Shure E2

Pros: Flat, detailed response.

Cons: No "punch," some fatigue

Summary: I was looking for some in-ear replacements for the Apple earbuds supplied with the iPod. I ran across these online and thought I would give them a try. I'm familiar with Sure equipment; their microphones and professional monitoring equipment is generally accepted to be the best value in the pro-sound industry.

My initial impression was poor; the stiff clear buds hurt my ears and didn't seal very well, leading to very poor low-end response. All that changed when I switched to the soft black silicone buds. What a difference! When these headphones seal well, they are exceptional!

I have spent quite a lot of time around reference audio systems, studio monitoring equipment and generally high-quality audio systems. The really good ones with ruler-flat response sound a little lacking in punch to me, and maybe a tad bit shrill. These headphones replicated that sound better than any pair I've ever owned. I don't have the equipment to measure their response (who does?!) but I would bet that they are nearly flat in their response.

The only drawback I can really speak to is some listening fatigue. Most in-ear offerings will cause listening fatigue faster than on-ear offerings but these may cause fatigue a little faster than I would expect.

The case is a work of art. A zipper-closed molded fabric clamshell is pierced by a plastic wire spool that also holds the earbuds securely. Incredibly compact and rugged, this case is the standard by which all portable headphone cases should be judged.

The headphones themselves are also very rugged. Molded strain reliefs at the earbuds take any strain that would dislodge them from your ears. The cord itself is heavy and well insulated. The "pants" (the point at which a single wire becomes two) is again relieved with molded strain relief pieces and the right-angle 1/8" TRS plug is large and well relieved also.