noob req headphone advice

[Danport]

I want a headphone to use on my exercise bike.

The bike is quite noisy, so I need noise isolation.

I understand from some browsing that the In Ear Monitors are nice for noise isolation, value, and sound quality.

I am looking at the etymotic ER-4P, and the Shure E4c, or something in that price range (about $300 list, $175 online price)

I like to listen to a variety of music, including rock, bluegrass, jazz and classical.

Thanks for any advice.

[TheSloth]

I want a headphone to use on my exercise bike.

The bike is quite noisy, so I need noise isolation.

I understand from some browsing that the In Ear Monitors are nice for noise isolation, value, and sound quality.

I am looking at the etymotic ER-4P, and the Shure E4c, or something in that price range (about $300 list, $175 online price)

I like to listen to a variety of music, including rock, bluegrass, jazz and classical.

Thanks for any advice.

Well you have picked out probably the best 2 in that price range. I find the 4p to be great value, partly due to the great sound but also because you can convert them to the 4s with a simple cable which gives a very flat frequency response (but not so suited to weak players and noisy environments, where you'd want more bass and less treble).

I heard the 4c's for a brief time and thought they were very good as well, but the 4p/s combo is still the one to beat for my ears.

[Danport]

Thanks for the advice.

What do you think about using a Cmoy amp to power the earbuds?

[909]

I own the Shure E4 and like them a great deal. They offer a very balanced presentation and an acceptable amount of bass for an IEM.

I've not heard or owned the ER-4P/S but researched them extensively before I made my first IEM purchase. I surmise that the ER-4ps are an overall better sounding IEM, but they lack impactful bass and do have some things you should know before you pull the trigger.

IIRC, the ER-4P/S have been reported to have microphonic issues with the cable so probably it isn't ideally suited for the exercise bike unless you can keep the cable pretty still. You can do a search on Head-Fi with the keywords "ER-4p" and "microphonic" and that should bring up some results about this issue. Additionally, the ER-4 tips that insert into the ear canal aren't the most comfortable things. In fact, some people find them slightly painful or even unbearable. There's a foam tip option, but I've never gotten a good seal with foam and it is essential you get a proper fit and seal. With the 3-flange they need to be inserted deep into the canal. Even though, the ER-4 are regarded as an incredible IEM bass isn't impactful and some might say pronounced enough. http://www.headphonereviews.org/headphone.php?action=view&headphoneId=45

As for the E4s, I've never noticed any cable microphonics while working out. Shure offers about four different tip styles and three sizes in each style so that you can pick one that's the most comfortable and fits best while providing a good seal. I've tried the triple flange and after about an hour my ear canals got sore. Again, a good seal is very important. I suspect that the E4s aren't as good as the ER-4, but they are close, offer better comfort, a cable that isn't microphone, and impactful bass. http://www.headphonereviews.org/headphone.php?action=view&headphoneId=148

[909]

I forgot to mention that I used the soft flex sleeves with the E4s because it's comfortable and fits well.

five minute edit window... sometimes I wish it was ten \

[TheSloth]

The ER4's are microphonic, but the little shirt clip does actually do its job if you clip it in just the right place.