Hi all,

I've had (and loved) my Etys for the last 7 or 8 years but the cable is finally giving up the ghost. I understand (both from Head-Fi and from Etymotic Research themselves) that they don't send out/sell replacement cables.

I'm based in the UK and don't want to muck around with sending the phones off, waiting, paying for the cable and fitting, postage etc. so am exploring some options.

I've got a maxed out Headroom Desktop and DPS at home that I use with some Zu Mobius HD650s so I don't need anything that'd double up for use at home.

I've been using the Etys out of an iPhone via a Shure MPA adapter (the one with the mic), and I'd be looking to keep this arrangement.

As far as I can see I've got a few options:

- buy some APureSound cables and keep my beloved Etys
- retire them until a replacement cable presents itself, and buy something new...
- the UE-10 and 11 both sound really interesting...
- as does the SE-530
- or the Ety HF2 (which has a mic built in)

Am I right in thinking that the custom UEs would be more comfy than the Etys? I get a good fit but it's still a relief when I take them out after a decent-length commute (2 hours each way).

Things that I don't like about the Etys:
- microphonics
- that they stick out so much
- the cable length with the Shure adapter
- when I'm out and about sometimes I'd like a bit more bass (it's the first thing I miss when there's background noise)
- that they won't bloody sell me a replacement cable!

Thanks for any help!

Ben

I mean if you had them for 7-8 years I suggest you go for the APS cable. For the bass... I guess you can maybe buy a portable amp?

I'm sure you'd come back to miss the Etys sometime even if you decided to buy some other IEM anyways

I think the HF2 would be a great choice for you if you decide not to get the APS recable. They are pretty much ER-4Ps with a mic built into the cable.

I also think that the Shure and UEs you mentioned are a bit overkill for an iPhone. (unless you are talking about the 3G which has much better SQ). However, if money is no issue and you want to splurge, I say more power to you and go nuts!

Thanks for the help so far, guys.

I've definitely decided not to get the HF2s or a recable - I'll have my current Etys fixed when I'm back in NZ at the end of the year (I have friends who live to fix things...) so now's a good chance to get something different.

I noticed the UE TF 10 vi last night:
- Products - Ultimate Ears Earphones Headphones Personal Monitors

Which brings me to these choices:
- TF 10 vi
- the UE-10 and 11
- SE-530

I bought my sister a pair of super.fi5 pros a while ago and liked them, but didn't love the fit. Will the 10 vis be the same?

One thing that really impressed me with UE was when they mailed out a replacement cable without putting me through the hoops - are Shure similar? Are the cables even replaceable?

I'd likely buy whatever I do buy from ebay (unless I go for the customs, obviously!) - are there any warranty issues with doing so?

the triple.fi is even worse than the super.fi 5 pro. they're bigger. I went and tried them out while undergoing my current search for new IEMs to replace my ER-4P, and I could not get them to fit at all. Not comfortable and would not seal well. But I have small ears; maybe if you have larger ones it wouldn't be an issue.

Which tips were you using, synaesthetic?

I'm only a fan of the black Ety foam tips (the ones you get in the original box - haven't tried the other sizes).

I have the Freqshows($350 customs), the Er4ps, a broken pair of UE Superfi Pro 5s, and owned the Triple Fi for a month or so.

I loved the sound of the Triple Fi, but the fit was horrid(my ears hurt all over after 15 minutes). I sold it and went back to my Superfis because I couldn't justify the pain and the cost.

I recently received my Freqshow, and they are absolutely amazing. After listening to the Freqshows for a day, and going back to my ER4ps when I run, the sound difference is night and day. I love my Freqshows! And now my Er4ps just sit on my treadmill.

If you didn't find the Superfis uncomfortable, I'd recommend the Triplefis, but since you can't stand the fit either, I'd suggest you look into customs, give Livewires and Freq a glance. They offer amazing sound with an affordable price. But if you can afford the UE customs, why now?

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I was talking about the fit of the triple.fi-10, not Etys. ER-4P fit just fine. I sold them because I hate the cable, not the earphone.

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What I meant was - if the TF10s didn't fit properly but you're ok with your ER-4P which tips were you using on the Etys? If it's the black foamies then chances are I wouldn't like the UEs either.

That make more sense?