Shure E4c versus E5c

WJGreer · #1 09-04-2006, 07:32 AM

I've just finished re-ripping my CD library onto my iPod at 256kbps. I've been using a pair of Sony in-ear-canal headphones that are significantly better than the iPod earbuds, but am considering a further upgrade. The compact, in-ear design is appealing to me as I travel frequently and need to have something that can fit easily into a briefcase pocket. No Bose QuietComfort for me.

At the time I write this, the Shure E4c headphones are available new for $199, and the E5c for $399. It's a significant upcharge for the move from one to the other. I am aware that the E5c models have two drivers and the E4c have one.

Does anyone have comparison experience between the two (and any similar, competing models, for that matter) who can recommend the E5c as worth double the E4c or the E4c as a better value?

BR Audio · #2 09-05-2006, 09:54 PM

Hi Will,
I can't help you with the E4c versus E5c battle. But I just installed an IEM system for a church and they all got E3c. They love it.

The reason why I recomended E3c was mainly because of price, but in a review I read, which I don't know where now, this guy ran a test with all Shure models and found the E3c to be the best sounding out of them.

There are other options as Westone and etc. but they are quite pricey..

Good luck.
Gil

chrisp2u · #3 09-06-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BR Audio

There are other options as Westone and etc. but they are quite pricey..

The ultra high-end custom fit Westone's are pricey. However, I'd strongly recommend the Westone UM2's... they compare to the Shure E5's (they're both dual armature) and many even consider them better than the Shure's. I've used Shure E4's, Westone UM1's and now use UM2's regularly. Plus, the UM2's are nearly half the price of the E5's. You can also get custom fit molds for them later if you want.
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DB5 · #4 09-08-2006, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisp2u

The ultra high-end custom fit Westone's are pricey. However, I'd strongly recommend the Westone UM2's... they compare to the Shure E5's (they're both dual armature) and many even consider them better than the Shure's. I've used Shure E4's, Westone UM1's and now use UM2's regularly. Plus, the UM2's are nearly half the price of the E5's. You can also get custom fit molds for them later if you want.
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+1 on the UM2's at that price you can afford the custom molds and your set.

WJGreer · #5 09-08-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DB5

+1 on the UM2's at that price you can afford the custom molds and your set.

Thanks. What projects are you involved with in Austin now? I grew up there, went to UT, and was active in the scene from 1989 to about 1992.

ptidwell · #6 09-10-2006, 06:19 PM

Don't know about the E4C's I have a pair of the E3C's that I like a lot but considered the upgrade to the E5C's for the dual driver and being a bass player and all, but I had a chance to hear the Westone UM2's and I was sold I think they are better than the E5C's but that's IMO. They are also priced lower than the E5C's. Check out this site for comparisons.
http://www.earphonesolutions.com/beeaforip.html

brandonwong · #7 09-13-2006, 04:40 AM

I think E4c is also dual driver, but i've heard really good stuff about UM2 in comparison to E5c

chrisp2u · #8 09-13-2006, 09:35 AM

E4C's are only single driver. They only diff between those and the non-C E4's from what I understand is a slightly different frequency response... the C's are a bit more enhanced in the low and high end for more of that standard consumer (hence the appended C) audio product sound. They call it "extended" but it would be more aptly named "exagerrated"

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