Etymotic ER4SR & ER4XR IEMs
01 / 08
Etymotic ER4SR & ER4XR IEMs
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Product Description
A classic IEM that’s been refined over decades, the Etymotic ER4 gets its latest update in the ER4SR and ER4XR: two models that deliver accurate, reference-quality sound with excellent noise isolation—up to 42 dB of reduction, to be exact. Each features precision-matched and custom-tuned balanced armature drivers inside sleek anodized aluminum housings, along with a detachable 5-foot-long cable that ends in a 3.5-millimeter gold-plated stereo plug Read More
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All of our reviews are from verified customers.
4.8
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clifliu
1
Nov 5, 2020
Very coherent and articulate headphones when driven properly
I bought the ER4SR because I thought it might be better for classical music. I was not disappointed. It took me a while to discover that these need to go as deep in the ear as you can get them at which point the timbre stop tilting upward and the headphones start to sound very neutral. I always listen to these with a 18V CMoy headphone amp with dual Burr Brown OPA627's biased to class A up to 104 dB SPL. With this setup, the sound is pretty smooth, extremely articulate, and fast as ****. I can get lost in the sound. I bet with a proper OTL tube setup they'll sound even better. I have so far only listened to classical music with these cans and they excel in both orchestral music and chamber music. Sabine Devielhe on YouTube sounded awesome too.
There are three weaknesses that I have noticed: first the headphones don't really reproduce the weight of an orchestra. They also don't reproduce the width either. Finally I feel I'm missing the high end air and with it the feeling of depth. For chamber music these don't matter so much.
I put this portable system together for around $400. It fits into a little pouch. I don't think that there's anything as capable in this price range that is so easy to transport. Sure an HD 6xx with BH Crack will probably beat this at $550 but you probably won't be carrying either in your backpack.
DGche8
0
Sep 10, 2020
Amazing!!
I like to use these to in my AB process as an audio engineer and also for detailed editing. These are so transparent and has become a great tool to add to my toolbox. Like many headphones, there is a period where you have to kind of get used to them because they are so transparent. Love them!!
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Would recommend to a friend.
hydelezz
8
Sep 5, 2020
Analytic sounds, mid centric type for vocal lover, small but detailed bass, tiny image.
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Would recommend to a friend.
(Edited)
AlanTsai
6
Aug 23, 2020
Nice fragile tiny in-ear sounds great!
Light and compact but not compromised sound. Works great with Togo equipments!
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Would recommend to a friend.
Javamorris
22
Aug 12, 2020
God-tier resolution
I live for resolution and detail in the music I listen to, and these have that in spades. The fit of them takes a minute to get used to, but even after you break them in they still get out of place if you talk with them in. Not that you’d be able to hear much with them in, since their noise isolation is through the roof. Even though the fit isn’t perfect, these are one of my favorite pieces of audio equipment I’ve ever had, and I’ll be using them for the foreseeable future. Highly, highly recommended!
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Would recommend to a friend.
SquirrelPorridge
88
Aug 10, 2020
If you’ve ever wondered what music would sound like if it were piped directly into your brain, this is it.
I’ve long been a fan of Etymotic’s approach to making true monitors, without colouration of the music. Sure, other brands stuff more drivers in a case and market the package as a no-compromise solution, but Etymotic shows you can do just as well with good engineering and design, as well as a complete disregard for style.
I bought the ER4SR from Drop. They sound very neutral. Some people will complain that they sound “harsh” or “fatiguing,” which, while I don’t necessarily disagree with, sort of misses the point of true “monitors.” I listen principally to classical music with these, and they have always faithfully reproduced the timbre of instruments, where other more expensive pairs often haven’t. Some instruments are naturally more “harsh” than others in real life, and I disagree with changing the sound of these and still calling the result faithful to the performance. Popular “warm” sound signatures also tend to adversely affect instrument balance in symphonies and chamber music in my experience. I’ll admit however this is potentially a rather niche use case.
I also have the ER4PT; for reference these sound very similar (near identical) to the PT with the adapter attached. I’m also pleased to note that the custom ACS/Pacific Ears moulds I had made for the ER4PT fit these just fine without making any discernible change to the sound. I’d recommend the moulds for anyone who wants to wear the monitors for longer than an hour or two. These definitely look nicer than the ER4PT though (less professional/industrial), have a nicer flexible cable, and are less affected by cable noise. The ER4PT also doesn’t have a cable slider, so that inclusion is a nice touch.
(Edited)
SquirrelPorridge
88
Nov 5, 2020
Honestly, I really only use wired earphones for critical listening these days, and I don’t mind the sound. I’ve recently received the Drop AAA 789 but haven’t had much use for it yet.
(Edited)
clifliu
1
Nov 6, 2020
You know, Etymotic is selling a wireless adapter that supports lossless over Bluetooth; you can listen critically and be untethered at the same time :)
tyzs13
3
Aug 9, 2020
Very impressive sound quality, heavy hitter in its price range
Etymotic advertises these as being incredibly accurate, and they're certainly right. The bass response on the ER4XR is present but not overwhelming. I wish it could be more present sometimes but its definitely there.
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Would recommend to a friend.
junglist
19
Aug 9, 2020
ER4XR- Cannot Believe My Ears
These IEMs are much hyped and for good reason, they are amazing. I have tried or owned other IEMs with multi BA setups or hybrid setups from the likes of Sony, Moondrop, Tin, 1more, Campfire, and 64 audio and I can say without a doubt that what the Etys do with a single BA is nothing short of extraordinary.
The ER4XR are not quite on par with the super high end stuff from 64 and Campfire when it comes to detail retrieval and resolution, but they are pretty damn close and they are better than the ChiFi stuff that everyone raves about. In short, resolution on these is really really good. They out resolve every IEM I have heard under $1200 or so.
Imaging is spot on, some of the best I have ever experienced with an IEM. Clarity and image separation are also fantastic. The imaging is tight and incredibly accurate without any dead spots.
They also take to EQ quite well and sound great with a 5-6 db bass boost below 100hz. I EQ'd them to the Harman in ear target, but shaved the bass shelf down by about 3.5 db. This made them sound more lively and full. I was really excited at how well this single BA driver took to EQ, especially in the low end.
The areas where they fall a little short are soundstage and perhaps comfort.
The soundstage isn't bad by any means, it's actually better than I expected given how deep these insert into the ear, but it is a little narrow and shallow at times. A lot of this depends on the recording though. I found soundstage to be more acceptable on really well recorded jazz, acoustic, and classic rock than on more modern music and EDM (but that's sort of to be expected).
Comfort will be subjective to each individual, but I personally have no problem with them using the silicone triple flange tips that came installed on them out of the box. I also tried the medium double flange tips, and those seemed fine as well. Keep in mind that these insert very deep into the ear and couple to the bony part of the inner ear. You need to find tips that fit your ear canal and allow you to get that deep insertion and seal, otherwise the sound will be drastically affected. The deep fit also gives these a ton of isolation and noise attenuation.
Other things to note...They come with a generous amount of accessories including a large carry case, a smaller carrying pouch, a variety of tips, and extra nozzle filters. The detachable stock cable is also really nice, well made, and the perfect length.
Etymotic claims these are the "most accurate earphones in the world" and I can see why. What they have accomplished at this price point and with a single BA driver is quite shocking. If you are looking for an IEM with great detail retreival and isolation and are not afraid of the deep fit, buy these and don't second guess your decision!
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Would recommend to a friend.
nwalker
0
Aug 7, 2020
Incredibly neutral, accurate, and yet enjoyable IEMs
I got this after hearing about the sound isolation and general quality of these IEMs, and they did not disappoint. These are kind of the polar opposites of my Argon Mk3 -- both are highly detailed, but the Argons are just well beyond reason with the bass, while the ER4XR strikes a fine balance across its frequency response.
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Would recommend to a friend.
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