Shure E2c Sound Isolating Earphones

Features:

• Blocks ambient noise
• Studio quality sound
• Personalized fit
• Portable, lightweight construction
• Secure in-ear design
• Includes black, nylon zipper tote
• 2 year manufacturer's warranty

The E2c's speakers are constructed with studio-grade components, producing exceptional audio clarity. Their in-ear design, using supplied flex sleeves, naturally blocks background noise. This permits lower listening volumes in loud environments--critical in safeguarding your hearing during performance or other activities. No batteries or extra equipment are needed for sound isolation.

Because every ear is different, E2c earphones come with 3 pairs (small, medium, large) of flex sleeves and 3 pairs (small, medium, large) ultra-soft flex sleeves to ensure a personalized fit. These disposable foam sleeves gently compress to fit in the ear canal. Once in the ear, the foam expands to form a tight seal. Once tightly sealed, the sleeves hold the earphones firmly in place.

The E2c's cables pass behind the ear--out of sight and out of the way for comfort and discretion. Weighing only 1 ounce, the E2c is lightweight and comfortable enough for any portable listening application. The set comes with a soft, stylish, compact, and zippered carrying case, which allows for an easy, tangle-free way to store your earphones.

What's in the Box
Earphones, 2 triple-flange sleeves, 3 pairs (small, medium, large) of flex sleeves, and 3 pairs (small, medium, large) ultra-soft flex sleeves (kit 90XC1371, with cleaning tool), a soft carry case (80B8232), a user's manual, and warranty information.

These earphones are very low profile and unobtrusive to wear. They do not create the fatigue I get while wearing regular headphones for a long period and the sound blows away the numerous earbuds I have tried. I use the flex fit sleeves which are very comfortable. By cinching up the sleeve on the cord, they stay in place with minimal fuss even while exercising.

I strongly recommend these earbuds to anyone who wants immersive, comfortable and excellent sound.


The best in-ear, noise-blocking earphones available!   February 2, 2004
 29 out of 30 found this review helpful

I have used the Etymotic ER6 and also the Shure E2c's for a couple years now (since January 2002 I think). I use them extensively - probably averaging 2-3 hours daily. In my opinion they are both the best in-ear and isolating earphones in existence. I started with the Etymotic ER6's and then bought the Shure E2's as soon as I saw them advertised. I use them mostly while working out in the gym and yes--don't tell anyone-- while riding a bicycle. I know it's not the safest, but I'm addicted. As far as comparing the sound quality, I am not an expert and cannot tell much of a difference between the two. The main difference I have noticed is that the Shure E2c's have significantly better amplification than the Etymotics at the same volume settings on my MP3 player. Otherwise they are both so far above any of the dozens of other earphones, earbuds and headphones I have used that there is really no comparison. I could never go back. I use the Shure E2c's more now because they stay in my ears better as a result of their design which allows the cables to wrap around my ears. Also the cables have heavier shielding which decreases noise from wind and from the cables brushing against my clothes. The other advantage is that the Shure offers a 2 year warranty, whereas with the Etymotic's I could find no published warranty and they charged me $60 for a replacement after owning them for a few months.
Unfortunately both earphones take quite a beating with all the physical activity. I'm on my second pair of Etymotic ER6 and my 3rd pair of Shure E2c's. The problem seems to be broken wires from motion and pressure associated with weightlifting. This is unfortunate, but I have not found any way to avoid it nor have I found any better in-ear earphones (with similar noise-blocking) to replace them.


Surprising clarity, excellent fit   July 7, 2006
 19 out of 19 found this review helpful

After many years of faithful use from my set of Sony earbuds, I had gotten to the point where I was ready to try a slightly more sophisticated set of in-ear headphones (read: the rubber on the right cord was worn to the point where there was over an inch of copper wiring exposed).

I restricted myself to a firm top price of $100, and then began an exhaustive search which ended tentatively with the Shure E2c Consumer Headphones. I had heard much about the Shure company, and a friend of mine who works in a recording studio assured me that anything they make must be quality.

COMFORT
The first thing that was markedly different with the Shure E2c from my Sony earbuds was the fit. Most earbuds slip into the ear canal and then hang straight down, while others (like my Sony pair) have one ear cord that is longer so that you can loop that part around the back of your head, thus keeping the cord out of your way.

The Shure E2c go one better. Each earphone has a separate, angled channel from the base of the unit that sits comfortably inside the ear canal, while the unit itself rests flat along the outside, at the top of your ear. It is tricky the first few times to get the settled, but you get use to it fairly quickly. Once positioned, the cords actually wrap over the top of your ear, meeting in the back with a plastic sleeve that can be tightened or loosened behind you back. This has proven to be great when running, as the cords can be secured tightly to the back of your head, and with the cord running behind my neck, my arms don't get tangled in it.

Also, there are nearly a dozen different types and sizes of earphone sleeves, ranging from very thin, soft rubber to collapsible foam made from the same material that earplugs are, so once inserted properly they expand for a nice, snug fit.

CONSTRUCTION
The design of the headphones, as mentioned above, is a definite improvement and can be worn for many hours without discomfort. Also, the cording is noticeably thicker then my old Sony earbuds and feels like it could stand up to a good deal of abuse.

CLARITY AND SOUND
Initially I was a bit put off by the sound range when I first began using the Shure E2c. The clarity was astounding from the very first chord, but the sound was slightly tinny and the baseline seemed rather flat. The same friend who initially pointed me in Shure's direction assured me that this was normal and that I should give them a few weeks to break in.

He was right, of course, and I am now enjoying a rich array of sounds and instruments that went unheard with my Sony earbuds. I am simply amazed that such tiny speakers can produce such a rich field of sound.

NOISE-CANCELING
The Shure E2c are not true noise-canceling like the Bose QuietComfort ones are, but when fitted correctly, then do create a sort of "noise vacuum," similar to the effect you get when plugging your ears with your fingertips. This means that while much of the outside noises are greatly reduced, any internal noises from your body are amplified. This is most noticeable while eating, or from the jarring of your footsteps if you are running on a hard surface.


E2c's VS Etymotic ER61's   November 10, 2005
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I was torn between these two and so I did the sensible thing - I purchased both! My thought was that I would unload the pair that I did not like on eBay.

The problem is, I like them both but for different reasons. They both offer crisp, accurate sound like you can't imagine. I have heard others say this and it is true, your favorite music will sound brand new. You will hear nuances that you have never heard - listening to Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" I swear I could hear the room!

The differences came in comfort vs. sound and build quality. I found that the Shure 'phones were much beefier build. They look like what they are, an entry level professional monitor set. The wires are heavy and don't look like they will ever fray. At first, I was not wild about the sound. I thought they were a little weak in the bass. If you buy these be prepared to invest some time. It will take a bit for you to find the sweet spot in your ears, the tips that you like and they do apparently have a burn-in period. After three weeks I am in love with the sound. The bass is just deep enough without muddying up those spectacular highs. The problem is, they aren't all that comfortable. They are heavier and larger than the Etymotics and more of the phone sets in the outside of your ear, more like an earbud.

The Etymotics on the other hand are elegant. The speaker portion is tiny compared to the Shures. You really can fit the whole piece inside of your ear canal, and in fact, you have to do this to get the best sound. No matter how I have tried, though, I can't get a sound that I like as well as the Shures. The highs and mids are beautiful but the bass just isn't as well defined. I talked with Etymotic and they are wonderful - they sent me several alternate ear pieces and gave advice - even sent me a free spool for the wires. Nothing I tried got the sound there.

However, they are much more comfortable than the Shures. They are light and the wires are almost wispy in comparison. I put these in before I go to bed (I work nights and need the isolation to drown out my three year old son!) and they never bother me the way the larger Shures do.

So here is my conclusion - the Shures are my favorites for out in public. I don't have to worry about breaking them or stripping them when they are in my bag. The Etymotics never leave my bedside. They are nice and safe there. Whatever you decide, give them time. In-ear phones are a different beast and it takes time to figure out how they interface with your anatomy.

Now if only I could convince my wife that I need an iPod for the road and one for home.....