The Shure E2g’s are the least expensive member of the “Gaming Edition” family. The “Official word” from the Shure web site is as follows:

Key Features: Utilizing the same technology as the original E Series, the E2g combines sound isolating sleeves with high-performance Dynamic MicroDriver technology to deliver full-range audio while blocking outside noise.

Sound Isolating Technology
The E2g's in ear design works like an earplug to block background noise naturally. This enables you to listen comfortably at lower volumes -- even in loud environments.

Speaker Type: Dynamic MicroDrivers
The E2g's speakers are constructed with studio-grade components, producing outstanding audio clarity that allows you to hear your music like never before.

Personal Fit Kit
Because every ear is different, E2g Earphones come with three pairs (small, medium, large) of disposable Foam Sleeves, and three pairs (small, medium, large) of Flex Sleeves to ensure the ideal personalized fit.

Secure In Ear Design
The soft, flexible sleeves in the Fit Kit gently contour the inside of the ear for a comfortable, secure fit so that the earphones don't fall out while you're exercising.

Low-Profile Earphone Cables
The E2g's cables pass behind the ear - out of sight and out of the way -- to provide a more comfortable, discreet fit.

Lightweight Construction
Weighing only 1 oz (30g), the E2g is lightweight and comfortable enough for any portable listening application -- packing a big punch in such a compact package.

Earphones Carrying Case
The E2g comes with a stylish, compact carrying case. The cable spool inside provides a convenient, tangle-free way to store your earphones.

E2g Technical Specifications:

Speaker Type:	Dynamic MicroDriver
Sensitivity (at 1kHz):	105dB SPL/mW
Impedance (at 1kHz):	16 Ohm
Cable Length:	1.45m (57 inches)
Net Weight:	30g (1 oz)
Input Connector:	3.5 mm (1/8") gold-plated stereo plug

Design : The Shure E2g’s are the most economical Earphone in Shure’s lineup. That does not mean that they are “cheap” in any sense. The design is very rugged and secure. The E2g’s are meant to go deep in the ear canal – just like the more expensive E3 and E4 models. The E2’s are substantially bigger than the E3’s and E4’s. There are several different foam and silicon ear sleeves that you place on the end of the unit. Because they are bigger earphones, I did have some trouble using them as advertised on the Web site – which is upside down with the cables running back behind the hear. I found that the E2g’s did protrude quite a bit.

Comfort : This, is the Achilles heel of the E2g. The drivers are much bigger than the more expensive Shure models and they not only protrude out of the ear – they are tricky to get in place. I really liked the smaller, flexi-sleeves offered on the E3 and E4 models – but they are not offered with the E2g’s. The size of the driver is too big, so only the harder silicon sleeves and foam sleeves have openings wide enough to accommodate them. Getting them in my ear was tricky. I found the foam sleeves to be the only ones I could actually get inside my ears and they were not as comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Sound Quality: On the one hand – it doesn’t seem right to include these Earphones in a review with earphones costing three times as much. However, after further thought – these more than hold their own and get high marks for value. Although the list price is US$109.00, everywhere I looked had the E2g’s for $79 -$99 and less on Ebay. That being said, I can safely declare that there is no way to get better sound from your iPod or PSP or other music device for under $100.00. The E2g’s have amazing bass – maybe even a slightly bit better than the more expensive E3g’s. The Detail in the high frequencies was also terrific. It was not tinny and it was not boomy – it was warm and balanced. Vocals were clear and full, for a wide range of musical artists. A true audiophile will certainly be able to discern between these and the top-of-the-line E4g’s from Shure’s line-up – but the average listener will have a tough time justifying the difference in price.

Conclusions: These are great sounding earphones and a dramatic step up from the stock buds of most players. Bass is deep, highs are clear, separation is fabulous. They are not as comfortable as more expensive earphones – but those with larger ears who tested them found them more than satisfactory. The build quality is great and they are definite Shure premium earphones and a Plebian price point.

Overall Grade : A-

Pros : Great sound, good bass, high quality

Cons: Uncomfortable for some, tricky to get in the ears properly