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shotgunshane
127
Aug 14, 2022
Drop + Etymotic ERX Review MSRP $299 Pre-Order $249 Etymotic, hot on the heals of their 2021 first in-concha, over-the-ear wear style, multi-driver EVO, is now ready, in collaboration with Drop, to release a stripped down version of the EVO. Or is it a hot-rodded version of the ER4XR? The ERX utilizes the stainless steel housing of the EVO, with a matte black finish and dueling logos (Drop and ETY) on right and left faceplates. Inside is the single armature of the ER4XR but juiced up in tuning for a more fun, more dynamic, yet more-so easy to-get-along-with signature. That’s a whole lotta more.  The fit of the EVO shell is so much more (that word again) comfortable than the barrel, brain-tickling style fit of the old school Etys. Combined with the newer medium dual-flanged tips Ety provides, I can insert and remove the ERX much quicker and easier than the old school barrel Etys.  The cable is a version the Linum BaX with T2 connector. As far as I know, this connector is proprietary to Linum, however more manufacturers are starting to use it ( including Westone and Ultimate Ears). I prefer the Super BaX version, which comes on the EVO, as it is more supple and pliable but unfortunately costs double the regular BaX. The BaX version for the ERX is somewhat springy feeling and has a bit too aggressive preformed ear-hooks for my tastes but never-the-less is fairly friendly to the glasses wearer.   The ERX comes with some of the elongated Westone style single flange tips, as well as Ety dual and triple flange tips. For the me, the new duals in medium are so much more comfortable than any previous Ety tip; they are also slightly shorter, so perhaps this is part of the reason for that extra comfort.  Rounding out the accessories are a couple of extra filters, a tool to remove the old ones and Drop branded, oval zipper case. Simple and utilitarian.  As mentioned before, the ERX tuning is somewhat of a juiced up or hot-rodded ER4XR. Drop bills it as a tuning somewhere between the ER4XR and the EVO and I’d have to agree. While the ERX begins to stray a little more consumer than the ER4XR, it still doesn’t get too far removed from a reference and neutral-ish signature. The ERX is a downward sloping frequency response. Bass is full and pleasing, yet well controlled and nicely textured. The midrange is a little fuller and richer than the ER4XR, yet still maintains the trademark Ety clarity and transparency. Treble, on the ERX, is relaxed, smooth and a little dark. Overall it is a warm-neutral, yet musical presentation.  Comparisons via Mac Mini >> Pi2AES (via AES) >> RME ADI-2 PRO FS R Vs ER4XR The ERX bass is fuller and denser. It also comes across warmer and deeper sounding than the ER4XR. Even though I expect extension is similar, it's just that the boost just feels more palpable down low. Even though the ERX boost is fuller and richer, it isn’t necessarily better textured than the ER4XR. The ERX controls its bass boost well and doesn’t feel looser than the ER4XR. Overall I’d say the bass boost of the ERX is bit more pleasing and satisfying.  The midrange is plenty clear on both models, however the ERX is richer and fuller with both male and female vocals. On the ER4XR they all leaner with more energy and greater sense of transparency. This leaner midrange is also more nuanced and resolving of lower level detail, for better or worse. In contrast the ERX is just the next level smoother and more forgiving. Where the ER4XR can present recorded sibilants more forward, the ERX tends to smooth them over, for an easier going, albeit somewhat less resolving presentation. The trend continues with rock distortion guitars. They are noticeably fuller sound on the ERX, as well as smoother, with comparatively more rounded transients. The ER4XR has greater bite and attack, giving rock guitars more crunch.  The ER4XR is brighter in lower treble, where the upper mid transitions into treble. The ERX sounds somewhat duller and darker here. Cymbals have less splash and sparkle and seem further back in the presentation.   There’s not a whole lot of difference in staging; both are pretty much in-head, like most Etys, but the ERX feels more dynamic with a bit better portrayal of depth. Overall the ERX comes across as a slightly safer, slightly more consumer oriented tuning compared to the more reference ER4XR tuning. While slightly less resolving and nuanced than the ER4XR, the ERX is easier to get along with, easier to just get lost in the music without concentrating quite so hard on the detail.  Vs ER2XR The ER2XR bass is fuller and more robust. It also lingers longer with more overt texturing. While extension seems ultimately similar, the ER2XR rumbles a good bit louder and longer, and the dynamic driver bass of the ER2XR has a bit more natural roundedness to it. In contrast, the ERX sounds much better controlled, and more tastefully restrained in its level of boost. The ER2XR bass is certainly fun but is obviously much more removed from a reference signature. The ER2XR places both male and female vocals much more forward and considerably richer, whereas the ERX is feels more neutrally balanced and natural in comparison. The ER2XR also pushed natural sibilants more forward and was overall less smooth throughout the midrange.  Rock guitars are thicker, yet more aggressive on the ER2XR, while acoustic guitar reverberations, if mic’d a bit hot, can be somewhat overwhelming on the ER2XR. The ERX maintains a more balanced composure that is both smoother and better nuanced of low level detail.  Both of the Ety’s are bit more forgiving in treble, compared to the more reference tunings in the ER4 series. Cymbals and hi-hats have a bit more more presence in the ER2XR, making the ERX sound just a bit too smoothed over in comparison.  Both, again, present a mostly in-head presentations. Perhaps the ER2XR sounds a little deeper front to back while staging everything much closer to the listener. The ERX places you a few rows further way, as well as sounding a little wider left to right.  End Note Drop and Ety have successfully pulled off their Frankensteined project. The ERX is different enough from either of its progenitors to be a unique and compelling offering. It looks good, its pretty comfortable for an Ety, and best of all, it sounds really good. Well done. On the Drop rating 1-5 scale and considering all the Etys I've heard, I'd give the ERX a 4.75.
Jk458
0
Aug 26, 2022
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WesleyleighDontcha love self-important people?
Aug 26, 2022
Motorrad
2898
Oct 20, 2022
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WesleyleighBro...bro...broooooo, literally take your entire comment, write it backwards then punch yourself in the face. Seriously, bro, BRO!
Oct 20, 2022
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