I was reading reviews of the Shure E4c earphones on the Apple Store and, my goodness, people can be stupid. Half of the reviews were from people who seem to Get It and understand how “in-ear” drivers work, the other half posted reviews either without ever owning the product or after using them for only a day or so. Look, of course you can spend your $200-300 buying a big pair of cans or a speaker system. So do it. But I love my E3cs. I’ve had them since last December and at this point getting them in my ears is almost effortless, they stay very well, they don’t hurt, even after a few hours, and the sound is excellent.

These things are quality, and you have to give them some time. You have to play with the various sleeves until you get the right fit in your ear. You have to play with moving your ear around with your hands until you can seat them properly to get a good seal. And you have to take a week or so to let your ears get comfortable wearing them. And, in my case, you have to offset the weight of the big heavy cable with a few strategically placed alligator clips on your shirt, especially if you are going to use them while running, as I do. But after that, you’ll love them.

Here is my evidence that these earphones work *too* well. I have to worry about wearing them while outside because they form such a good seal and provide such nice sound that I often won’t hear people around me or even ambulance sirens. And when I’m at the gym and someone says something to me, all I see is their lips moving until I can pause my music. I love my Shure E3cs. Give them a real try and you won’t be sorry.