I think I've decided on the EC3 but I'm now seeing that they don't have a kit for using them on a plane's audio system and also the PTH device is another $60. Ouch!

Do you think I could find them cheaper in HKG or BKK? They are going for $140 on Apple's store for Black Friday.

deleted: completely misread the post I was replying to. :D

I would sincerely suggest the E4's over the E3's. I found them through Amazon at Irwin Computer for not much more than the $140 you mention.

And the E4's include the sound attenuator for aircraft IFEs.

I bought the PTH directly from Shure, but returned it as I was disappointed. The extra wires in one's lap and the (very) poor quality of the sound pick-up through the device made it more trouble than it was worth to me, at least. Buying directly from Shure allows a 30 day no questions return.

Actually what I meant was a kit that lets me connect it to different types of sockets on planes (1 plug, 2 plug, 3 plug). Thanks for the advice though, it does look like i can get the E4s for the same price although they don't ship international.

The "Only" adapter I'm aware of needing for a plane is from 2 males(to plug into the plane) to 1 one female(to plug the phones into

You can pick this up just about anywhere for 5 bucks or so-radio shack, most any news store at an airport

LY C uses a three-pronged adaptor for their noise-cancelling headphones.

Really? The PTH had poor quality? I was looking to buy it for my trip next week.

I was even thinking of buying the E500PTH as a 3rd headphone just for the PTH. Can anyone tell me the difference between the E5Cs and E500PTHs? Does the PTH work any better on the E500s?

Maybe I'm nuts but even though I just orderedthe E2C on Apple's Store for $140 I am having a heck of a time justifying the cost to myself. Then I see how many of you are dropping money at levels above that a 2nd and 3rd time. I can't wait to get mine and be enlightened.

I looked at the merchants on Amazon who were selling the E3C for a similar price but the reviews of these merchants indicated more potential problems than I have the ability to absorb. (I'm having them sent to my mother in the US who will then send them to me in Israel since neither Amazon nor Apple will ship them outside the US)

You should have bought the E4c's from ERWINCOMP.com for 178. I LOVE mine and find the yellow foam adaptors to be perfect for the plane.

Couldn't find Irwincom.com on Amazon and when I looked for Irwin Computer I got to some web design company. *shrug*

Apologies, it's : ERWINCOMP.COM

The Shure E500 PTH are the best IEM under $1000. Read all the reviews. The only general complaint is the price. The PTH function works well. The sound is absolutely amazing. I have Bose QC2, ER6i's (lost them), ER-4P's and none compare to the E500's. Well worth the money if you have it to spare.

Just got some E500PTH for my wife today and have only listened to them for a short time but they are amazing! I have the QC2s and QC3s and just bought the E5Cs a couple of weeks ago. I haven't listened to the E5Cs that much since I haven't traveled but I can hear a difference. I fly BUR-SFO-HKG-MNL on Wednesday so I'll have a good chance to listen to them for an extended time.

I have had intermittent problems with my E5Cs and am working on returning them. I got a good price of $354 but I will wait until this is resolved to see if I will recommend the company to others.

If all goes well, I'll post the website for others to order...

If you aren't the type to listen for details, the E3s are probably more than enough for your purposes. I'd pair them up with yellow foamies for best results, but your mileage may vary. FYI, you can find the E3s for ~$110 shipped these days if you look hard enough.

Glad to hear you're happy with your purchase!

There's a clip that comes with the PTH module. If you find the PTH device a little too clunky for travel (as I did), be sure to take the clip off and bring it with you just in case you find the E500's wiring on the cumbersome side. It depends on the person, of course, but the cabling is rather heavy in comparison to most of the other IEMs on market -- if you start to notice that it pulls down on your ears, clipping the wire to your back does wonders. I've personally found the clip especially indispensable while walking/running.

i can only drool about those.. can't muster $499 for them... got the e4c's and love them.. the E500PTH's are beauties.... saw them at the MSP airport for the first time and almost pulled the trigger..