Paradigm Shift E1, E2m, and E3m Earphones (Playback 59)

Good, Better, Best

When I was a kid I used to read the Sears and Roebuck catalog from cover to cover. I saved up for months to buy the “good” fishing rod while still lusting after the Ted Williams signature “Best “ rod. Looking over the information on the new Paradigm Shift series of headphones gave me powerful feelings of déjà vu. Paradigm also uses the good, better, best method to differentiate the earphones in the Paradigm Shift line-up.

According to their product information all three Paradigm Shift earbuds use similar 8mm super neodymium drivers. But the E2m and E3m have slightly greater sensitivity than the E1 earbuds. I suspect that some of the specification and sonic differences can be linked to the different enclosures. The E1 uses plastic while the E2m employs two-piece sealed aluminum. The E3m has a solid one-piece aluminum housing.

Paradigm claims that each of the three earphones in the Shift stable is modeled after a particular series or line of Paradigm speakers. The E1s are based on the Monitor Series 7, the E2ms are based on the Studio Series and the E3ms are based on the Signature Series of loudspeakers. While I suspect this is as much about marketing as virtual modeling, it does raise questions, unanswered in their product literature about how this was accomplished.

Of the three earphones E-series, the least expensive $49.95 E1 will be the biggest hit with athletes or anyone who wears their earbuds with the cables routed above their ears and down their backs. The E1 are also had more bass than most in-ears I’ve heard. Paradigm’s top-of-the-line E3ms are aimed squarely at listeners who want bass, more bass, and for variation, a little more bass. The E2ms are for more temperate, but they’re still for listeners who like bass a lot.

FEATURES

E1

• Critically tuned for a sound said to be similar to that of Paradigms’ Monitor Series 7 loudspeakers.
• Fundamentals:

o Drivers: 8mm dynamic driver fitted with super-neodymium magnets.
o Sensitivity: 103 dB
o Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 18kHz
o Cord: Tangle-resistant 1.2 m cord
o Plug: 3.5 mm

• Include 3 sizes of ear tips:

o True ergonomic ear tip shape for maximum comfort.
o Designed for an airtight seal for optimum noise isolation.

• Comes with padded travel case.

E2m

• Critically tuned for a sound said to be similar to that of Paradigms’ Studio Series loudspeakers.
• Built-in microphone with smart phone functionality.
• 2-piece sealed construction.
• Fundamentals:

o Drivers: 8mm dynamic driver fitted with super-neodymium magnets.
o Sensitivity: 104 dB
o Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 19kHz
o Cord: Tangle-resistant 1.2 m cord
o Plug: 3.5 mm

• Include 3 sizes of ear tips:

o Designed for comfort with a true ergonomic ear tip shape.
o Designed for an airtight seal for superb noise isolation.

• Comes with padded travel case

E3m

• Critically tuned for a sound said to be similar to that of Paradigm’s Signature Series loudspeakers.
• Built-in microphone with smart phone functionality.
• 1-piece CNC precision-machined aluminum housing.
• Fundamentals:

o Drivers: 8mm dynamic driver fitted with super-neodymium magnets.
o Sensitivity: 104 dB
o Frequency Response: 8 Hz – 19kHz
o Cord: Tangle-resistant 1.2 m cord
o Plug: 3.5 mm

• Include 3 sizes of ear tips:

o Designed for comfort with a true ergonomic ear tip shape.
o Designed for an airtight seal for superb noise isolation.

ERGONOMICS

High Points

An impressively high level of fit and finish extends throughout the Shift line. Even the lowly E1 looked as if it cost at least twice its asking price based purely on physical quality alone. From the design of its stereo mini-jack to the angled earbud enclosures, the E1 feels like a well-made tool, not a throwaway consumable. The fit and finish on the E2m and E3m is even more impressive with their elegantly shaped satin-finished aluminum enclosures and rugged zippered travel case.

The E1, E2m, and E3m are all available in two colors, black or white. But the difference between black and while is far more pronounced on the E1, where the whole earbud enclosure is either white or black plastic. For the E2m or E3 the difference between black and white only affects a small area at the back half of the earphone.