Etymotic ER-6 or Shure E2c?

[EdipisReks]

since i got an ipod for christmas, and my current Sony Ex-70 earbuds are falling apart, i thought i would shop for a new set of headphones. i saw that sony has new Ex-71's, which impressed me with the fact short cord and the extension, which is perfect for an ipod remote. however, despite being rather happy with the sound of my Ex-70's, the buds have always struck me as being rather inferior to the Grade SR-60's that i use with my computer and my stereo.

a little bit of research brought me to the Etymotic ER-6 and the Shure E2c. both have great reviews, but i wonder which i should get. i'm used to ear canal headphones, with my sonys, so neither system seems daunting to me. i can get the Shures for $90 shipped on ebay, and the etymotics for $125 shipped on ebay. are the etymotics worth the extra $35, and are either headphones definitely worth the higher prices compared to the Ex-71 sonys?

thanks!

 

[Chesebert]

ER-6 Hands down. while you are at it, pick up a headphone amp (total airhead) from headroom
they go very well together.

correct me if I am wrong, but the Etymotic can be sonically compared to loud speakers in the $5000-$8000 range when paired up with a decent headphone amp!

 

[EdipisReks]

the Total Airhead is out of my pricerange, and i don't really want to carry around an amp. i might pick up a boosteroo, as they are cheap, small and decent, but that would be about it. do the Etymotics really need an amp for best performance? i believe that the E2c's are low impedance headphones, and having to have an amp would be a deal breaker for me.

 

[Dunbar]

I've owned both, kept the E2. Might want to look at the new E3's too, supposed to have a little better high-end than the E2. The ER-6 sounded too shrill to my ears.