Headphone Help

September 21, 2010 2:34 PM

So I had a pair of Shure E4c-n I really liked that got destroyed. I am thinking about buying a pair of Shure SE425s. Are there any comparable earbuds I should be checking out? A couple other things inside.

-I like the idea of the detachable cable as I have broken earbud cables before. Any experience with these?
-I use these headphones all the time, including working out and bike riding. Should that play into my decision as at all? My E4c-n's had an annoying habit of popping out during exercise.

posted by bytewrite to technology (6 answers total)

The best earnuds I've ever had are from Klipsch: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00264GYMG/ref=oss_product

They're compatible with the iPad and iPhone. Not sure if that's what you'd be using.

Great for exercise.
posted by dfriedman at 2:56 PM on September 21, 2010

I use different headphones to work out than I do for day to day listening. I don't use my in-ear expensive headphones for working out. I see no reason to subject them to that kind of wear and tear. I use an inexpensive pair of headphones specifically advertised as being good for working out and I've had them for years now. Fidelity is not my biggest goal while sweating on the elliptical.

Anyway, you may wish to consider the same before investing in another spendy pair of headphones. I have a pair of Shures but I'd never wear them to the gym in a million years.

Also I should point out that wearing headphones while riding is unsafe for you and for everyone around you including pedestrians and drivers.
posted by micawber at 3:11 PM on September 21, 2010

head-fi is the place to go with all your questions. You will get good advice here, but do be aware that you're edging into "magical cables" territory with some of the posters, so take advice to buy $800 earphones with a pinch of salt.

Also, check out In Ear Matters for reviews of much cheaper IEMS.

I have takes very similar to yours - e4s are probably my favourite iems of all time, and I bought the SoundMagic PL-50s from Focal Price. Whilst not quit up to e4 standard, they do fit the heavenly Shure black foamies, and are very close in sound sig (slightly mid heavy). The bonus is they are like fifty bucks, so I don't shit my pants in terror and despair every time I knock them or think they've gone missing. The cable is also much better than the old e4 one, and less prone to stiffening up with sweat. If you get em, ditch the ear guides they come with; they're unnecessary and add to the microphonics.
posted by smoke at 4:17 PM on September 21, 2010

Perhaps check out Etymotic Research. Usually can be found online for less than list price, and spectacular high-detail in-ear designs that certain rival the Shure models.
posted by alexandermatheson at 7:46 PM on September 21, 2010

Seconding head-fi ans a great source. It will give you a good sense of the top IEMs in any price range. Problem being, of course, is that once you narrow your choice down to the five or so in your price range, there is no good way of telling which you will like best, sound preference being personal and all.

I have always been a big fan of Westone earphones -- they have a bit more bass than the Shures, in a good way. The UM2s are priced comparable to the SE425's.
posted by rtimmel at 11:30 AM on September 22, 2010

Nthing Head-Fi. They seriously know what they're talking about. Just tell them what you listen to, what you'll be using them for, your budget, and...

You will get good advice here, but do be aware that you're edging into "magical cables" territory with some of the posters, so take advice to buy $800 earphones with a pinch of salt.

...if you don't believe in magical cables, just say so non-pretentious-ly and it should be fine.
posted by nrobertson at 8:31 PM on September 22, 2010