[Mics49]

Got these long haul flights looming and finally caved in and decided to getting an iPod video and some "decent" earphones to go with.
As for the earphones I have pretty much narrowed it down to the following two:
a) Westone UM2 - earphonesolutions claim best comfort/fit of all and more bass (& overall better SQ) compared to
b) Shure SE530 - which's design and perceived haptic quality I much prefer

Pros & cons (in comparison to each other)
Westone UM2:
+ SQ / comfort&fit / ~£60 cheaper (once imported = incl. customs)
- design / only 1 year warranty (and in US!)
Shure SE530:
+ design (quality) / 2 yr warranty
- SQ (less bass) / less comfort / more expensive

The questions:
Can anyone confirm the above regarding SQ and comfort/fit as claimed by earphonesolutions? Or has any experience with either?
Given the "minor" price difference once all accessories are included (airline adapter, level attenuator, ...), and taking sound and product quality into account, which one is actually better VFM?

Many thanks for your thoughts.
Mic

[christam]

I've no experience with the Westone UM2 but have been delighted with the SE530. I find them very comfortable - using the soft grey flex sleeves - and have no problem with bass quality

I'm sure you're aware that the SE530s come with level attenuator, airline adaptor and, if you want to splash a little extra cash, the PTH module. When I bought mine about a month ago, best UK price for the SE530PTH was £279 (only £10 more than most retailers were charging for the SE530 alone).

Which is why I've ordered my new Denon AH-D2000 headphones from Audiocubes!

[Mics49]

Thanks for the info!
Best price I can find here in the UK (incl. EU) is £289 from an authorised dealer. Where did you get yours from (audiocubes don't list the SE530)?
And how "big" are your ears - as mine (and the missus'es) are pretty small?
At first glance the UM2's price point was very tempting but when taking customs (import by Fedex -> a given), and the extra needed accessories (you mentioned, come with SE530) into account, the advantage is almost (but for £60) gone. And I suppose the SE's would have a much better resell value, too, if ever wanted. Hmm

[StevieDvd]

I had the Shure E500 before going to a fully custom set of iems and still have the UM2s as a backup.

Overall I kept the UM2 as they were less fiddly and sold the Shures. I much prefer the UM2 cabling for ease of use and durability and prefer the smaller earpiece it has.

It depends whether you prefer using the PTH adapter (it's a love or hate thing - I only used it a few times and soon packed it ways. Can't be the only one of that opinion since Shure have now gone for it being optional.

The UM2 can be obtained far cheaper than the Shure E530 and I would still choose either the Shure E5 or the UM2 first.

Either are a good set of earphones though so well done on choice.

[Mics49]

Thanks for your advice, Stevie. That's what I needed to hear ("smaller earpiece, ease of use, durability").
I went for the UM2 and from earphonesolutions, they have a 10% promo so the price was very good indead ($270+$38 FedEx del.).