Reviews

1

The bass on these is completely underwhelming and the midrange is far too pronounced. Sounds like most typical Shure products, which to me seem designed more specifically for onstage sound reinforcement rather than listening to well-mixed music for enjoyment. These would make fine stage monitors, but you'd never catch me listening to my iPods with these. And yes, I have tried them. My friend bought a pair recently, wondered what he was doing wrong because he didn't like them. I listened to them and sure enough they were typical Shure midrange-peaky canalphones like the others I've used in stage applications.

Posted by shaktiboy on August 9, 2005 at 10:17 AM (PDT)

2

First and foremost with any sonic device is its audio performance, pretty looks be damned. I know full well about the iPod's visual appeal, but as a music device it does do a pretty good job on the SQ side of things as well. While some may migrate to these Shures for their appearance, the price point of this unit isn't going to allow aesthetics to be the major draw. People who are going to drop a couple or three bills on canalphones are going to expect superior sonic performance, period.

I haven't tried the E4c, nor do I really have any desire to. During my audition period with Shure's top canal set, I didn't care much for the E5c, preferring the Ety ER-4s I was comparing them to (and that I ultimately kept). I would expect the E4c to be even less satisfactory considering their status in Shure's lineup. Considering that the ER-4s/4p is comparable in price, it's a no brainer in my mind which is the better value and performer.

White ear and canal buds are a dime a dozen. Some models you could literally BUY for a dime a dozen. Shure canal buds certainly don't fit that description, but for the money their auditory performance just don't seem to me to be worth the premium, either. Besides, white-corded headsets are just another target to an unsavory type's crosshairs for getting yourself jacked. Who needs to spend another two to three hundred for that additional aggravation?

Posted by flatline response on August 10, 2005 at 3:43 AM (PDT)

3

When I opened the package my first though was that these are probably some of the best made earphones available; however when I tried them for the first time I will admit that I was somewhat under-whelmed. As has been said before, you really need to experiment with the various ear pieces within the fit kit to find what works best for you. My best performance came from using the triple flange plugs and trimming about 2mm off the inlet tube. Trimming the tube did not improve sound quality but it did make it much more comfortable to sleep with the earplugs, now I can comfortably lay my head to either side without the plugs being forced further into my ear canal. Once properly configured for your ear, these are outstanding earphones with respect to both quality of manufacture and audio performance. Expensive? Yes. Worth the price? I guess that really depends on your budget, but for me I would say yes.

Posted by RJP63 on August 10, 2005 at 6:12 PM (PDT)

4

Note to Flatline:
I'm going to buy some earphones in this proice range, so what would you recommend?
I, too am leery of these.

Bill H.

Posted by Avalon0387 on August 11, 2005 at 10:21 AM (PDT)

5

no earphones are worth $299.

Posted by jaysyn on August 11, 2005 at 1:07 PM (PDT)

6

To Jaysyn - Oh, yes, some headphones are certainly worth $300 and more. There is some amazing stuff out there in that heady range (Sennheiser 650s, Grado RS-1s, many more) and these are great pieces that blow the roof off of anything Sony or Shure ever dreamed of. Hey, I can't really afford much of that stuff either, but it does sound better than all the rest.

I agree with Flatline that it is sonics that make the difference; it is a pity that canalphones are more difficult to test drive than others, because it is clear that price alone is not an accurate gauge of quality.

I have yet to use canalphones that don't hurt my ears after a few minutes, and so I am sticking with the ridiculously good and cheap "big cans" - Grado SR60s for everyday use($70 and better than anything from Sony at any price). If anyone can suggest how canalphones can work well with smaller ear openings, please tell me. Thus far it has been misery, despite some good sound.

Posted by BradPDX in Portland, OR USA on August 11, 2005 at 3:06 PM (PDT)

7

I love the E4cs. I am not sure why so many reviews (including this one) quite the $299 price when several places have them for $198. I listen to a lot of electronic and hip/hop music, in addition to IDM and other genre. I've not been disappointed by the bass at all. The bass has a lot of detail (at least compared to the apple earbuds and apple in-ear buds). I can't compare the E4c to other premium phones, but most reviews I read really seem to love them (e.g., c-net calling them the best phones they've heard, not counting the E5s). -- JingJing smile

Posted by Jing in USA/Singapore on August 11, 2005 at 5:48 PM (PDT)

8

Well, my first question is whether Mr. Horwitz allowed time for the 'phones to develop a proper seal and fit.

I'm sure with his expertise he's aware of this need, but I'm suprised at the severity of his comments, due to my own total satisfaction with the sound (and particularly the bass response) of my E4c's.

My set came with an "IMPORTANT NOTICE" letter, stressing the crucial "at least a week" settling-in period, and promising that the bass would delivered (and all physical discomfort would cease) after the 7 or so days were up.

This turned out to be very true.

I was also disappointed with the 'phones'sound right off the bat- very tinny, mid-rangey, and balls-less. My ears were also cramped and hurt like hell (although nowhere near as much as when wearing the cheap pieces of crap that came with the iPod; I can't BELIEVE they sell them with those things).

Nonetheless, I hung in there, reminding myself of the settle-in-period, and remembering that the notice had also said they're guaranteed to sound horrible right out of the box.

Well, a week or so later, and I was fully satasfied, in fact overjoyed, with the sound of the new E4c's. It was/is a listening experience like nothing I'd ever been through, a completely new thing that blew my mind and soul for days.

I never have to do any EQ-ing whatsoever, except for adding a bit of extra bass to old '70s-80's metal recordings, which are notorious for their lack of bottom end anyways.

My one biggest complaint is solely related to the rubber grip part that surrounds where the cord connects to the headphone. Mine have both strangely had little bits break off at the bottom, right where the cord joins, and I have done nothing other than use them in a regular way. One of the rubber grip parts has actually discoloured a bit, as well. Weird. I'm going to send a photo to the website where I bought them, and to Shure as well. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Anyways, other than the weird rubber thing happening, sound-wise, I'm COMPLETELY happy with these E4c's, and would highly recommend them to anyone.

Posted by degüello on August 11, 2005 at 5:59 PM (PDT)

9

Oh, and in response to Jaysyn's remarks about "no headphones being worth $299," you couldn't be more wrong, fellow music-lover.

It's totally worth it, you're spending money in order to get the full value of the enormous amount you've already invested in your iPod.

It's a completely worthwhile investment, otherwise you're short-changing yourself and making the money you spent on the iPod a huge waste.

The iPod 'phones are pathetic, I was actually very angry that Apple would include such shoddy pieces of crap with such an incredible product, very lousy on their part.

And, if $299's out of your range, they're actually available in many places for $199, as others have said (that's what I paid for mine). And if $199 is still too high (as it would've been for me a few years ago), well, I'd strongly suggest getting something, ANYTHING, that's a step-up from the Apple stock 'phones, because they're honestly the worst things I've ever seen included with a personal music player.

Posted by degüello on August 11, 2005 at 6:09 PM (PDT)

10

Deguello (sorry I could not make the dotted 'u') is right. I had to 'burn in' my E4cs (did it as so many suggested to do so). I used them before burn in, and used them after burn-in. There was a distinct difference in the before and after. I felt $199 was ok to pay, because I paid so much already for my 40GB iPod Photo (in for a penny, in for a pound hahaha). smile

Posted by Jing in USA/Singapore on August 12, 2005 at 10:02 AM (PDT)

11

It may just be me, but I could have sworn the reviewer gave these a "B" (when I left my first comment). Today it is "B+"

Posted by Jing in USA/Singapore on August 12, 2005 at 10:03 AM (PDT)

12

Avalon0387: Headphones preference, like speakers, can be a VERY personal and subjective choice even when based on SQ alone. From person to person we often hear things differently. I can't tell you how many times when I've gone to audition speakers and components with a fellow "audiophile" buddy (audiofanatics is a better term to describe us, IMO), where something I think sounds spectacular is only ho hum to him, and vice versa. Occasionally we'll find ourselves on the same page, but then someone else in the listening room will think we're both absolutely full of it.

That said, canal-type earcans in this price range are somewhat limited: there aren't many out there to choose from. The ones I prefer (though they're not perfect) are the Etymotic ER-4 series. When I bought mine there were two versions: the ER-4s and the ER-4p. Nowadays I believe there's an additional model as well, the 4b, but that's more of a special-application headset that's not suitable for regular consumer use.

The thing that's really nice about the ER-4 series to me is the design's sonic neutrality; these cans do a very admirable job of not coloring the sound and do a competent balance in not overemphasizing one part of the audio spectrum over another. When they're properly sealed, they image extremely well (but not what I'd consider perfectly, it there is such a thing with cans...that subjective part again), give a good representation of the human auditory spectrum and to me are far and away at convincing me that they more natural sounding than their direct competitors.

The chief difference between the 's' and 'p' models is one of impedance: the 's' is suited for all-around use, whereas the 'p' is better for the sorts of output a portable like an iPod puts out. The 's' version is probably going to be less of a performer than the 'p' if all you use them for is on an iPod or other portable player; I've never heard a direct comparison between the two so I couldn't tell you for certain. But given the typical operating impedance of the 's', it's performance would and does for me work best with a headphone amp rather than directly connecting to my iPod (though I use them in the latter way most of the time, anyways...who wants to lug a hp amp around all the time?).

headphone.com USED to sell the ER-4p for around $225, but I think their price has migrated up with the increase in Etymotic's popularity as an upgrade earcan brand. There might be other e-tailers who are more agressive on pricing (you can always Froogle for them), but I couldn't tell you who and how reliable they are. The 4s was about the same price at one time, but on headphone.com the last time I checked they've been recently selling those at a premium above the 4p, so it wouldn't surprise me if that's still the case. Anyways, I'd strongly recommend the 4s over the 4p if you plan on using the cans with regular higher impedance audio gear (a home receiver or amp), a headphone amp or even your computer.

Again, it's all a matter of personal preference; when it comes to cans I usually prefer (and use) full ear units like the Senn 600 or 650 with aftermarket cables (Stefan Audio Art Equinox on the 600s, Moon Audio Silver Dragons on the 650s). These relative monsters sort of suck when hooked up to a portable like my iPods or Zens; first of all I need to use a headphone amp to drive them properly, and the cables themselves overwhelm such a setup designed for mobility. The Etys strike up an excellent balance between SQ and mobility, IMO, but then again their performance is really controlled by how well I achieve a proper seal in the ear canal. In-ears tend to be a more higher maintenance type of thing as well...things like getting the ear wax out become more than just personal hygiene.

I have an acquantance who thinks the Shure E5c sounds fantastic. I think he couldn't be more dead wrong and question how many times he's knowingly chosen to walk into brick walls; consequently he considers me brain dead and wonders just how much ear wax buildup I really have inside my head. But that's the nature of audio, particularly when you start exploring the higher end...it's really IS one of personal preference. Good luck.

Posted by flatline response on August 13, 2005 at 4:56 AM (PDT)

13

I think the E4c's are stunningly good, I now hear things that I've never heard even on a good hifi and I'm not blowing my eardrums. However you must remember 3 things:
1. Everyone likes a different tonal balance- Personally I am amazed anyone likes Sony EX71/81's and I found Ety E6i's underwhelming and uncomfortable. TIGHT fit is essential for E4c's. Once achieved soundstage and bass are awesome.
2. Ipod equalizer is pants and you need to MP3Gain and EuPod your iPod to get EQ sounding good with ANY headphones.
3. At least Shure offer money back policy if you don't like them. Ety didn't.(Even applies in UK, check with seller in advance though!) I would say who I bought from, but that might be advertising.

Posted by TheRoth in UK on August 15, 2005 at 8:42 AM (PDT)

14

I Got a pair of JVC in ear phones for about 40 bucks australian (about 30 us)

there a perfect fit, the bass is wicked and i the sound is fantastic

Posted by finster on August 18, 2005 at 2:41 PM (PDT)

15

All i can add (and i can't really stress this enough): give them a week or so to burn in. You wont believe the difference. I plugged them in my amp and let the radio play for a week. They sound so much better now. The bass has completely come to life. I must admit i was a quite disappointed when i first got them, but now i have to say they are the best earphones i have ever heard. I'm hearing all kinds of details in music that i never noticed before. Personally i like the tri-flanges best. I cut off the smallest flange and as well as a little from the tube that slides on the earphone. It's a very comfortable and stable fit.

Posted by Roggie on August 20, 2005 at 5:23 AM (PDT)

16

I didn't realize earphone follow the housing market trend. $299!!!! What are they smokin'?

Even Sony DJ headphones aren't that expensive, and have much more material and technology to it.

Posted by cellphonejunkie on August 22, 2005 at 12:41 PM (PDT)

17

iLounge agrees...Ultimate Ears' Super.fi 5Pro ear-phones are superior to the E4c's from Shure. They cost $50 more, don't have the terrific bass that the 5Pro's offer, they are less comfortable, and the cables are awefull, always getting tangled and caught on things (too long for daily use). I've tried both extensively and you can hear (AND FEEL) the difference. Don't overpay for Shure, UE delivered the sound I wanted...get some for yourself.

Posted by x2jag2x on September 24, 2005 at 11:25 PM (PDT)

18

Now the shure e4c are great in combination with the Ipod 5G. The Bass-problem is completely solved. This combination is now better than the ER-4/Ipod combination.

Posted by BeeTB on December 17, 2005 at 5:11 PM (PDT)

19

I have not tried the UE's so I can't comment on them...

...but the Shure E4c's are amazing. If you want better sound you'll definitely have to pay more than the ~$175 you'll pay to get these. They have great detailed sound and accurate bass reproduction. A lot of headphones over-emphasize bass because that is what many consumers prefer.

If you want true sound give these a shot.

Posted by chew63 on July 26, 2006 at 12:26 PM (PDT)

20

ue 5 pro all the way,better value for money,and dual driver meaning clear loud distortion free music at any volume you choose to blow your eardrums with,the shure e4c are good but i just cant see where the price is justified and better than the 5 pros,nope sorry ive had the shures also and after listening to the 5 pros returned the shures immediately,honestly dont take these comments as bias or unfair just take them in an judge for yourself by customer reaction

Posted by jinx20001 on July 1, 2007 at 4:49 PM (PDT)

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