I've cancelled my pre-order of a Roku Soundbridge Radio due to continual product release date slips. In my sick mind that means that I have $400 US to blow on some other toy. I think the toy will be a "passive noise cancelling" high quality audio-reproduction set of headphones. I've narrowed it down to the Shure E5C ($500 US) and the Ultimate Ears UE-5C ($600 US) (what's up with the similarity of part numbers?). I want plenty of isolation from low frequency noise, and good response to a wide variety of music. My tastes are very eclectic: I suppose that chamber music, symphonies, opera, trance, classic vocalists (Sinatra..), and 'chillout' are the genres that I listen to the most these days, but I also like classic rock and old-school country/western.

I fly regularly, and often work in high-noise environments (low frequency equipment noise) so I'd like something portable and very noise-reducing. I'll be using the phones with my new Sony HD5 portable and my HP ZD7000 laptop. I also have a Headroom Total Bithead that I bought with a set of Senn HD580s a year or two ago (so I suppose I can use the Bithead if I need to drive the new phones a bit more than the HD5 can pump, although I suspect I won't need to).

Which of the two would you reccommend for my application?

BTW, regarding the UE-5C, I live near a large city, and I'm sure I'll have ready access to someone that can make earmolds: how much would something like that cost?

Thanks

[gorman]

If you have the money, go with UE-5. No comparison there. You might want to ask on Head-Fi, in any case.

I have UE-10 Pro and I've never looked back.

[Reano]

Originally Posted by gorman

If you have the money, go with UE-5. No comparison there. You might want to ask on Head-Fi, in any case.

I have UE-10 Pro and I've never looked back.

I have the e5c and absolutely love them never heard the ultimates but am interested to hear how they are better? Also I hear the new shures e500 are very good (by reviewers). Not out till May though.

Reano,

I wonder if the UE-5C might at least have better noise-reduction properties due to the custom nature of the ear bud (it's actually based on a mold of one's ears).

[Reano]

Might do but just interested to learn as I think the e5's are great

[doctorjuggles]

It's worth noting a few things here:
UE5 isn't the same as UE5c. The 5c is designed specifically for portable devices. While I know this is what you're using it for, I'm pointing it out to others as each of the UE range is designed for a specific user, often with specific sound characteristics.

Also, the RRP of the Shures is unlikely to be the price you will have to pay. Mine cost around $380 including shipping to the UK.

Finally, the price of seeing an audiologist here in the UK is different from the US, I assume you're in the US, HFK1001? If not, add a little to the $600 budget for extra shipping and custom mould costs.

Also, if you are in the States, E5s can be picked up even cheaper.

That said, most people do rate the UE5c very highly, so I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other, just pointing out some facts.

As has been mentioned, the Shure E500s are out in a few months too, if you can wait, there's another option. Reviews from the respected Head-Fi board can be found here by a few who have been lucky enough to hear them.

Good luck.

[Reano]

Wow!!! My wallet hates these forums looks like they are what I'm after espcially the push-pull technology