Shure E2c vs. Etymotic ER6i earphones

martin_j001 · 12-26-06, 01:20 PM

Let me start off by saying I didn't see an overall "accessories" or "product reviews" section, so I figured I'd start this thread here and if a moderator or admin thinks there's a better place, please forgive me and go ahead and move it to where it should have been! Now that thats out of the way....

I recently purchased a set of Shure E2c's to use with my pda (which at the time was my mp3 player as well). This was my first purchase of higher quality earphones, and I was quite happy with them overall. My two complaints about them were 1. fit with my motorcycle helmet, and 2. lack of low frequency response. I ride my motorcycle just about every day to and from work, and spend a couple hours on it every weekend when the weather and time permit. The shape of the Shure E2c's is such that a little "bulb" sticks up towards the top/back of the ear. This "bulb" always seemed to interfere with putting on and taking off the helmet--enough that it put pressure on the earphones, making them more uncomfortable than they needed to be (sometimes this added discomfort only lasted a few seconds, sometimes it required eventual removal of the helmet and simply starting over). Also, I felt that the low frequency response wasn't quite as good as it should have been with a set of earphones in this price range.

So, after reading more reviews (many from the motorcycling community), I decided to try a pair of the Etymotic ER6i's. These are a much smaller earphone in general than the Shure's were, and are designed to basically fit all the way into the ear (no large bulb sticking out). I also found that the Etymotic ear flanges seem to fit me better than those that came with the Shure earphones. Bass response is much more to my liking as well. I also feel that the noise isolation of the Etymotics is better, but this is most likely due to the better fitting flanges (in my case). The only negative of the Etymotic ER6i's is the "flimsier" cord--the Shure cord feels nice and strong, and its fairly thick, while that of the Etymotics is much thinner, and feels like it could be ripped quite easily. Overall though, for fit, comfort, and sound quality, I'd have to give the Etymotic ER6i the better rating.

Here's a picture of each:

Shure E2c:

Etymotic ER6i:

hoochimagoo · 12-26-06, 08:36 PM

Thanks Martin, nice synopsis. Just one question, how well do you think the Etymotics would stay in your ears if you where to go for a 30min run (on foot)?

martin_j001 · 12-27-06, 06:58 AM

I think they'd stay in just fine. They really do seal well in the ear, and they stay in place very well. They're light too, so once they're in you hardly notice them. Today was the first day I rode the motorcycle into work since I got them (last week), and they were far superior in terms of fit and comfort with all my gear on.

beckp · 12-27-06, 08:47 AM

I have the Shures and while they look like they might be big and stick out, they really don't. You have 9 different ear bud covering choices, 3 different material in the 3 sizes. Once you get the right material and size (I prefered the black rubber, in medium) they fit great. Most of all I'm amazed in just how comfortable they are and the sound quality is amazing. Don't let some reviewers "lack of bass" comments hold any merrit. Unless you want the type of booming bass thats drowns out all other parts of music and loosens screws and bolts, these baby's have plenty of well defined bass. I love mine .... they now come in the clear and also black. One last thing, the build quality is excellent, nice thick cords (but not too thick) good strain reliefs ....well worth the $99 IMHO.

martin_j001 · 12-27-06, 01:01 PM

^^Glad you're happy with them. Fit and comfort wise, I simply find the ER6i's to be better for me, but as with anything its 99% personal preference. As for the bass issue, I certainly wouldn't say that the ER6i's have "booming base that drowns out all other parts of music and loosens screws and bolts" at all--its just a more "whole" sound, again, IMO. Out of curiousity, have you ever tried the ER6i's as well?

hoochimagoo · 12-27-06, 06:04 PM

I don't have a motorbike but it sounds like either of these babies could be the shot for a skiing helmet.

martin_j001 · 12-27-06, 09:54 PM

Yes, either should work pretty well under any type of helmet really....one may work slightly better than the other (as in my case), but it will depend on the shape of the helmet. Motorcycle helmets, by nature, are very thickly padded around the cheeks/base of the jaw/skull area, so you've got to squeeze it over the widest part of your head before its "seated" properly. For this reason, an earphone that has no parts sticking out of your ear at all works better....