Shure E2c Noise Isolating Headphones

Great sound in a good package from a reputable sound company

Strengths: •Sound quality •Sound isolation •included zip-case •included "personal fit kit" •price •comfotable for sleeping

Weaknesses: •could be slightly awkward to put in the first few times

Summary: I ordered two pairs of the E2c’s, one for me and one for my mother in response to her not enjoying the sound quality of the standard Apple earbuds on a recent plane ride.  Got them a couple days ago.

First off, I don’t know how the E2c’s were shipping back in ‘03 when the first reviews were written, but now today in 2005 this is what comes in the box:

•the E2c’s, zip-case

•foam sleeves in three sizes

•PVC “flex” sleeves in three sizes

•"Ultra-soft" rubber sleeves in three sizes

•Instruction manual in three languages

•a waring on listening to music to loudly

•warranty information

•earwax guards

A little info about the sleeves: 

•The PVC sleeves are pretty stiff but not uncomfortable as long as you use the right size.  They provide very good sound isolation.  The smallest size seems to be slightly larger than the ultra soft sleeves.

•The Ultra-soft sleeves can basically be compared to the sleeves that you would find on a pair of sony’s.  IN the house, they block out almost all vocal and TV noise.  I could see how people may find these easier on the ears for extended periods.

•The foam sleeves definitely provide the best isolation, blocking virtually all outside sound.  They feel a little stiff, but when you roll them and let them expand in your ears it feels like inserting foam earplugs.

Notes on wearing the E2c’s:

•I noticed that people said that it was hard to get these phones in your ears and in right.  Well, i have found that the only part of getting these in your ears that really takes time or thought is unwrapping them from the case and keeping your wires straight.  The first time my mother picked them up she slipped the wire around her ear and inserted them without reading the instructions or having to be told.  It is really a rather quick and painless process, and once you do it one or two times it will become second nature.  Besides, if you have been using the trusty old Apple Earbuds you probably spend plenty of time getting them in just the right spot or adjusting them as you go about your day where wit the Shure’s, they just stay where you put them.

•As for where the cord goes, I don’t see/feel any reason why you can’t wear it down your front instead of your back.

Notes on cord size/guage:

•Yes, the cords for the E2c’s are relatively beefy (so to speak).  This is not a bad thing, as was pointed out in prior reviews it really isn’t that heavy.  Plus, I have a friend who had been using the Sony MDR-EX81’s which have a relatively thin cord which after less than a year had sweated out.  The cord on the E2c is by no means as thick as my laptop power cord, but if it can take a little more abuse, i think that is a plus.

Now the important section, sound quality:

•I am by no means an audio expert, but I am a theatre sound engineer, so i listen to many different sources with many different monitoring devices.  The E2c’s seem to produce a relatively flat response which means that as people have said they don’t have a “boomy” bass.  Personally I don’t find this necessary, and if you are really after that sound you should be using over the ear headphones with drivers that are big enough to really reproduce those sounds.  The response of the E2c’s seems to provide an accurate soundscape to the recording, meaning what you hear is what you would have heard when the recording was made or mixed.  As soon as I started using the E2c’s i started hearing parts of the music that i never new were there, adding an entirely new dimension to my music listening.  You also start to really hear the differences in bit-rates of files and the difference between MP3’s and AAC’s (MP4’s).

•The other important thing about sound quality is that you do have to have the E2c’s in the right position to get the best quality.  But this is not a new concept, no matter what head/earphone you have, it has to be in the right place to get the best sound.  With the E2c’s if you don’t have a good seal you don’t get good bass, as people have said.

Miscellaneous Notes:

•Shure is a company that specializes in producing professional audio equipment.  It is not proper to compare professional quality equipment to consumer grade equipment like Sony.  Also, you really can’t compare an earbud like the MDR-EX71’s which list at $50 to the Shure E2c’s which list at $100.  As with almost all technology,you have to pay for quality.

•I have found that the E2c’s are very comfortable for sleeping.  I often like to listen to music when i go to sleep, helps drown out dorm life, and it is relaxing.  I have found that the E2c’s tuck nicely into my ears, and when I lie on my side with my head on the pillow i don’t notice that they are there.

•There seems to by a mistake in the manual, it states that the bi-color shelled earbud is left, but this is not the case.  You can tell just by looking at th

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very fine sound isolation earplug

Strengths: clear sound, effective sound isolation, durable build-quality

Weaknesses: more bulky design

Summary: I bought the E2C for about $80. It is a premium earphone. I also own the Etymotic 6i, another premium earphone. The premium earphones cost more because they deliver better sound quality and sound isolation than cheaper classes of earphone. Both the E2C and 6i produce clearer sound than the Sony 71 and much better sound isolation. They are both suitable for NY Subway use. The Sony 71 is not (especially for soothing classical music). The E6i has produces a more precise sound output. The E2C produces a richer sound, though less precise. The 6i is more compact and sticks straight into the ear. Its smaller double and triple flange plugs produce a better sound isolation than the E2C which has a bent entry for its earphones into the ear and uses bigger rubber, plastic and foam plugs. The E2C has a much more durable build quality than the 6i with thicker cord (less prone to peeling and creasing) and stronger cord connection to the metal plug (less prone wire fray).

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Great sound and fit very snuggly, so much so you r ...

Strengths: Great sound. Fit well. No outside sound carries through.

Weaknesses: NA

Summary: Great sound and fit very snuggly, so much so you really can't hear anything around you and so the volume does not need to be up very high. I've been using them with my IPOD and have been very satisfied, I can't even hear anything else when I have them on! They also came with different inserts if your ears are smaller or larger than normal, and a very sturdy storage case.

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I purchased the Shure E2c headphones about three m ...

Strengths: Better than noise cancelling headphones at eliminating ambient noise. Design conceals headphones while wearing them. Comes with a handy, compact case.

Weaknesses: A little uncomfortable at first and rather expensive.

Summary: I purchased the Shure E2c headphones about three months ago with some reservations. It seemed like these headphones were rather expensive, especially because they don't feature any type of noise cancelling technology. The design seemed very rudimentary, and they looked uncomfortable. Boy was I wrong!

Being a frequent travler (especially by plane) I was dying for something better than the noise cancelling headphones I was using - and the E2c's were the answer!

I was floored using the E2c's for the fist time! While listening to my iPod at a low volume, my friend had to YELL for me to hear anything he said! These headphones are more effective than earplugs beacuse while they are blocking external noise, they are supplying music or audio that you WANT to hear, thereby further superceeding any ambient noise. What's more, when using the E2c's, I typically keep my iPod volue 60-70% lower than with my noise cacelling headphones, allowing my iPod battery to last 30% longer. The E2c's are nearly perfect for eliminating the irritation and stress associated with any public area. Especially airports, bus stations, and Starbucks!!! I also use these headphones frequently at cafes to avoid distraction and help me concentrate on whatever I'm doing.

The only negative I can think of are that some people might find the different types of fittings (foam and rubber) a little uncomfortable at first, but you will easily get used to this after a week or two.

Bottom line...If you can't stand hearing: 1) A baby crying on an airplane, 2) Loud people who talk too much on the subway, or 3) Distracting noise while reading at a cafe, the Shure E2c's are perfect for you! These headphones are worth every penny!

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Shure's E2c performs best after adjusting the soun ...

Strengths: comfort, portability,weightlessness, sound quality

Weaknesses: carrying pouch should have a spinning wheel to wind or unwind product

Summary: Shure's E2c performs best after adjusting the sound levels of the mp3 player. Some time is required to find the "spot" in the ear for which optimum sound reproduction will be acheived. Once that "spot" is located, the unit should not be removed. After using the E2s for awhile, the "spot" will be second nature to find. Some fiddling with the sleeves is necessary as well, but it will all be worth it. After an hour or so on the first day of usage, the weightlessness of the unit surprised me: it was as if I wasn't wearing anything at all. Highly recommended!

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I haven't had these for that long, but since I ope ...

Strengths: Fit perfectly into the ear. Holds in place. Reduces outside noise. Clear sound quality.

Weaknesses: Takes some time to adjust the wire to go behind the head. Price depending on where you buy them.

Summary: I haven't had these for that long, but since I opened them, I haven't stopped using them.

These headphones really cancel outside noise. It makes it hard to know what's going on around you, so be careful where you use these. What's funny is that they plug right into your ear, so you may hear your heart beating while listening to music.

The sound quality is very good for earbuds. Though there are better headphones out there, these are perfect for mp3/cd players. I heard things that I couldn't hear in songs before I started using the Shure E2c.

It takes awhile to get used to the sleeves because they go deep into your ears. It felt bad at first when I felt constant pressure inside the ears, but I gradually got used to it as I used the headphones more and more.

The cone-like shape of these headphones really help them stay snug in the ear. So if you're doing some kind of sport, they should always stay in place.

The hard thing to face is the price. However, if you find a good deal, then take the opportunity. These headphones were worth it. I really told all my friends about how cool they are. If you want to feel a better about yourself and make everyone else feel bad about their own headphones, then get these.

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I bought this because I need to block out the air ...

Strengths: excellent isolation, easy to drive from portable source, accurate sound, comfort

Weaknesses: veiled highs.

Summary: I bought this because I need to block out the air condition noise and unwanted conversation. My colleagues have Sony MDR-V6 and Sennheiser EH2270 so I got a chance to compare them side by side. The E2Cs definitely have the ultimate sound isolation since they go deep into the ear canal and has perfect sealing. You don't have to worry about sweating in hot weather, a hassle you always come accross with over-the-head headphones.

The sound is accurate, I like the bass quite a lot since it's plenty but not boomy, which minimize the fatigue and extend listening time. Compared with two open headphones I have HD-580 and AKG K-401, the highs are pretty much cut off at a relative low frequency. This results in a sound image that's less vibrant. Yet, it's still comparable to Sony V6 and better than the EH2270. It's kinda unfair to compare it to the HD-580 since they are pretty much different price category.

Since you can hear the details at a low volume (all the noise is blocked out), extended listening time is guaranteed. I can wear them 5, 6 hours through without feeling painful. And it's easy to drive. I used the lowest possible volumn out of my C-Moy Amp to drive the headphone and it's enough and sound is clear.

the listed price $100 is a bit too high for the sound quality you get. But with deals of $65 out there, considering the isolation and portability you get, it's a good buy.

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I use E2's with my PMS (Personal Monitor System). ...

Strengths: FIT, size, sound.

Weaknesses: NONE

Summary: I use E2's with my PMS (Personal Monitor System). It fits comfortably in the ear and the right angle wireing allows me to hide the wire behind my ear. I have uses KOSS and Nady

ear buds and find the Shure far more compact and comfortable.

I am replacing my current set which is two years old because I closed a door on the cord and damaged the wite.

Repaired, it will be fine for my computer.

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Basically at work I was using 10 dollar cheap sony ...

Strengths: Great Sound, Differnt sleeve types and sizes allow for customizability and preferences, pretty comfy overall for earbuds, potential benefit from sound isolation, look damn fab on top of my tofu.

Weaknesses: kind of pricy, no wire extension, another extra set of foam earbuds would have been nice, may take longer to put on and take out that regular earbuds, my tofu has no ear holes so he can't wear them.

Summary: Basically at work I was using 10 dollar cheap sony headphones (10 dollar sony earbuds) which would actually start hurting my ears after using them for 20 minutes. I got fed up so I decided to purchase these cuz i'm not super rich and i'm not a crazy audiophile. Also the reviews on this site were pretty favorable. After using these all day I must say these are the best earbuds I have ever tried. the orange foam sleeves I have found to be the most comfortable. The sound is decent for the price and the sound isolation could be very nice if my roomate at home was watching a movie and I needed to watch whatever I was watching in peace. Of course definetly the sound is many steps above those horrid cheap sony earbuds, but I'd say they match my seinhauser over the headphones pretty damn well. Unfortunetly since the foam ones seem to be more degradable and more comfortable I may have to fork over more money in the future. Overall I must say it was a damn good purchase even tho it was kind of pricy, I just hope they don't break or I lose em cuz they're so small.

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I can't believe I got along listening on-the-go wi ...

Strengths: EVERYTHING! -amazing quality -not-too-boomy, not-too-weak bass -eliminate almost all ambient noise

Weaknesses: A little uncomfortable at first, but that's only because you're tempted to try all 6 different sets of sleeves (rubber ones hurt!)

Summary: I can't believe I got along listening on-the-go without these things before. Best of all, I got 'em for about 2/3 the price they are everywhere else. I'd recommend these to anyone who wasn't satisfied with their current headphones.

I've always wanted a set of in-ear earphones but I couldn't find anything that justified the usually high price. These are just right, and seem pretty durable too.

You can hear things that you didn't hear before with other headphones. I know that this is usually the case with other headphones, but the effect is more prevalent here. I was using some wireless RCA over-the-ear headphones when I was at home, and they were kinda staticky (cuz they're wireless). The headphones I used to carry around with me broke a while ago, so I was housebound in terms of listening to music. The transition from those to these was like night and day.

After the first day or so, you dont even feel them when you wear them. It's imperative to get a good seal with these, or else they'll sound really bad, so read the manual or check Shure's website if you're having trouble. Also, since they're pretty much in your ear canal, the volume doesn't have to be too high for you to be happy, so they drain less power from your batteries.

I personally can't find anything wrong with these, and can now justify checking out more expensive earphones after seeing these (though I can't imagine what they'd improve upon).

GO BUY THESE!

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I love the sound of the E2c's, they complement my ...

Strengths: Great sound, blocks outside noise, thick wire (not thin and flimsy like OEM iPod headphones), no hassle 2 year warranty.

Weaknesses: Price (MSRP $99.00), right angle plug-in.

Summary: 2004-07-12 18:12:13 I love the sound of the E2c's, they complement my iPod mini very well! These are the best ear bud headphones I have ever owned. They come with 6 different sleeves/cushions: 3 foam (S,M,L) and 3 flex (S,M,L).

The E2c does an excellent job at blocking outside noise. Be careful running and watch out for cars!

My only complaints is that the plug is at a right angle. I've read some other user reviews that the plug can short out if you pull consistently pull on it, causing it to short out the wire. Shure's warranty is very good from what I read. No hassle, just register online and if anything goes wrong send them in and they'll send you new ones.

My other complaint is that the cord is too long when I use it with my iPod mini ARMBAND. There is a lot of wire slack. But I wouldn't deter that from purchasing these. I don't see myself using any other headphones unless I wanted to move up to the E3c.

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Like wearing earplugs with speakers in them, the S ...

Strengths: Excellent sound. Excellent noise reduction.

Weaknesses: Harder to take off and put on then regular headphones.

Summary: Like wearing earplugs with speakers in them, the Shure E2c earphones do a great job at providing isolation from outside noise, allowing you to enjoy music at lower volume levels. The sound quality is pure, even providing more bass response than you'd expect from headphones.

They are designed to route the cord up the back of your neck and around your ears, and the earphones tuck fairly deep into your ears. They're very inconspicuous and the cord is not in the way. However, this design means they take a little longer to put on, so if you'll need to take them out and put them in repeatedly, they're less convenient than over-the-ear headphones.

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I do love the convenience and small size of this p ...

Strengths: This is really a great product to have in the office to rid yourself of all the noise and allow you to do your work while you can enjoy your choice of music while on the computer

Weaknesses: The earpieces are a little big for women.. I have a little bit of a hard time getting them positioned just right and then they tend to come out.. Maybe my ears are just too small??

Summary: I do love the convenience and small size of this product but feel another type of earpiece should be added especially for women's small ears. They do a great job of filtering out the noise in the room when you are able to get them positioned correctly.

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I've listed the isolation/noise reduction as both ...

Strengths: compact size, good sound, great isolation/noise reduction

Weaknesses: isolation/noise reduction, case is a little ackward

Summary: I've listed the isolation/noise reduction as both a strength and a weakness. I've been using the flexible earpieces instead of the foam, the problem is that the isolation so good that you can easily tune out the world around you and drift away on the music. While this is great on a plane or bus, it's not so good at the office. People don't notice the earpieces and think that you're ignoring them, especially bad if it's your boss.

The cord is about the perfect length to allow you to just unplug and move around while being long enough to avoid inadvertent unplugs. The around the ear and behind the head wire routing keeps everything neat and out of the way. The earpieces fit flush enough to allow use while using a pillow or lounging on the sofa. The compact size makes travel a breeze.

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I got these headphones three days ago and I adore ...

Strengths: Excellent sound quality. Good amount of bass. Comfortable once you get used to them!!

Weaknesses: The only thing I can think of is that the cable is slightly to thick. it is not as flexible as it could be.

Summary: I got these headphones three days ago and I adore them allready. They have superb sound quality with just the right amount of bass. They are also comfortable once you get use to the in-ear thing. The cord is a bit thick though, You have to get used to wrapping it beind your ear instead of letting it hang down.

Other than the cord, They are flawless.

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