Shure E2C Consumer Headphones

First off for reference I'm going to say a few things... I stay away from anything audio wearing the name badges of Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, etc... Those companies produce some great products, but for audio I stick with names like Grado, Sennheiser, McIntosh, MartinLogan, M&K, and now.... Shure.

No offense intended, but it can be very misleading when reading a review on a set of hi-fi headphones, written by someone who's only frame of reference is the ear buds that came with their iPod... Which is what I fell victim to when I made the decision to first purchase the V-Moda Vibes (which I returned after a day and a half).

I made the right decision to return the V-Modas in exchange for the E2Cs, and though $100 may seem like a lot to spend on a set of ear buds, I consider it a bargain when considering that I get the same listening pleasure from my $100 E2Cs paired with my $150 iPod Nano gen#2, as I do from the home audio system which I've spent thousands on... and I can put this little mobile audio system in a small jacket pocket and take it anywhere..!

These headphones are phenomenal. The clarity, imaging, sound-stage and yes (despite other criticisms I've read) bass response are very impressive. I was unsure when I first popped them in my ears and started listening. The highs seemed a little bright, mids a little flat, and depth of bass seemed restricted, but after about 8-10 hours of 'breaking them in' they really started coming to life. Now, there isn't anything I'd add or take away from them. They are just right. I only wish that the inner-ear shafts were a little smaller. I have small ear canals, and even with the smallest rubber fittings, they can get a little uncomfortable, but I suspect that after some time, as my ears get used to them that will pass. Sort of like wearing flip-flops the first few days of the sunny season... they can be a bit uncomfortable at first. If I really wanted smaller shafts, there is the option of stepping up to the E3Cs or E4Cs which have progressively smaller shafts (and also progressively higher price points).

I've tried several electronic noise canceling headphones, and none compare to the E2Cs in their ability to isolate outside noise. I've used them mowing the lawn, operating a variety of power-tools and using the shop vac. There was never a need to increase the volume... Listening at a comfortable level when things are quiet then starting the lawn mower, I was still able to hear the detail and enjoy my music at the same volume...

Finally, though I've had them only a week or so, the construction seems very solid. You never know for sure until something breaks, or until you've gotten years of use, but they seem like they will last for quite some time.

I would advise anyone who is on the fence with the their decision, to head to their local Apple store and try them out. Shure has supplied each Apple store with demo models of E2Cs, E3Cs and E4Cs for customers to try out. Don't worry, you will get a fresh set of foam fittings to use so you're not swapping ear wax with whoever tried them out last.