Comments on: A ‘Shure’ Fit For Your iPhone

By: Apple Tech Support Trials Begets Better iPhone Headset + License Woes

Apple Tech Support Trials Begets Better iPhone Headset + License Woes — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:32:06 +0000

[...] one of my earlier posts, you should know that I’m ever on the lookout for the best accessory for the job when it [...]

By: Apple Tech Support Trials Begets Better iPhone Headset + License Woes | The Apple Blog

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:26:22 +0000

[...] one of my earlier posts, you should know that I’m ever on the lookout for the best accessory for the job when it [...]

By: Dan S.

Dan S. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:25:13 +0000

The MPA-3C was actually available in limited quantities from August through October, the large shipments didn’t begin until late October. While Shure makes nice products, unless you have one of the very latest ‘SE’ series Shure headphones, it’s a poor choice over the Monster iSoniTalk.

First, there’s no integrated clip on the MPA-3C, which means you have to find some way to attach the mic and button to you. (This is even a problem with the SE headphones as the cable-keeper aligator clip is next to worthless.)

Second, the MPA-3C is priced at double what you pay for the iSoniTalk, if you can even find it at MSRP.

Third, the MPA-3C can hang at an awkward angle if you have headphones with a 90-degree style plug.

(I have a set of E3Cs, which I love, but they have a long cord and a 90-degree plug.)

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 10:39:13 +0000

I love the adapter, but as Andrew says, the cable length works best with a set of Shure earphones with their split cable.

I bought the Shure earphones partly for quality, and partly for comfort – and they have really transformed the sound. For me, the Apple earbuds are a little too large for my ears (which also makes the Apple iPhone bluetooth adapter a bit tricky to use).

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 06:20:56 +0000

The problem with this adapter is that it’s 2 feet long – with Shure’s headphones that’s not a problem as the cable is effectively two pieces (this is designed to replace the bottom half). With any other headphones, you’ve got a mess of cable.

Monster makes an adapter called the iSoniTalk, which has an adapter which plugs into the iPhone and the headphone cable plugs into that. The microphone/playback control piece is on a seperate cable that can clip to a collar or lapel.

I just got the V-Moda Vibe Duo headphones and those are awesome now that they’ve been redesigned to incorporate the answer/end-pause/play button.

By: Avi Flax

Avi Flax — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:11:21 +0000

I'm considering the Ultimate Ears super.fi 4vi.

By: Matt

Matt — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 18:28:44 +0000

I actually like the apple headphones. They’re not big, they’re not ugly and they work. I don’t need to blow out my ear drums and I enjoy the fact that people can talk to me while I have them on and I can HEAR them.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 13:57:54 +0000

I hadn’t seen these – so I’m really interested to hear your comments on them. The cable issue sounds like a problem, though – my Shure headphones have a _long_ cable – which is great, but what will I do with the bit between the mic and the earphones when I’m wearing it?