Etymotic head phones?

[lsiberian]

I just got an office mate and she is very noisy. so I was thinking of some noise cancelers. Noises are like torture to me because my hearing is so sensitive.

i was looking at Etymotic and wondering if any of you had experience with there head phones.

 

[Geno]

I had a pair of ER-4s, then moved up to ER-6s after losing the 4s. I think they sound just great - better than most speakers that us non-millionaire mortals can afford, but there's one caveat : they take some getting used to as far as fitting them into your ear canals. They need to be Way Down There and sealed to get good bass response and isolation. I had no problem with that, but some people might think they're uncomfortable.

 

[strube]

I just got an office mate and she is very noisy. so I was thinking of some noise cancelers. Noises are like torture to me because my hearing is so sensitive.

i was looking at Etymotic and wondering if any of you had experience with there head phones.

I have had a few iterations of Shure earphones, but I almost got Etyomtics each time.

They aren't actually noise cancelers (unless I am not aware of the ones you are looking at). Noise cancelers are active devices that monitor ambient noise and do their best to emit ambient-noise-canceling waves. As an audiophile, I don't like crap added to my music, so I think you are making the right choice by going with a passive, noise blocking earphone.

Etyomtic's and Shure's earphones simply (and extremely effectively) block ambient noise. They are like earplugs with outstanding microdrivers in them. The more expensive ones also have amazing (IMO) frequency response, as long as you get them sealed with your ears.

Some people find them uncomfortable for extended periods. They aren't uncomfortable for me until I have been wearing them for, just a guess, around 5 hours.

I have had the Shure E3c and currently have the SE420. I actually preferred the comfort of the E3c, but the sound is comparable. I would say the Etyomic ER-4P is similar in performance to the Shures I have had.

I wouldn't go with any other brand besides those two, personally. If you have the $$$ you may also want to consider the Shure SE530PTH (Push To Hear), which, in an office situation may be nice: it would allow you to click a button and allow you to hear your surroundings.

EDIT: If you have the cash, you can have an Audiologist (I think that is the right term for ear-doctor-specialist-guy ) make a custom mold of your ear for high end earphones that will work wonders with getting the perfect seal. I haven't done this, but I imagine comfort could be increased quite a bit.

 

[lsiberian]

I have had a few iterations of Shure earphones, but I almost got Etyomtics each time.

They aren't actually noise cancelers (unless I am not aware of the ones you are looking at). Noise cancelers are active devices that monitor ambient noise and do their best to emit ambient-noise-canceling waves. As an audiophile, I don't like crap added to my music, so I think you are making the right choice by going with a passive, noise blocking earphone.

Etyomtic's and Shure's earphones simply (and extremely effectively) block ambient noise. They are like earplugs with outstanding microdrivers in them. The more expensive ones also have amazing (IMO) frequency response, as long as you get them sealed with your ears.

Some people find them uncomfortable for extended periods. They aren't uncomfortable for me until I have been wearing them for, just a guess, around 5 hours.

I have had the Shure E3c and currently have the SE420. I actually preferred the comfort of the E3c, but the sound is comparable. I would say the Etyomic ER-4P is similar in performance to the Shures I have had.

I wouldn't go with any other brand besides those two, personally. If you have the $$$ you may also want to consider the Shure SE530PTH (Push To Hear), which, in an office situation may be nice: it would allow you to click a button and allow you to hear your surroundings.

EDIT: If you have the cash, you can have an Audiologist (I think that is the right term for ear-doctor-specialist-guy ) make a custom mold of your ear for high end earphones that will work wonders with getting the perfect seal. I haven't done this, but I imagine comfort could be increased quite a bit.

I think I will go with the Etyomic's my only concern is the comfort. But I think considering the phones I have used in the past. These will be much better.

 

[strube]

Sounds like a good plan. If I may ask, which kind are you thinking of going for, the ER4's or ER6's?

The reason I ask is, although they are out of stock, the ER6's are 50% off at JR, FYI:
http://www.jr.com/etymotic-research/pe/ETY_ER6I/

You can always do that ear mold (no, not the green furry kind of mold ) thing down the line for maximum comfort. I am going to at some point, though I am not sure what they cost.

 

[lsiberian]

I went with the Etymotic ER-4P Portable In-Ear Earphones for $180 from Amazon.com. Was way cheaper than the 300 MSRP so jumped on that deal. I'll try it out and let everyone know. Maybe when new members ask about noise blocker we'll have a new response.

 

[lsiberian]

Sounds like a good plan. If I may ask, which kind are you thinking of going for, the ER4's or ER6's?

The reason I ask is, although they are out of stock, the ER6's are 50% off at JR, FYI:
http://www.jr.com/etymotic-research/pe/ETY_ER6I/

You can always do that ear mold (no, not the green furry kind of mold ) thing down the line for maximum comfort. I am going to at some point, though I am not sure what they cost.

I think a foam one will mold to your ear. FYI

 

[strube]

I think a foam one will mold to your ear. FYI

Yes, this is true. I actually find the foam of my Shures less comfortable than the rubber tips. I also get a better ear canal seal with the rubber ones, which is imperative for decent bass response.

...but what I was referring to is the vinyl or poly-something-ene earphone tip that is completely custom made for your ear. It is what most musicians have for in-ear monitors. Some people get custom earplugs made for the same reason: if it is made just for you, it will likely be the most comfortable, and also the most functional. Now, this is not a testimonial, by any means, as I have never tried it, but I have heard raves from those who have done it that it is a very nice upgrade.

Obviously, the supplied tips that come with the phones will satisfy most people, including me, and probably you. I was just letting you know that the super-fancy custom option is out there .


P.S. We have the same number of thanks! Woohoo !

 

[lsiberian]

Really that's very cool. I may look into that. When my budget recovers. I need to tighten the purse strings. I've upgraded a lot lately. Need to enjoy what I've got. Now. That's so easy to forget.

 

[lsiberian]

Just an update. The phones are very sensitive to computer interference. But they are amazing at sealing sounds. I can't hear myself type anymore. It's very nice. good sound Very sensitive cord though. But wow this is nice. I hear nothing but the music.