Etymotic Research HF3

When considering the wide range of IEMs out there I was fairly perplexed when it came to making a decision, it's the classic "headfiier's dilemma." Nobody wants to miss out. I've owned a number of headphones and the HF3s are your best bet for outstanding IEMs under $200, not to mention their customer service is unbelievably helpful (especially you Charlene!). 

Bass/Fit: There are a lot of reviews saying the Etymotics aren't great at the low end response--it seems they should try other tips to find a better seal. I found the HF3 response very flat (with an almost Grado-like sound signature) that's light and fun to listen to. I've had UE TF-10s (reshelled) and their identical mate the MAudio IE40 which are both considered bass heavy but the HF3's punch and clarity were outstanding. I can vouch that the low-end response increases a bit after burning them in (I use a standard burn-in cd). My only regret is that I didn't snag some of their custom fit tips. I love them with my little iBasso T4 amp even though they also sound nice straight from the ipod (or blackberry in my constantly "on the go" case). The headphone wire is great, I don't know what they did but it doesnt tangle like some of the other cables out there. I do the 3 finger coil wrap and they never get twisted or knotted. The outter shell of the wire is very durable and light. They don't weigh anything and I forget sometimes I have them in. 

Value: I'm a believer in Etymotic. I was a bit skeptical but the comfort and accuracy (with ipod button convenience) won me over instantly. I listen to a wide range of music (and different cans) and have never been taken by surprise--the HF3s are brilliant sounding and don't have that "tiring" effect some IEMs have...you listen to them for a bit and have to stop or change headphones...not the case with HF3. I'd really be curious to see what Etymotic's top end custom fit IEMs sound like...

Bottom line: Fun, accurate, comfortable IEMs that will really blow you away for the price tag. 

The Etymotic HF3 are surprisingly detailed in mids with good punchy bass( due to the tight seal no need of heavy deep bass like JVC FX700,  Sennheiser IE8) and highs are crisp, clear. The istrument separation, imaging is very good on these and they sound very good with instumental music like Jazz, pop, Country but they are little cold sounding.

After being disappointed by the Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic, I decided to explore a set from a well-regarded company in the audio world. I had to pick something with Apple's in-line iPhone controls that could get good isolation and fit. Those were my complaints with the Apple product. The HF3 seemed to be well designed, and more importantly, they offered a custom-fit program at a very reasonable price.

The first problem was tracking the product down in a store. Etymotic lists the Apple Store, London Drugs, and Carbon Computing as the only authorized Canadian dealers. Not a lot to choose from there. Several attempts to get the HF3 from Carbon were a no-go. So I tried the Apple online store: success! I've noted that since I purchased these (not long ago) Apple has removed all Etymotic (and many other hi-fi products) from their online store. Oh well.

I initially used the foam tips because none of the others would get a good seal on my ear canals. They were all too small or too loose. There is a nice selection of tips in there but only the foam would work for me. Too bad it's very rough and although it isolates very well, it's just not comfortable after a couple of hours.

Next, I went to the Etymotic-authorized audiologist and sent away for my custom tips. When they arrived less than two weeks later I could not believe the difference! What a revelation! Forget headphone amps and expensive DACs, custom fit tips are the breakthrough audio product of the century. Absolutely perfect fit and isolation. The bass response was tremendously improved, too. It's like getting an IV of music straight into your brain! And only an extra $115 for the appointment/shipping/tips! That's less than a trip to the dentist. The sound is highly detailed and rich. No complaints there at all.

Now, I must admit that you do get a pressurized or 'airplane' feeling in your ears when you have these in for too long. It's not bad at all, but you will notice it. Also, be patient with the insertion/removal process. It's similar to getting used to contact lenses. Other downsides: the cord is a bit too long and gets in the way (compared to the Apple cord). Also the volume/clicker buttons are very small and all the same size. It's hard to tell, by feel, which is which unless you touch them in sequence. I can't comment on reliability yet, for I've had them for just a few weeks.

In the end, it's been well-worth the hassle of tracking these things done and getting the ear impressions made. Thank you, Etymotic, for getting this custom tip program priced down into the range of mere mortals like myself.

Highly recommended.

At first I was not overly impressed with these Etymotics. They did not blow me away and I didn't think they were that much better than your regular old standard-issue $30 earbuds.

But tonight, I decided to pull them out and give them another shot, this time using a CMOY headphone amp and also some eq-ing to pump up the bass and roll of the highs.

And boy was i surprised at how good they sounded! I mean, wow! Super clear highs and mids, and a much more robust bass than I heard before. I don't know all the fancy lingo and terminology, but I do know that I was having a great time listening to music with these Etymotics. 

Do they sound as good as full-size headphones? No. They're not quite as good as my Grado SR80s or Shure SRH440s....BUT for earbuds, they are pretty darn good. Tomorrow i will try them out in the city with my ipod. i'm curious to see how well they block out external sounds, and also how well the ipod can drive them.