New headphones, so many choices...

[enlightenedby42]

A few months ago, I decided I wanted some high end headphones. I previously considered it unthinkable to ever use earbuds/IEM's, and after a good bit of research and shopping narrowed it down to the Sennheiser HD595's.

Christmas comes, and my girl got me a nice new iPod Nano and some Sony MDR-EX71's. At first I found them awful and uncomfortable, but after some hours of use I got used to the feel, and could very much see myself using higher end IEM's on a regular basis. So, more compulsive head-fi'ing, and I've narrowed IEM choices down to the Shure E4 or UE Super.fi 5 pro (leaning toward the shures)

So, anybody in a similar situation pulled the trigger on any of these? I never thought I'd say this, but I'm leaning towards high end IEM's for the portability factor as a new iPod owner. Are the E4's a worthy investment over some $100 IEM's like the E3's? In the $200ish price range are the E4's the best choice? I am willing to spend the money if its truly worth it, but can't go much over $200 or 250.

Also, will be used unamped with an ipod and various computers, at least at first. emphasis on music, mostly rock. Thanks for any input.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

The Superfi 5pro sounds better than the E4 unamped. Amped, it's a matter of taste, and I prefer the E4. The E4 straight out of the iPod is lacking a bit of bass. Both sound quite a bit better than the E3's. In the lower price range, the Superfi 3 sounds a lot better than the E3, in most regards. The main thing you give up going from the SF5 to the SF3 is a bit of bass punch and treble extension.

 

[Laxx]

if you can stretch your budget a little, you shoudl take a look at the westone um2's.