cord and necklace design bothersome and from what I read they don't last. I use my headphones a lot for running and biking and find this to be a good solution. It would be nice to have a movable piece on the upper part of the cord so you could adjust the length of the y cord (that is on the sony headphones). If I want a more basey sound and I'm sitting around the sonys are fine. Wish some earphone manufacture would read all these post and make a headphone that we all agree we like. If they can make an ipod that millions of people enjoy why can't they make a headphone we can all enjoy as well! Is that too much to ask.

[thebrain]

I did the opposite, I had apple's (which have a slider to adjust the Y split) and put the ex71 sleeves on them.

[amp64]

I meant to say what thebrain said just in a more longwinded and confused manor.

[thebrain]

gotcha, longwinded and confused is good though...

[summean]

Sounds like the Apple In-ears, replaced with the Sony sleeves, makes for the best combination!

I have the ex51s, which I like a lot, except for the cord. Maybe I'll return them (minus a pair of sleeves) for the the apples..

[atomx]

Hey Brain:

The thing that has prevented me from getting the e2c's is the fact that they look really bulky in comparison to the others. I like the Sony's because they pretty much sit flat inside the ear w/o much sticking out--the e2c's look like they would really stick out, like a bulb sticking out of your ear. They just look bulky and heavy to me. Is this true?

[thebrain]

Here is a pic of all three of them:
left to right:
sony ex71 with small sleeves, apple in ears with small sleeves, Shure e2c's with small flex sleeves.

[atomx]

Ok, so does the dark bulb looking part below the earpiece stick out beyond the ear, or does it curve around? How about a picture of it in your ear! :)

[thebrain]

I actually took some pic of them in my ear, but I keep taking them in bitmap, which ipodlounge doesnt accept, so when I have a little time later today Ill (hopefully) take some jpeg pics for you guys.
ANd yes, that dark plud is the e2c and it does stick out of your ear, but it doesnt stick straight out, it kind of sits in a hole in your earlobe. Its confusing, wait for the pic and youll understand.

[atomx]

Many thanks!

[thebrain]

Here are some various pictures of the shure e2c's and the apple in ears, in my ears :eek: I did not feel the need to show the sonys because they are essentially the same as the sonys, but fi you want I can take some more pics. Again I apoligize for the quality, I am still using my LEGO camera, but the good news is I think I am getting a digital cam soon:) The shure's dont really stick go, they kind of go back. That being said, yes they are somewaht bigger than the apples, but theyre still canalphones, so they are still pretty small. I have NEVER been bothered by their size, I was too preoccupied with their good sound and secure fit.

[thebrain]

another pic

[thebrain]

shure pic

[thebrain]

beware of bad hair day!

oh yah, here's another pic

[thebrain]

I know the pictures arent too great, I hope they can answer your question. If there are any other angles or anything you want, feel free to ask.
thebrain

[atomx]

HeHe--sorry to put you through all this. lol at the thought of aiming the camera at your ear! :)

The bottom line: once you get used to them, are they comfy?

Thanks again for all the hard work!

[thebrain]

I will say this. I have the sony ex71's, the apple in ears, and the shure e2c's. THe sonys are collecting dust. The apple in ears with the sony tips are used only at school when I dont want alot of isolation and I need just some casual phones. AT ALL OTHER TIMES (home, bus, lawn mowing, etc etc), I use my e2c's-theyre secure, GREAT sounding, high quality, and comfy.

[atomx]

Thank you--you've convinced me. Next paycheck, I'm getting them!

[toothpaste]

thebrain all of this is personal taste. It also depends on how you listen to music and what types of music you listen to. We all have different standards and we all hear music differently. Therefore, the shure e2c's might be the best choice for you, but unless I or anyone else reading this thread actually tries these phones, even a $50 price tag is expensive for some phones that might not meet expectations.

Now for my hip-hop I want something with more bass. Same thing if I'm listening to breaks or drum 'n bass, but if i'm listening to blues and jazz, then what? Overall, these phones are not the best. Focusing on a particular part of the sound spectrum and ignoring another is not a quality product. There are many ipod owners that have eclectic tastes and carry music ranging from slayer to wu-tang to billie holiday to frank sinatra, drum n' bass to classical music, so forth and so on. What do they have to do? Carry around multiple phones around with them?

Shure makes good phones that are suited for certain types of music, focusing on being "bassy" as many people want to blow out their ear-drums and show off that they have an ipod. Instead of being a trend follower, being a music connoisseur you pick the phones that sound the best in the broadest range of the sound spectrum that the human ear can intrepret.

[thebrain]

I totally understand where you are coming from, and of course all of my information is based on opinion. But so are 95% of all of the headphone threads here or anywhere, for that matter. I was asked some questions and I answered them as to how i felt. I personallty feel the base of the SHure e2c's is less muddled that that of the sonys and apples, something that I personally like. I mostly listen to classic rock, with a little hard rock and punk mixed in. I know that the e2c are not the best phones in the world, but they suit me just fine. I must reming anyone who reads this post that I AM NOT AN AUDIOPHILE, I do however have a little experience in headphones, but my ears are not very keen.

[atomx]

Unless I win the lottery, I'm NOT going to spend more than $100 on a set of headphones, PERIOD. I'm willing to risk this, though. If I don't like them, it's not The Brain's fault--he did a great job giving us his take on the e2c's. Life is filled with uncertainties...

Thanx again The Brain.

[thebrain]

You and me both. A hundred bucks is a lot to spend on headphones. I hope you can find some for cheap, I think places like ecost have them for ~$62, I got lucking and found a pair here at the lounge for $50. If I were you, I would go to the classifieds and make a "WTB shure e2c" thread and name a reasonable price and see what pops up. Best of luck, whatever headphones you get I hope you enjoy them.
And, hey, if you dont like them, so can probably sell them here, too

[Rhapsody]

Hey, I'm still curious in how these behind-the-neck cords look like? Can someone post a pic? I love the "Y" design of the Stock ones. That's why I'm STILL reluctant in buying these 71s...I might just invest in the apple in-ear ones.

[thebrain]

okay, I did this in paint, so prepare yourself.

[Rhapsody]

UNadjustable huh? Is that a problem for you folks?

[thebrain]

Hate the cord of the ex's. Long live the Y split cord!

[Rhapsody]

Yes, I like the "Y" design and wouldn't replace it with anything else.

Ah well...thanks for all the help thebrain. I appreciate it.

Lajo iBuds it is.

[expermint626]

I just a got a pair of apple in ear headphones cheap off ebay for the ipod shuffle I am still awaiting delivery on.I changed out the earbuds using the earbuds from my sony ex71sl's and I am suprised by the transformation in sound and plus they don't slip out so easily.

I love the sony's and I do listen to alot of dance music , sould and r&b so the prominent bass is something I like.Comparing the apple in ears with the Sony earbuds I can say sonically the apples are better.The bass is not so prominent and listening to some jazz you can hear much better separation and clarity with the apple in ears.

I prefer the conventional apple y neck format and also the thicker cord, with my mini I invested in a apple remote which allows me to use the sony headphones without the extension.The behind the neck design of the sony's do take a while to get use to.

I can see why alot of people prefer the apple in ears though.

[thebrain]

Yah I use the apple phones with the ex71 tips at school all of the time.

[Darkreaper]

thebrain,

Since you have both the in-ears and the shure e2c's would you be able to check and tell me if the rubber tip size for the in-ears would be the same as the shure foamies. Like for instance if you have a medium on the in-ears and then put the medium foam on the in ears would it be the same size?

Thanks

[thebrain]

Well I think you just have to fiddle around with them for a while. Heres how it works for me: my preferred tips are: medium sony in ear tips on apple in ears, small flex sleeves on shure e2 and if I am using foamies, I use either the medium or large. If I use the soft flex sleeves, I use the small ones.

[Darkreaper]

Thanks, for the response i guess im going to buy the three pairs like the ones that come with the package.

[thebrain]

I think for most of the [shure] eartips, they are available in multipacks that include one pair of every size.
sidenote:if you you medium tips on the sony ex71s or the small apple tips I would suggest the medium foamies, or the small clear flex sleeves or the small soft grey flex sleeves, based on my preferences. Again, everyone's ears are different.