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The reason behind this thread is to share my enthusiasm about the Etymotics HF5 In Ear Monitors.
I strongly believe these IEMs deserve to be ranked among the very best of them, and as this belief has slowly grown on me, I also wish to share my findings and give potential buyers some tips to gain time and enjoy more!
As the average person, I became interested in IEMs due to my frequent use of a Digital Audio Player during my everyday transportation in the (noisy) city environment. And once more, as the average person I slowly grew from low cost solutions to higher end ones, as I discovered more and more benefits.
The average person however, more often than not, wonders about the end of this quest. In plain English: How much Hi End is enough? And as a result, how much should one spend?
I will try to justify my case, which is “not a $ more than the cost of the HF5s”.
Let’s see the reasons…
I decided to bet on this IEM mainly based on my extensive research on the Internet. I don’t just trust “any” review, but some people tend to be frank, and having a long experience in High End equipment, I just read what I trust.
So, the word was that Etymotic as a firm offers a unique natural & balanced sound signature. Now, these words bear a heavy promise in the mind of any audiophile.
Furthermore, being a firm that only makes IEMs for a long-long time earned some more points in my mind.
Third, as far as the HF5 was concerned they were reported to sound pretty close to the legendary ER4p with a lesser price tag that brought them within budget for me.
I have now lived with them for 3 months and my current perception of them has nothing to do with the initial one.
I think that the average user will find it really hard to achieve optimal sound with these. It took me months to finally get the sound promised. This is how I finally achieved truly spectacular results…
First thing to do is get proper tips. Perfect shield is absolutely necessary. Use the Shure Black Foams, I recommend SMALL size for most ears.
Replace the flanges that come with the Etys with these.
Please push the tip all the way using your thumb while you hold the earphone steady with the other hand. The Black Foam should now be touching the main earphone and no stem at all should be visible.
Insertion: take my word for this: do NOT push the foam to contract! (this is why the small size is suggested). Moist the outer surface of each tip instead by putting your fingers in some water.
Now, push the tip in your ear, pushing gently with a slight direction to the back of your head – instead of pushing with a 90 degrees angle, just tilt a bit to make it more like 65 degrees – the smaller angle being towards the face and the force going to the back of the head.
Ok, this will go up to a point and you feel there is no more room. This is enough. By now you should be isolated from outer sounds and if you are this is a good sign. Keep some pressure on for some seconds until the IEM stabilizes. Remove your finger and repeat for the other ear.
I think you’re ready to go…
What I get is a fantastic sound with great bass – and I mean GREAT, not just good – that can be heard, felt and makes your brain go wild! Lows get so low I’ve never heard from my main setup. Excellent definition and texture without getting overblown. Mids are simply sensational. Male or female voices are smooth and deep, they sound like real human voices all right. Great detail here but no sign of shrill sounds. Higher up there is plenty of detail, very good definition of treble, lots of information and still no edginess. I find the soundstage to be very good despite many comments about the opposite. I think it is quite realistic, while other earphones tend to present a much wider & more impressive illusion.
If I was hard pressed to find some weakness I would ask for some more “air” in the treble. I think that deciding to move to the ER4 has to do with this exact point.
I listen to a wide variety of music, from classic to metal and from country to trance and progressive. Natural and electric instruments, male and female voices, rockabilly, folk, anything really…It all sounds great!
Partner these with a good sounding DAP please, they deserve it. They are driven quite easily, no special amp required, the resistance is designed to fit the HP out of everyday DAPs…
I really hope you enjoy these, and spend the rest of your cash on whatever you wish!!!
I strongly believe these IEMs deserve to be ranked among the very best of them, and as this belief has slowly grown on me, I also wish to share my findings and give potential buyers some tips to gain time and enjoy more!
As the average person, I became interested in IEMs due to my frequent use of a Digital Audio Player during my everyday transportation in the (noisy) city environment. And once more, as the average person I slowly grew from low cost solutions to higher end ones, as I discovered more and more benefits.
The average person however, more often than not, wonders about the end of this quest. In plain English: How much Hi End is enough? And as a result, how much should one spend?
I will try to justify my case, which is “not a $ more than the cost of the HF5s”.
Let’s see the reasons…
I decided to bet on this IEM mainly based on my extensive research on the Internet. I don’t just trust “any” review, but some people tend to be frank, and having a long experience in High End equipment, I just read what I trust.
So, the word was that Etymotic as a firm offers a unique natural & balanced sound signature. Now, these words bear a heavy promise in the mind of any audiophile.
Furthermore, being a firm that only makes IEMs for a long-long time earned some more points in my mind.
Third, as far as the HF5 was concerned they were reported to sound pretty close to the legendary ER4p with a lesser price tag that brought them within budget for me.
I have now lived with them for 3 months and my current perception of them has nothing to do with the initial one.
I think that the average user will find it really hard to achieve optimal sound with these. It took me months to finally get the sound promised. This is how I finally achieved truly spectacular results…
First thing to do is get proper tips. Perfect shield is absolutely necessary. Use the Shure Black Foams, I recommend SMALL size for most ears.
Replace the flanges that come with the Etys with these.
Please push the tip all the way using your thumb while you hold the earphone steady with the other hand. The Black Foam should now be touching the main earphone and no stem at all should be visible.
Insertion: take my word for this: do NOT push the foam to contract! (this is why the small size is suggested). Moist the outer surface of each tip instead by putting your fingers in some water.
Now, push the tip in your ear, pushing gently with a slight direction to the back of your head – instead of pushing with a 90 degrees angle, just tilt a bit to make it more like 65 degrees – the smaller angle being towards the face and the force going to the back of the head.
Ok, this will go up to a point and you feel there is no more room. This is enough. By now you should be isolated from outer sounds and if you are this is a good sign. Keep some pressure on for some seconds until the IEM stabilizes. Remove your finger and repeat for the other ear.
I think you’re ready to go…
What I get is a fantastic sound with great bass – and I mean GREAT, not just good – that can be heard, felt and makes your brain go wild! Lows get so low I’ve never heard from my main setup. Excellent definition and texture without getting overblown. Mids are simply sensational. Male or female voices are smooth and deep, they sound like real human voices all right. Great detail here but no sign of shrill sounds. Higher up there is plenty of detail, very good definition of treble, lots of information and still no edginess. I find the soundstage to be very good despite many comments about the opposite. I think it is quite realistic, while other earphones tend to present a much wider & more impressive illusion.
If I was hard pressed to find some weakness I would ask for some more “air” in the treble. I think that deciding to move to the ER4 has to do with this exact point.
I listen to a wide variety of music, from classic to metal and from country to trance and progressive. Natural and electric instruments, male and female voices, rockabilly, folk, anything really…It all sounds great!
Partner these with a good sounding DAP please, they deserve it. They are driven quite easily, no special amp required, the resistance is designed to fit the HP out of everyday DAPs…
I really hope you enjoy these, and spend the rest of your cash on whatever you wish!!!
