Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
Stillmatic
Broke Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 1:02a
WhoBeDaPlaya said: Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
I demo/sell the entire SE lineup for Shure and the entire Ultimate Ear lineup (except for custom molded ones) along with Panasonic HC-500 and Sony NC-60 noise cancelling headphones. I can guarantee you there's nothing else better than Shure for the money and audio quality.
$96 for the SE210 is actually a bargain. That's less than the MSRP of Shure's entry level SE110 earphones. My Shure friendly discount for the SE210 is $75, so this is not bad at all for regular consumers.
If these are anything like the shure e2c I'll pass.
Pistonboy
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 1:23a
Stillmatic said: WhoBeDaPlaya said: Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
I demo/sell the entire SE lineup for Shure and the entire Ultimate Ear lineup (except for custom molded ones) along with Panasonic HC-500 and Sony NC-60 noise cancelling headphones. I can guarantee you there's nothing else better than Shure for the money and audio quality.
$96 for the SE210 is actually a bargain. That's less than the MSRP of Shure's entry level SE110 earphones. My Shure friendly discount for the SE210 is $75, so this is not bad at all for regular consumers.How do these compare to the e2c's? Worth the upgrade?
pianomatrix
Frivolous Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 1:29a
Stillmatic said: WhoBeDaPlaya said: Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
I demo/sell the entire SE lineup for Shure and the entire Ultimate Ear lineup (except for custom molded ones) along with Panasonic HC-500 and Sony NC-60 noise cancelling headphones. I can guarantee you there's nothing else better than Shure for the money and audio quality.
Ooo. Then I shall use this opportunity to ask a question. I know the se530 is considered good. How good is good?
Stillmatic
Broke Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 2:03a
Pistonboy said: Stillmatic said: WhoBeDaPlaya said: Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
I demo/sell the entire SE lineup for Shure and the entire Ultimate Ear lineup (except for custom molded ones) along with Panasonic HC-500 and Sony NC-60 noise cancelling headphones. I can guarantee you there's nothing else better than Shure for the money and audio quality.
$96 for the SE210 is actually a bargain. That's less than the MSRP of Shure's entry level SE110 earphones. My Shure friendly discount for the SE210 is $75, so this is not bad at all for regular consumers.How do these compare to the e2c's? Worth the upgrade?
IMHO, the E2C equivalent is the SE-110. There's a FAQ on Shure's website that explains the whole E series vs SE series. The main difference between the two is the size of the module. The SE's are a little smaller thus making them more comfortable in your ear. Foam replacements for the E series are also harder to find in stores. You'll also notice improved sound quality on the SE's with slightly expanded frequency.
How is the bass on these? If it's better than the Porta Pros, I'm sold
Stillmatic
Broke Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 2:49a
pianomatrix said: Stillmatic said: WhoBeDaPlaya said: Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
I demo/sell the entire SE lineup for Shure and the entire Ultimate Ear lineup (except for custom molded ones) along with Panasonic HC-500 and Sony NC-60 noise cancelling headphones. I can guarantee you there's nothing else better than Shure for the money and audio quality.
Ooo. Then I shall use this opportunity to ask a question. I know the se530 is considered good. How good is good?
I actually sold 2 SE-530's at work today so I'm a little tired from explaining why they're $500 and what makes them so special. But to give you a quick answer, the SE-530 is hands down the best earphone or even headphone you can get in the regular consumer market. It's kinda hard to describe how it sounds like. Triple sound drivers with 2 built in woofers and a tweeter on each module. You just have to try them on to get an idea. Think of them as high end theater system right in your ears.
Most of the SE models block off the same amount of background noise somewhere around 90%-93%. They actually block everything out (low, med, high) unlike the noise cancellation system, which only blocks out the lower frequency. Sound isolation don't require any batteries because they're passive and you won't have to suffer a headache from listening to the "white noise" running in the background of noise cancellation systems.
In comparison to the Ultimate Ear sound isolation earphones, the Shure SE lineup is actually smaller and far more comfortable. The Ultimate Ears are a little deeper than some Shure models but they definitely aren't in the same league as the Shure when it comes to blocking off sound. Ultimate Ears are good pro audio quality earphones, but I wouldn't grab a set of UE's over Shure unless if they were given to me. UE actually had to give some of their earphones away to a few high profiled musicians to help promote their brand. Shure just goes by word of mouth and is preferred by more musicians and true sound enthusiasts.
Note: To Mods, I'm not trying to sell anything on here. I'm just providing info on the Shure's and how much they go for with the Shure friendly discount.
torpid said: Good deal for relatively new cans. I'm sure they will be cheaper in the future, but < $100 for these is well worth it most likely. In for one.
Agreed. Always been happy with Shures, and I'm in the market for some new buds. Love my porta-pro's, but open cans just don't cut it for subway use.
while i don't agree with how much the shure line up is being pushed in this thread as being the best choice at each price point, they certainly are one of the top picks. the SE210 are awesome for this price. Worth the upgrade from the e2c? YES YES YES. the e2c's were never really all that great in my opinion, lacks high end output and low end detail. These are easily worth the upgrade from the e2c's esp at this price.
and as a side note, the proportion of 'choice' products in the UE line-up is about the same as Shure in my mind in terms of how many 'best of class' products each company has.
Well, I am trusting all the reviews of the SE530 I have seen, plus the expert words on this topic. Just bit the bullet and bought a pair - $344.94 delivered. Hope I got a good price and hope they are all they are supposed to be!
arcxylem
Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 6:04p
In for one. Thanks OP.
mrdeucie
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 7:10p
mrbadan said: How do these compare to Etymotics?
I had a pair of Etymotic er6 earphones and I feel that the Shures are a lot better quality and sound wise from my non-audiophile perspective.
I now have a pair of E3Gs which are deteriorating as I am losing sound in the left ear, but bought a pair or SE110s for about the same price as these SE210s. I would pull the trigger on these but I don't think that 6ave.com is an authorized dealer for these so you will not get the warranty on them.
woadie
Cranky Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 8:12p
mrdeucie said: mrbadan said: How do these compare to Etymotics?
I had a pair of Etymotic er6 earphones and I feel that the Shures are a lot better quality and sound wise from my non-audiophile perspective.
I now have a pair of E3Gs which are deteriorating as I am losing sound in the left ear, but bought a pair or SE110s for about the same price as these SE210s. I would pull the trigger on these but I don't think that 6ave.com is an authorized dealer for these so you will not get the warranty on them.
Well, it's your lucky day b/c Amazon states that you are wrong and suggest you purchase these. Portal from Amazon to 6ave has them as "Factory Authorized Dealer. Full Manufacturer's Warranty Included." (Click Used & New Link on right side)
I used to have a pair of E3C's a while back ago, but they got jacked by untrustworthy airport baggage handlers. Waiting for mine to ship! Thanks OP.
torpid
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 8:16p
mrbadan said: How do these compare to Etymotics?
I don't know if it's true of these, but in the past Etys have been a little brighter and more analytical. Meaning that they are very precise. Whereas Shure tends to be more "engaging" i.e. fun and with a little more bass.
I don't think you can go wrong with either.
fido1
New Member
posted: Oct. 29, 2007 @ 9:40p
WhoBeDaPlaya said: Was wondering if anyone would happen to know how this sounds in comparison to the good 'ol Koss Porta Pro (IMHO the best cans <= $50, though not sound isolating)?
Completely agreed that the Porta Pros are the best money can buy, but really, it completely depends on where you use them. The Pro's sound as good, or better, in a completely quiet room. For a noisy commute, the Shures will be a lot better (though I can not speak to this particular model).
The only problem I have is my jaw - it clicks (TMG?) every time I so much as make a face, let alone open my mouth. It doesn't bother me so much since I've been living with it for years, but when I have the Shures on (or any other in-ear-canal buds) it sounds like someone is taking a jackhammer to my head. For that reason, I stick the Pro's whenever I can, and switch the Shure in environments where the noise-canceling is crucial (subway, etc.)
woadie said: Well, it's your lucky day b/c Amazon states that you are wrong and suggest you purchase these. Portal from Amazon to 6ave has them as "Factory Authorized Dealer. Full Manufacturer's Warranty Included." (Click Used & New Link on right side)
I used to have a pair of E3C's a while back ago, but they got jacked by untrustworthy airport baggage handlers. Waiting for mine to ship! Thanks OP.
Hmm stilll a bit skeptical. When I checked earlier, I checked on the Shure website and did not see Sixth Avenue as a place listed to buy.
POELuLu
New Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 1:39a
I own the SE530 PTH's and they are wonderful. I can't comment on the SE210's in particular, but Shure has me sold. The other cans that I listen to are my nearly 10 year old Sennheiser 580's, which have served me well all this time. I have only needed to replace the cord, and the foam padding.
woadie
Cranky Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 1:50a
mrdeucie said: woadie said: Well, it's your lucky day b/c Amazon states that you are wrong and suggest you purchase these. Portal from Amazon to 6ave has them as "Factory Authorized Dealer. Full Manufacturer's Warranty Included." (Click Used & New Link on right side)
I used to have a pair of E3C's a while back ago, but they got jacked by untrustworthy airport baggage handlers. Waiting for mine to ship! Thanks OP.
Hmm stilll a bit skeptical. When I checked earlier, I checked on the Shure website and did not see Sixth Avenue as a place listed to buy.
Directly from 6ave's FAQs section: Why is it important to buy from an authorized dealer? Sixth Avenue Electronics is an authorized dealer for everything we sell. This is extremely important for you as a consumer, because buying from an authorized dealer is the only way to ensure your manufacturer’s warranty will always be honored. You also get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all of our products come directly from the manufacturers. As an authorized dealer, our salespeople receive extensive training on all of the products we sell.
Are all of the products offered on your site brand new, and do they all come with full USA warranties? Yes, every item on our website is brand new unless it is clearly specified otherwise. All of our products carry full manufacturers’ warranties because we are authorized dealers for everything we sell.
Hopefully they aren't lying....2 year warranty is pretty key.
mrdeucie
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 2:20a
woadie said: Directly from 6ave's FAQs section: Why is it important to buy from an authorized dealer? Sixth Avenue Electronics is an authorized dealer for everything we sell. This is extremely important for you as a consumer, because buying from an authorized dealer is the only way to ensure your manufacturer’s warranty will always be honored. You also get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all of our products come directly from the manufacturers. As an authorized dealer, our salespeople receive extensive training on all of the products we sell.
Are all of the products offered on your site brand new, and do they all come with full USA warranties? Yes, every item on our website is brand new unless it is clearly specified otherwise. All of our products carry full manufacturers’ warranties because we are authorized dealers for everything we sell.
Hopefully they aren't lying....2 year warranty is pretty key.
I'm totally with you on the two year warranty. The first time that the wiring started deteriorating on my E3Gs and the sound went out in the left ear I returned it to Shuire and they sent me a brand new pair. The warranty is extremely important to me and if that means paying a little more so be it.
tkrotchko
Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 5:09a
I haven't tried these exact headphones, but let me give you this comparison...
I bought a pair of Shure E2C's from Amazon about 2 months ago when they had a sale for $42. That's a great price. Anyway, after using them for a month, they're very clear sounding, but they have no bass. None. And any music with bass as a necessary component is not listenable because they distort badly.
And the reviews you'll read about the the E2C on Amazon or anywhere would lead you to believe these things are terrific. They're not. Unless you like jazz or classical, you'll regret buying them. And so I doubt I'd try another pair of Shures.
All that aside, I find myself always drawn back to the Porta-Pros. They sound really excellent, they can be driven from an iPod with decent volume, and the kicker is the lifetime warranty from Koss, which I've used twice. Amazon sells them for $34 which is such a good buy on so many levels.
If you want to try a pair of in-ear's, you might try them, but be prepared to return them (if they'll let you).
torpid
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 7:48a
If you didn't hear enough bass maybe you didn't get a good seal. As much as I like Koss for value, it doesn't hold a candle to etymotic, shure, super.fi, grado, etc. in terms of sound quality. There is substantially less detail and noticeable amounts of sibilance on koss cans if you are used to quality IEMs. Good for walking around town with, though.
sbirdsc
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 7:55a
mrbadan said: How do these compare to Etymotics?
Depends on the model, but the bass on the Etys is generally much better also.
Just FYI, bass heads might prefer to consider the V-Moda Vibes instead. IINM, the QC issues they had have been ironed out and they're quite a bit cheaper than the Shures.
hominamad
New Member
posted: Oct. 30, 2007 @ 8:19a
I went into a store the other day prepared to buy a set of 210's. The salesperson convinced me that the VModa Vibes were more comfortable and sounded better. They're very comfortable actually - but I found the high end to be lacking but the bass to be very strong. Everything I read about the Vibes before said they were lacking bass which goes against my experience. This was my first pair of higher end "canal buds" so I don't have anything really to compare to. Now I'm considering exchaning these for the 210's. I wonder if these will have a more clear high end range? Any advice?
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