I'm by no means a headphone freak, just a week ago I knew nothing about them and didn't even think about buying a new pair of headphones, I was quite happy with the ones that came with my CD player. Just by chance I stumbled across a review for some Sony Fontopia MDR-EX70LP Earphones. After reading how great they were I figured I'd buy some and see if they really were that impressive. However, I thought I'd look around a bit first to see what else was out there. Well after a bit of searching I came across the Etymotics. Initially shocked by the price tag I didn't even consider them, but after reading all the reviews saying how incredible they are, I just had to hear what all the fuss was about.
Well today my ER-4Ps arrived this morning. After reading through all the messages on this board I knew what to expect from these things and I believe I have had a typical first time experience with them.
I first put them in using the white tips. I've been using musician earplugs for years so I had no problem getting them in and getting a good seal. I got a bunch of CDs out and was ready to give these things a try. My first reaction was that they offered a very crisp sound, the bass was strong and the isolation was very good. However, I did not get that "WOW" effect that everyone has been talking about. From what I've read people discribe listening to Etys as a religious experience, I really didn't get that at all. They were a nice sound, but didn't blow me away and don't sound worth $300 yet.
I've read a bunch of reviews which basically say the same thing as me but then go on to say how they didn't sound really amazing right away.
I'm wondering how long does it generally take to really fall in love with these headphones and what is this dependent on? I know I'm wearing these properly and I am getting a good sound out of them, it's just not $280 better than my $20 sony headphones. I have been listening for about 2 hours today and I keep them pluged in while I'm not using them to speed up the break in process. I tried both tips and actually find that I get stronger bass with the white tips, although they are not as comfortable.

elektrobank, just keep listening to the Etys for a few days with a variety of music.......then go back to the $20 ear buds. Post your impressions.
BTW, what is your source? The Etys are VERY revealing little suckers.

Make sure you are getting the equalisation right in your ears. If you feel 'bunged up' when wearing the Ety's, chances are you've not got them in right.

The first thing I notice when wearing the Ety's after using other phones for some time is the sheer effortless power them seem to posess.

Stick at it - they really are worth it.

Do this listen to then carefully for about 30 days for 2-5 hrs...then go back to your regualar phones...I Dare You

The Etymotics are rather flat sounding 'phones. If the sheer amount of detail they present to you that you might have never known was in the recording to begin with didn't impress you, try what Joe said. The Etymotics are particularly good at making you realize how colored other 'phones really are, particularly if you A/B them back to back.

The Etymotics are like humbling 'phones. You start off loving something else for a while, but switch back to the Etymotics and the other headphone will be immediately humbled.