Sound isolation, detail

bass, accuracy, overall sonics

I don't own these earphones, but I had an opportunity to borrow them. I usually don't review equipment, however I was so disappointed with the sound of the Etymotic ER6's that I felt compelled to warn potential buyers. Especially considering the price. I've read favorable reviews on this product, however after actually listening to them, not much about the sound characteristics of the ER6's was positive. My regular headphones are Sennheiser HD 570's which sounded better in all areas and are about the same price. While auditioning the ER6's I also borrowed a pair of Sony MDR-E837 earbuds (I was told they cost about $20) which sounded significantly better overall than the Etymotics. Positive characteristics of the ER6: 1) clarity - The one quality which did stand out was the clarity (upper midrange?) there was a high level of detail, not much information was "hidden" or masked. 2) sound isolation - the isolation from outside sound was very high, I could barely hear myself speaking. 3) comfort - I won't address this too much, since I didn't use them for an extended period (about 1 hour). They felt strange when I first put them in, but it seemed like I could get used to the feeling. The following characteristics were disappointing: 1) bass - there was literally no bass notes below a certain point. The rated f/r is 20hz-16khtz, yet with much of the music I listened to instruments and bass notes completely missing (as compared with my Sennheisers). I tried to use the bass eq on my portable to boost the bass, but no help, there simply was no bass to boost. I also felt that the lack of bass response tended to make the overall sound appear harsh and mildly irritating. The higher frequencies seemed accentuated because the bass wasn't there to balance them out. 2) treble - Mildly harsh and unnatural. This surprised me more than the poor bass. I expected the highs to be clean, clear and natural, but none of the above. Cymbals were flat and mildly harsh. Some music with high frequency synthesized sound effects made me cringe, the same passage using the Senns did not. 3) accuracy - Not much I listened to sounded close to real instruments IMO. Violins, vocals, drums etc. all sounded as if I was listening with hollow metal cans over my ears. Maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration to emphasize a point, but this is the best way I can describe how they sounded. Summary: Obviously I was very disappointed in the ER6's. I had always had an interest in Etymotic earphones based on the positive reviews on sites such as Headroom.com, but my real life experience was far from rewarding. I honestly would not even consider buying these if they were in the $20 range, at $120 the word "scam" comes to mind. Maybe the ER4's are much better than the ER6 model, but I would never take a chance on them based on the poor sonics of the ER6's.

Similar Products Used:

Sennheiser HD 570, Sony MDR-E837

Both the shutting off of outside noise, and getting the privacy of what you are hearing. Also, you can usually pick one up for less than $150, which makes them a very good deal.

The wire causing The very initial discomfort from the nature of the ear canal phones. I, like most people, get used to it in less than a hour or so. Now a days, when I put it on, I barely notice that I'm wearing them.

I both these very tiny and portable cans a few months ago not knowing what to expect. I was already pretty happy with my Grado SR 325 (and I also own a SR 80), but I needed something which I could take to flights and buisness trips and such. A few of my friends own Etymotics (ER-4S), and overall, these cans offer less detail than it (or the Grado SR 325 and/or equivalent cans from Sennheiser) These cans can easily be driven by a portable players, but then again, like most cans, they really shine with an amp. These cans easily rival the sound quality of a Grado SR80 (both without an amp), and I even prefer the trebel of these cans to the Grado SR125.

Similar Products Used:

Grado SR-80, SR-125, SR-325, Etymotics ER-4S

Noise isolation, superb detail, convienent size, and comfortable to wear.

None.

Count me among the many converts to in-ear 'phones! I had long coveted the ER-4s, but I simply didn't so enough headphone listening to justify the cost (especially since I also have Sennheiser HD-600s and Grado SR-60s). With the introduction of the ER-6 at less than half the price, and with an all-expense paid, 3 to 6 month vacation to the Saudi desert looming, I took the plunge. In a word - terrific! For travel and use in a noisy area like a fitness center, they are unbeatable - both for noise isolation and for their small size and comfort. I understand not everyone takes to in-ear headphones, but you owe it to yourself to give these a try. Don't nake up your mind after a few minutes...it takes a while for the heat in your ear canal to soften up the plastic of the ear plug, and once it does, they become much more comfortable. After 20 or 30 minutes, I hardly notice them. The sound, while not quite in the league of the HD-600, is rich and detailed. Driven directly by a CD player (ie, at the gym) they are reasonably full bodied and satisfying. Driven by my Headroom Supreme amp, they are a wonder...totaling involving, with incredible resolution of detail. Anyone who wants quality music to go sound look into a pair of these and a good headphone amp.

Similar Products Used:

Sennheiser HD-600, Grado SR-60