Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I'm going to go against the rest of the reviews here. These are better than some earbuds out there, but don't expect big sound. They will do just fine for you if you need sound isolation or something for iPod (or some portable device) listening. For me, they were never incredibly comfortable and I ended up selling them within a couple of months. I originally purchased them to help in the sound mastering process, as you need many different types of speakers when doing this.

Bass is almost non-existent unless you "fluff" it with EQs and all of that - which colors the sound and is somewhat pointless. Yes, I did have a good fit and a tight seal, as they did cancel out most outside noises, but the bass is still not there. As far as clarity goes...they are moderate. The drivers sound plastic and lack musical ability.

If you are looking for inexpensive headphones for casual listening and don't need sound isolation, go with Grado. The SR-60s are cheaper than these and provide excellent sound for the price. If you are looking for sound isolation in a small package, these may be for you, but the sound will be just mediocre.

For $100, the sound should be better. $100 in home audio is very little, but in headphones, when considering Senheiser and Grado have many under $100 headphones that will outperform these, they should have big performance. To replace other earbuds, such as those that came with an iPod, these may be a good choice, but look at cheaper ones first. If you are in a noisy environment, these will provide you with good sound isolation (not noise canceling), and will allow you to hear your music. Overall, I guess I'm trying to say that these will provide you with good sound isolation and a way to hear your music on-the-go.

Strengths:
sound isolation, portable

Weaknesses:
the expected problem of earbuds having very "tinny" and thin sound.

Price Paid:  $99.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I am am a drummer in a band and needed good headphones/ earphones for studio work and concerts. I have found that the E2c's are very good for concerts because they block out alot of noise and you can't really see that I'm wearing them. Low end bass is very good, but it is a little boomy. Sometimes it also seems as if there is a little distortion. The reason I didn't get E5c's is because for what i am using them for I dont need very good quality. I dont use these in the studio however. I use my Sony MDR 600's. Overall, I am very impressed with these headphones, but they are better for casual listening and not for professional use.

Strengths:
Cool looks
Good Quality
Loud
Pretty good sound clarity

Weaknesses:
Distortion in lower end
anoying ear fitting process
look fragile (don't know if they are though)

Similar Products Used:
MDR-600
Grado
E5c

Price Paid:  $80.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I recently picked up a new Microsoft Zune, it is amazing. This was my first portable media player and I love it! The stock headphones that came with it were terrible! They hurt my ears and actually made my ears bleed from trying to fit them in my ears. So a few weeks ago I got a coupon in the mail, a $20 coupon to BestBuy. So I went to BestBuy to see what they had. I talked to the guy about my problem and how it could be solved. He took me the the Shure E2c's. At first I wasn't convinced at the price. Then the guy went to his car and let me listen to them through his iPod Video. I was very impressed! So then I picked them up. I listen to many different kinds of music so I listened to every genre I had in my Zune. The bass was very rich when I listened to Rap and Treble also brought out sounds I have never heard before in my music. I also watch a part of Saving Private Ryan on my Zune. I was at the end about 30 seconds before the planes came in for an attack I could hear the low rumble! I was amazed!

Strengths:
-Rich, Clean Bass

-Treble brings the music to life

-The headphones actually isolate the outside world

-They come with a handy carrying case to protect the headphones

-They come with three different typed of earbud attachments in three sizes Small, Medium and Large for best sound quality and best isolation

-Very durable, the cord is very thick and secure

-Gold plated connector for best sound transfer

Weaknesses:
-Price

-Hard to tell right from left ear pieces

Price Paid:  $55.00 from ebay

Summary:
The Shure E2c overall is a good earphone. Definately better than what comes standard with most Mp3 players. I'd give the E2c's a 7.5 out of 10. I hear a lot of people in these reviews talking about how these headphones need a "breaking in" period. I hope mine break in real soon because they sound very flat. I've listened to them using an iPod Nano, and using my home stereo receiver and CD player (both Denon). I tried all the different equalizer settings on the nano and it helps somewhat but I still can't get the higher frequencies (treble) to be crisp and clear. Only when I crank the volume literally to the maximum do I get those highs to come out. The bass response of these headphones is really good (I think). Most reviews I've read on this product have stated the bass to be more in the moderate category. I'd have to disagree with that I think the bass reproduction from these headphones is great. I'm no audiophile by any means, but I do have a trained ear for what sounds good. I love all types of music, country, rap, hardcore metal, pop, jazz, etc. These headphones sound pretty good for most types of music. Be warned, those of you who like the higher end frequencies wont be happy with this product. The bass production is great the highs aren't. I need the best of both worlds. I just wish some company out there could make the perfect in the ear style headphone. Philips makes a really good earbud style earphone. I honestly think the Philips model SHE9500 is a better sounding earbud style headphone than the E2c. The SHE9500 sells for $29.95 at Best Buy. But because I believe you get what you pay for I went big...Oh well

Strengths:
Bass response
they look cool
they fit really well
they stay in your ear when you go jogging
you can crank the volume and they wont distort
people will think you're somebody because you own a $100
set of earphones

Weaknesses:
The highs are very flat sounding (not much treble)
$100 is a lot of cash to be spending on something that isn't worth but maybe half
that.
Shure wish there were more highs
Shure wish they didn't cost so much
Shure wish I didn't buy them on Ebay, then I could return them
Shure wish the "breaking in period" for the headphones is for real
Shure wish I bought that other brand

Similar Products Used:
Sony MDR-EX51LP
Philips HE591 Surround Sound Earbuds
Philips SHE9500

Price Paid:  $49.00 from Apple Store

Summary:
I purchased these headphones at a discounted price, and couldn't be happier with them. I do agree with other reviewers though, the highs aren't that great with these. I have spoken to many people who said the bass wasn't that great, but I think they didn't have the right earpeices in. Once i found the right fit, it was wonderful. They are a bit difficult to keep in your ears though, so if you have trouble with that you might want to consider using the foam earpieces they provide.

Strengths:
For the price, they're the best.