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shure headphone help...please
I've read several of the related threads here but remain confused....sorry.
I need/want to upgrade my current Shure e2c that I've had for a few years. I tend to only use them when I fly...a few times a year. I'm happy with them and the quality...I like good, clean quality music sound...and the great noise cancelling on flights. But I'm sure the technology has improved since my initial purchase. I just don't know how much? I can get the SE310 for about the same price as SCL4...almost, with the SCL a bit less (nothing that would make the difference). I'm confused about the quality difference and whether one would be better for me than the other. do you have any advice based on your own experience...or can direct me to a site or other threads here that I may have missed that would help explain the difference? Thank you in advance for your help. |
I don't know the Shure headphones, but I love my Etymotics ER4P's. They have wonderful sound and very good sound isolation. Their sound quality is so good that I'm now spoiled; they're the reference by which I judge everything else.
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The SCL4s are very good, certainly a step up from the 2s. I would buy them again in a flash.
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How about the RE0 from Head-Direct.com, an unknown brand in the wider market but well received at Headfi.org. They used to be $179 but are currently $79. Maybe a new version is out soon but these get compared to SE530s etc.
http://www.head-direct.com/product_detail.php?p=38 Reviews: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/r...st-iem-383355/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/d...giving-454649/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/i...f-10-a-456923/ http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/m...2-09-a-453836/ |
Shure's SCL product line is aimed at the professional musician and is intended to be used with portable in-ear monitor systems. The SE line is its consumer line and comes with features like modular cables, push-to-hear systems, and the like. They may also differ in distribution channels: the SCLs through pro-audio stores and the SEs through consumer stores.
It appears the SE lineup is the one to which most of the newer developments and technology are released. The SCLs may be hardier (thicker cables and the like), but it appears they lag behind the (presumably higher revenue) SE line--the top-end SE530 (which I have and would highly, highly recommend) is a generation ahead of the SCL5. I'm not sure how the SE310 compares with the SCL3 or SCL4. I'd do some reading on http://www.earphonesolutions.com. They have some pretty comprehensive reviews, and if you choose to buy, I can personally vouch for their excellent pre- and post-sales support. |
Originally Posted by daw617
(Post 12864586)
I don't know the Shure headphones, but I love my Etymotics ER4P's. They have wonderful sound and very good sound isolation. Their sound quality is so good that I'm now spoiled; they're the reference by which I judge everything else.
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I had the Shure e2c before I upgraded to the SE420s - they deliver excellent sound and comfort but I have had issues with their durability (I used them 5/6 days a week).
Have since used Ultimate Ears SuperFi Pro 5 and they are comparable to the SE420s - dual drivers, warm detailed sound, good fit etc...but at a slightly more affordable price point. Have read good things about Phonak Audeo PFE earphones as well (hearing aid specialists) should you want to look at another lesser known brand. |
Originally Posted by jacknyoc
(Post 12864102)
I need/want to upgrade my current Shure e2c that I've had for a few years. I tend to only use them when I fly...a few times a year. I'm happy with them and the quality...I like good, clean quality music sound...and the great noise cancelling on flights. But I'm sure the technology has improved since my initial purchase. I just don't know how much?
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The SE range are the current models from Shure. The SLC are the previous model. So the SE420 is the replacement for the SLC4 which was a replacement for the E4/E4C, and the SE310 is the replacement for the SLC3 which was the replacement for the E3/E3C.
Anyone selling SLC4 is selling out their old stock, which means you could get a good bargain. But check the warranty. Only authorised product purchased from an authorised Shure dealer is covered by the Shure warranty. So ir warranty is important to you, check if the SLC4 product is covered as being sold by an authorised dealer. I know here in Australia, the local distributor (Jands) often has very attractive pricing to sell out old models that they make available through the authorised dealer channel. However, I recently chose to purchase a set of SE530 from ebay (USA seller, not authorised dealer so no warranty) for what ended up being considerably less than my local Australian industry contact could get me SE310 and less than I could pick up SE420 in Hong Kong. I was willing to take the risk. Now, back to the original question of comparing audio quality of SLC4 and SE310. If both came with Shure warranty, I would take the SLC4 over the SE310 for the same price. But there is not a huge difference in it. Going to the SE530/SLC5/E5 (three generations of the triple driver model) is the step that makes the audio difference in my book, which is why I went for the SE530 option even without the warranty. One of the big differences I found from my previous E3 model to the new SE530 is the inserts. The soft inserts in the new models (I assume the same fit kit comes with all SE models) are fantastic and an improvement over the soft inserts with the earlier E3 model. They compress more like the yellow foam type and generate a complete seal, but are truly reusable unlike the yellow foam ones that really have a limited life. |
Originally Posted by WilcoRoger
(Post 12871493)
Not wanting to flame, but I have trouble understanding your wish to upgrade the current one, especially as you are happy with it.
Now, I do listen (still) to loud hard rock and not classical music so maybe can appreciate the subtle differences :D |
Originally Posted by NM
(Post 12872178)
The SE range are the current models from Shure. The SLC are the previous model.
http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/Produc...phones_content I'm pretty sure the difference is in the target markets, as I said above: pro audio versus hi-fi consumer. |
I've heard the SCL line described as "previous models" before too, last time I researched a purchase.
Wikipedia notes "SCL4 - Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with internal air vent (formerly available to consumers as the E4C and E4G)" And if you read Shure's FAQ, the "what is the difference between SE and SCL" answer sounds very similar to the "what is the difference beteween the SE and former E" answer |
Originally Posted by CPRich
(Post 12877618)
I've heard the SCL line described as "previous models" before too, last time I researched a purchase.
Wikipedia notes "SCL4 - Single Low-Mass/High Energy Balanced Armature Driver with internal air vent (formerly available to consumers as the E4C and E4G)" And if you read Shure's FAQ, the "what is the difference between SE and SCL" answer sounds very similar to the "what is the difference beteween the SE and former E" answer Here's the applicable contents from the Shure FAQ you linked to (emphasis mine): Q: How are the new SE models (SE110, SE210, SE310, SE420 and SE530) different from Shure's professional family of in-ear monitors for stage performance (SCL Models)? A: Shure’s SE Models feature the professional-grade audio and in-ear design that was originally used by musicians onstage. However, the new SE models offer sound signatures that are designed primarily for listening, as well as a sophisticated consumer-oriented industrial design. This new design allows users to choose variable cable lengths, as well as to add inline accessories (like the Music Phone Adpater), while still offering a comfortable fit specifically engineered for personal listening applications (at home, on the go, and while exercising). The earphones also boast a sleek, stylish look to give audio enthusiasts the ultimate fashionable, portable accessory. For more information on the professional earphones, vist the SCL Earphone page. New SE Models vs. Discontinued E Series Q: What are the differences between Shure's now discontinued E Series (E2c, E3c, E4c and E5c) and SE Models (SE110 SE210, SE310, SE420 and SE530)? A: Shure’s SE Models offer a number of unique attributes including new sound signatures, modularity, style and ergonomics: * Sound signatures: The new line of earphones utilizes the same professional-grade, award-winning in-ear technology as the E3c, E4c and E5c, with their own unique sound signatures. Incorporating balanced armature drivers that are compact in size but not in sound, Shure earphones offer increasing range and detail as you move up the line. * Modularity: The new modular design allows for the use of variable cable lengths, as well as functionality that can be added inline, such as the Push-To-Hear (PTH) accessory. * Style and ergonomics: Both fashionable and functional, the new Shure Sound Isolating Earphones offer a secure, lightweight, comfortable fit in stylish designs. All of these features extend the sound isolating product range from which individuals can personalize their listening experiences, while retaining the professional-grade features that have won so many accolades. |
Originally Posted by jackal
(Post 12878914)
But it's not factual to say that the SCLs are a "previous [i.e. discontinued] model."
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many thanks to everyone for the very helpful input, insights, links...and lively discussion. there's a lot of good info. to ponder. happy travels...and listening
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