Pros: Great durability and excellent sound quality.
Cons: Takes a few seconds longer to get into your ear properly.
The Bottom Line: These are truly a fantastic set of headphones. Had I spent twice as much for them, I would still consider these well worth it and a bargain at that.
gekkeikan's Full Review: Shure E2C Consumer Headphones
History:
I bought my e2c's 1.5 years ago for $80 and have no complaints at all. I am not going to go into the technicals but only how they have lasted up until this point (Jan '07).
Usage:
iPod - When at the gym or running. (Be careful running outdoors while using the domed pvc sleeves. When coupled with music, you may not be able to hear cars approaching you.)
Computer - Watching movies, gaming, or listening to music.
I have a Sound Blaster Audigy II running "6-channel direct(front/center&sub/rear)" into the back of my Logitech Z-5500 control unit. My e2c's are connected the the headphone jack of this unit.
It is hard to estimate the number of hours I have used these, but I can honestly say it is at least 400. A lot of those hours were at higher volumes; either to isolate my ears from the blaring music at the gym or enjoying the great sound of movies and games.
Design & Quality
Design -
After all this time these remain to be very comfortable. I inevitably wore out the small foam sleeves after three months of constant use and have been using the small pvc sleeves since. To this day, I still sometimes forget I have them in my ears, they are that comfortable.
I must also mention that I encourage the use of the small mesh screens (supplied) that prevent dirt & ear wax from falling into the sound chamber. I q-tip my ears at least every other day, yet after a couple weeks I can tell that those screens serve their purpose well.
Quality -
I have put these through some physical abuse most people don't really consider when purchasing headphones. This includes:
- Being yanked from my ears by the cord several times.
This requires a lot of pressure since the cord wraps up/over/behind your ears then down your back. If they weren't yanked out, it is because my head was jerked back enough to keep them in. This is proof of the e2c's strong cords and connections. My roommate had an expensive set of headphones in which the cord going to the right side snapped. I am very surprised and extremely pleased this has not happened to these!
- Stepped on.
While this was on carpet, I am impressed because it was with the heel of my bare foot. It should have been broken because it was a complete step that left me wondering, "What on earth did I just step on..?"
- Tucked/crammed/mashed into coat & jean pockets, desk drawers, and backpacks..
I know they come with a compact protective case, but it can be a hassle to wind them up after each use.
Sound Isolating in-ear design - Hear only what you want to hear Portable and lightweight design - weighing only one-ounce Personal fit kit to contour...More at Amazon Marketplace
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