World Famous Comics: Etymotic ER-4P Portable In-Ear Earphones
Etymotic ER-4P Portable In-Ear Earphones
From: Etymotic Research Average Rating: Binding: Electronics Label: Etymotic Research Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product. Model: ER4P
Features:
Noise isolation: 35-42 dB
Maximum output: 122 dB SPL
Weight: less than 1 oz.
Response accuracy: 86%
Frequency response: 50-10 kHz ± 2 dB; 20-16 kHz ±4 dB
The ER-4P MicroPro noise-blocking earphones from Etymotic Research offer realistic sound reproduction and noise isolation that far surpasses that of active noise-canceling earphones. The ER-4P earphones--which require no batteries--can be plugged into any audio source. They can be used with portable CD, MP3, DVD, and other players without an additional amplifier.
The ER-4P earphones were designed to match the response of the ear, creating nearly perfect sound reproduction. They reduce external sound naturally by sealing your ear canals, without the added weight, bulk, or external power supply required for active noise-canceling. Their external noise exclusion (up to 33 dB using the supplied 3-flange eartips and 41 dB with foam eartips) lets you hear the full dynamic range of recordings without your having to play them at unnaturally high and unsafe levels.
What's in the Box ER-4P MicroPro earphones, a 5-foot cord with 3.5 mm stereo phone plug, a .25-inch stereo phone adapter plug, six 3-flange eartips, 10 foam eartips, a filter-changing tool, 4 replacement filters, a shirt clip, a zippered pouch, a storage box, a user's manual, and warranty information.
The best audio I have ever heard from such a small earphone. Many of the other reviewers have tried many different high quality headphones. I on the other hand have tried only the Bose In-Ear headphones. And they too sound very good. The audio from the Er-4ps is much more clear and balanced than the audio from the In-ears. However as someone else mentioned, some of the lower bitrate music that I have does sound better on the in-ears. I also feel that the bass on these headphones is weaker than the in-ears, and trust me the earphones are in ALL of the way. However I think that this is related to the lower bitrate ripping that I used to use. (I am currently replacing my lower bitrate music, but that is an inconvenince that I am willing to put up with)This is making a difference, although it is not as much as I hoped for.
However, because nobody else has mentioned listening to cds with these headphones, I feel that I should discuss that. When I first got these earbuds, I was really eager to hear just what they could do. So I went to our CD player, opened it and put in Santana's Supernatural, a ok cd that was next to it. When I pushed play, I was completely blown away by the clarity and balance that I was hearing. I was using optical output for audio, but I had never heard anything that sounded so absolutely incredible. I ended up listening to the entire CD at 12:30 at night because it sounded so amazing. The bass didnt lack in this application at all. OK enough with the gushing, now final thoughts.
The two headphones are different in their ideal applications. I like the complete isolation that the ER-4ps have when I am listening to music at home or studying and need to concentrate (I sometimes use them at school as earplugs without any music playing through them because of their excellent isolation). But if I am just doing work at school in one of the common areas, I prefer using the Bose in-ears because I can still hear what is going on around me or if someone is calling my name. It is easy to recognize voices and even have conversations while using the in-ears. Sometimes it just requires a little concentration.
So if you are a true audiophile definitely get these headphones. They are a great bargain considering that the list price is $300.00. However, if your music is ripped at a lower bitrate and space is at a premium or you dont want to deal with changing your music to higher quality music you may want to look at some of the other headphones that are not so accurate. I am glad that I purchased these and would definitely do it again.
Not up to expectations I was looking for a better pair of earphones and this is not it. Bass was washed out. Performance is not worth the price. I ended up returning them because the performance was so bad.
Great sound isolation, Okay sound I've had my ER-4Ps for over a year. I bought them so that I could concentrate even when there were all sorts of noises around - I've got two kids. These earphones have done a great job. I usually use them so that the kids can watch tv or play while I read or work on my computer. I can literally not hear the tv that's only ten feet away with these in my ears.
The earphones took some getting used to because in order to get the seal to isolate the sound, they put more pressure on your ear canal than other types of ear buds and they also need to be inserted deeper than other types. If you don't insert them correctly the sound quality is terrible and the sound isolation just isn't there. Regardless, with some practice and time to get used to the feel, I've grown to love them. I only use the foam ear plugs because they are more comfortable to me and they block out more noise. I still have not gotten used to the silicone plugs.
The down side of these ear plugs is that the sound quality isn't as rich and detailed as I would have expected. Don't get me wrong, they sound good but not as good as I expect for the price. My stock earphones on my old Sansa provide more richness in mid-range and bass.
Summary: if you want good sound isolation, these earphones rock. If you want high fidelity, look elsewhere.
Great sound... But that's it. Pros: Great sound, probably the best I've heard in a headphone. Cons: Everything else.
I mean, really. I was a little surprised to open up the box and see these headphones in there. They look more or less like something that is put together by a 12 year old. Cheap and nondurable is what came to my mind.
Another issue i've had with them is that you cannot put the cord over your ear, which insures that the headphone will stay in. They look goofy when you have them in, due to the cable being almost always erect and sticking out. I don't understand why they weren't engineered to go over the ears. For this sum of money I believe these are definitely not worth it.
Summary: They sound great, but everything else is surpassed by other headphones and better engineering.
Excellent sound and design for headphones I misplaced my Shure headphones so asked around and one of my friends recommended the Etymotics. While the sound quality from the Shure was very good (using foam inserts) they would tend to pop out during heavy exercise and the cord was too short and not well designed. The Etymotics solve this problem and more. Better noise reduction, as good or better sound and a far better design both on the cord and the three level plastic insert into the ear. It makes a tight seal to keep noise out and music in and doesn't fall out with movement, sweat or exercise. At first, it hurt a bit but moistening the headphones seemed to solve that problem. Overall, I like them a lot and am happy I made the switch.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
