Hey, I bought the HF3 a few days ago and didn't realise they were specifically made for iphones/ipods. I have a samsung galaxy s.
When I first put them on in the tube, I noticed that they sounded very distant and muted.
Last night I was experimenting, and I found that when I press and hold the middle button on the volume control, the sound becomes much fuller and much better.
 
This must be something to do with compatibility. I am considering taping something over the middle button so that it is permanently pressed, because they sound pretty terrible when it isn't pressed. Is this a good idea, or could it damage them ?

HF3 is for iPhones, HF2 is for everything else

Ok, I really should have looked this up before. Anyone want to buy/trade my HF3s ?

Quote:

oclor said:

HF3 is for iPhones, HF2 is for everything else

Click to expand...

That's funny, cause the HF2 is compatible with the iPhone. Of course, it was only an Etymotic rep that told me that... 
 
HF3 = iPhone (full functionality); some Android phones (no volume control).
HF2 = iPhone (full functionality); some Android Phones.
 
Please note that if your phone doesn't work with the HF3, it will not work with the HF2 (opposite is also true).  If you do know your phone supports headsets, you can always get an adapter that swaps out the ground and mic contacts.  MEE sells such an adapter for 10 dollars + shipping: http://www.meelec.com/MEE_TRRS_Adapter_for_P_Version_Headphones_p/adptr-trrs-35.htm

Thanks a lot for the link, tinyman.  I just read the description and it seems that my problem is exactly that, it sounds muted, so it might work with this.
I'll give it a try!  Thanks again.

Just ordered the adaptor. I tried to find a UK store that sold the same thing but i didn't find one so i will just wait for international postage.
 
Also i've discovered that if i insert the headphone jack 2/3 of the way instead of the whole way, it works much better.

Quote:

tinyman392 said:

That's funny, cause the HF2 is compatible with the iPhone. Of course, it was only an Etymotic rep that told me that... 
 
HF3 = iPhone (full functionality); some Android phones (no volume control).
HF2 = iPhone (full functionality); some Android Phones.
 
Please note that if your phone doesn't work with the HF3, it will not work with the HF2 (opposite is also true).  If you do know your phone supports headsets, you can always get an adapter that swaps out the ground and mic contacts.  MEE sells such an adapter for 10 dollars + shipping: http://www.meelec.com/MEE_TRRS_Adapter_for_P_Version_Headphones_p/adptr-trrs-35.htm

Click to expand...

I should have been more clear. The HF3 is SPECIFICALLY designed for the iPhone in that it has volume controls. The HF2 works on the iPhone, but has no volume controls, just one button that pauses or plays your music/answers or hangs up phone calls. Etymotic introduced the HF2 first, marketed mainly towards the iPhone (which is when I purchased them). They then later came out with the HF3 which are the same thing but with the addition of volume controls. The volume controls on the HF3, I believe, aren't meant to work on other devices besides those running iOS.
 
I owned the HF2, and now I have the HF3. Used both with an iPhone.
 
To the OP, I'm not sure if you should be experiencing those problems just because the HF3 is marketed towards iPhones. I think they say they are for iPhone just for the controls, but I doubt that there is a difference in sound quality if you are using a different source (just controls might not work). You might have a defective pair... My first pair, the HF2's, had a malfunctioning mic which only worked when the headphones were plugged into the phone at a certain rotation, but I was too lazy to send them to etymotic haha.
 

I don't think they are defective because they work fine when plugged in to my laptop, but it's just on my phone that they sound distant and muted.

have the same problem. they arent defective. iPhone and some oher phones have the mic and ground pins reversed.
HF2 not working with my sony
contacted etymotic support
they suggested exchanging the HF2 for a pair of HF5.
Which is what i am going to do. Contacted the store - they didnt have an HF5 in stock - should be in a few days.
I actually couldn't find an adapter (and seems etymotic's support couldn't find one either)
 

Just a note: The HF3's are the HF5's + controls for the iPhone. Work fine with my iPhone 4. Also, they are selling for $100 w/free shipping on amazon.

Quote:

tinyman392 said:

Please note that if your phone doesn't work with the HF3, it will not work with the HF2 (opposite is also true).  

Click to expand...

This is not true. I have an android phone and the HF3 doesn't work with or without the MEElec adapter. The HF2 works fine with the adapter.

Quote:

ljokerl said:

This is not true. I have an android phone and the HF3 doesn't work with or without the MEElec adapter. The HF2 works fine with the adapter.

Click to expand...

That's weird.  I stand corrected then.  Thanks for the info. 
 

 
Quote:

tinyman392 said:

That's weird.  I stand corrected then.  Thanks for the info. 

Click to expand...

Might not be true for all Android phones, of course - I can only speak from experience with mine (a ZTE Blade). I'm thinking it has to do with the circuitboard apple 3-button remotes have inside. 1-button remotes are very simple, on the other hand, and seem to work universally as long as you get the right pinout (with or without that MEElec adapter). Companies are now starting to make a big deal out of android compatibility (i.e. Klipsch S4a, Ety MC2) but all they are doing is taking a step back and dropping the apple-specific circuitry found in their 3-button models. 

Hey
 
My HF3 works fine with HTC Desire, both mic and pause but not volume, and the phone recognizes it as a headset...
 
It's the plug on the HF3 that's the issue, because it has the mic options are implemented in the plug throught a 1 more separation, so some phones might not hit the spot correctly
 
Go for HF5 in most cases anyway, i bought my HF3 in the airport as i couldent find the HF5, just a plus for me it works with my Desire
 
 

Anyone having issues with these on an iPhone 4S and calls?  
 
Sonically these are great, but, I am getting lots of complaints on phone calls with ambient noise over the sensitive mic.  Also, I can plainly hear my own voice over the mic back into the headphones while on calls.