Etymotic Research ER2SE IEM Discussions | Drop

Feb 19, 2019

DavestefIt is hard to gauge the value of the ER2, it uses dynamic driver and there are no impressions, measurement or even accuracy spec... The ER3 is excellent, sounds very nearly as good as the ER4. If you want to keep cost down, it's an excellent option. While I feel the ER4 is well worth it for thr American build and individual unit measurements, I wholeheartedly recommend the ER3, it's one of the most accurate IEMs on market at any cost. As for XR vs SE/SR, if you want textbook neutral get the S versions, if you want a little extra bass, go with the XR.

Feb 19, 2019

Feb 19, 2019

GiantHeadphoneSquidWhich version of the er3 do you have?

found this review on YouTube comparing the four. They said the er4sr had less bass and a flat and detailed mid and high end. A sound signature that curves up from a That the er4xr and er3se had a similar sound sig except that the 4xr had a bass boost and the same mids and highs at the 4sr except less clear and detailed due to the bass. The 3se has a similar sound sig curve But one that starts with a flat bass and then rolls off in the highs. And that the 3xr has a down ward curve from a boosted bass and a rolled off high end. Sorry to confuse you. Anyway I hear some people say the 4sr is too much like a scalpel and not as musical as the 4xr. And that the 3xr tends to be close to being too muffled with more bass and a recessed treble. Idk. It’s hard to pick without hearing any of them. I wonder why the 3xr is on sale but the 3se isn’t..

Feb 19, 2019

Vote

Feb 19, 2019

DavestefI have the ER3XR and the ER4SR (and the classic ER4S) The target curve differs only in the bass region, they are definitely very close. I have found that EQing up mids on V shaped cans does lower the apparent bass impact, so I am not surprised many perceive a concession in the mids on the XR with the increased bass... For me Ety is a reference company (really the only one)... If you want this accuracy get the SR. If you want a more 'enjoyable' listen, than the XR is a good option... I suspect it is cheaper because it is more popular frankly (same is true of ER4). For me, the SR made sense for the TOTL, whereas the XR was perfect for on the go, more casual listening on its affordable younger sibling. Do you have favorite genres of music or a headphone you particularly enjoyed? It would be useful in offering subjective advice...

Feb 19, 2019

Feb 19, 2019

GiantHeadphoneSquidI listen to a little bit of everything. Mostly rock indie rock. A little jazz, hip hop, and classical. ive had Klipsch x11i’s for like 5 years. Just looking for either an upgrade or something a little different. Always wanted to try Etymotic.

Feb 19, 2019

Vote

Feb 19, 2019

DavestefI have had a pair of x10 for many years. The rolled off klipsch definitely more similar to XR of the pair... For Jazz, classical SR is clear winner. Indie will have more edge and clarity vs. Warmth and whoop. Hip hop, I'd go for the XR, but to be honest I'd prob go for something more harmon shaped than either ety variant. Assuming you get it from Amazon, pretty sure you could return the SE for an XR if you found you wanted to switch.

Feb 19, 2019

xfloggingkylex

Feb 19, 2019

GiantHeadphoneSquidIf I have the HF5 and love the sound but am looking for an upgrade/second set, S?

Feb 19, 2019

Vote

Feb 19, 2019

xfloggingkylexYes, the HF5 is classic ety tuning, SR/SE will be similar but closer to ref target. Enjoy!

Feb 19, 2019

Feb 19, 2019

GiantHeadphoneSquidYou’d say the x10 is more similar to the 3xr? Ever heard the 3se?

Feb 19, 2019

Vote

Feb 19, 2019

DavestefThe tuning of the XR is closer to the Klipsch x10 imo, yes. The SE is the same profile as the SR, just matched within 85% rather than 92%, so I base my impressions off the ER4SR (or soundwise, even from the S which is similarly tuned to 92%)... I have only listened to 3XR, 4SR, 4PT, and 4S. YMMV, but the whole point of Ety is they target a reference that is consistent across models... 15% or maybe even 8% may seem big, but consider we hear in dB (not linear!) and that error is weighted over 16KHz bandwidth... (Edited for spelling stupidity)

(Edited)

Feb 19, 2019

Feb 20, 2019

GiantHeadphoneSquidIs the 4sr too critical? Or anemic in the bass? Enough to be not enjoyable? Is it a headphone youd take on trips/vacations/flights n train rides etc. or just use at home.

Feb 20, 2019

Vote

Feb 20, 2019

DavestefThe SR/SE/S are textbook neutral. They don't add or take away anything from your recording. Compared to something with a distinct signature they might seem a bit boring. . . many signature cans emphasize 'fun' spectrum: bass and highs (V tuning) that contrasts the upper mid focus that our ears have evolved. This means you'll hear something 'new', something novel in the music, whereas the Ety sound ultra-normal. They also don't add any artificial staging, they are god tier for binaural recording (beaten only by the ER4-B) , but terrible for movies/games. I have not willingly gotten on a plane, train, bus etc without my ER4SR/S in the last 10+ years. Similarly, they are always in my bag when I go to the office. Textbook neutral means, no matter what the recording/genre, you hear it correctly. For noisy environments like those listed, the unrivaled 40dB isolation makes sure you can actually hear that detail regardless of your environment. Speaking of that isolation. . . I wouldn't suggest the ER for mobile. The newer models don't have cord self noise like the ER4S did, but you can't hear your environment at all which makes them a bit dangerous for walking. in the city. . . it's the one 'out of home' situation I don't use them for much.

Feb 20, 2019

Feb 21, 2019

GiantHeadphoneSquidI got a 4sr 🤗 do you use an amp with yours? i was looking at the little bear b4 because I love tube amps. And I have a burson v5i opamp in my little dot 1+ that I can swap into the b4. Either that or A topping nx1s because it seems like an upgrade from my fiio e6. Or maybe both.

Feb 21, 2019