I had them pushed in until the stems touched my ears. The three tree pushed on my ears and they got sore over time. It blocked out noise really well. So I think I had a pretty good seal. It's been a while since I have used them, so I don't remember exactly what I did and didn't like about the bass. But, from my notes back then, some examples of songs I found sibilant on the ER2XR and not on others includes: Cut your teath A sad morning, every morning ~ 2:35 Opus 37 - Dustin O'Halloran 20 Msec. - Ryuichi Sakamoto If you are looking for a good single dynamic driver IEM, I would highly recommend the SuperBestAudioFriends modded JVC HA-FD01. Drop has them already modded and cheeper than I bought them for (HA-FDX1).

It would help if you elucidated on the C+ and D ratings for bass and treble, respectively. If you find them sibilant and the bass lacking, I reckon you didn't achieve a good seal with the tips you'd tried. EDIT: if you still have them, try the Comply P series tips. I use them with the ER3-SE and they have plenty of bass and decent sub-bass. Not particularly fun, but definitely there in very decent volume and excellent quality.

I have really enjoyed both ER2s... I initially struggled to understand their positioning, given how close the price is to ER3 (and how close the ER3 sound to the 4!). While the 3 are a cheaper alternative to the 4, I would say the 2 is more a COMPLIMENTARY device to the 3/4. The dynamic drivers certainly have a different texture, while maintaining the overall Ety profile. The ER4 has tighter refinement, the sounds are sharper more dileneated, whereas the 2 is softer and blended. I overall prefer the transparency of the BA myself, but it is a lovely contrast between the two (and certainly a good choice for those that prefer dynamic!). The other big difference is the 2's are a little harder to drive (still very easy!), and also are both a little more sensitive to seal. The ER2XR is the bassiest Ety but also with the venting is trickier for me to get a good seal - I ended up switching to the larger tripple flange in my left ear to compensate. If you are looking to experience Ety on a budget, I still feel the ER3 is more representative. Those who dislike BA, or want to add some variety to their Ety stable will be VERY happy with either ER2.