Etymotic HF3 compatibility

HF3 is for iPhones, HF2 is for everything else

Quote:

Originally Posted by oclor 

HF3 is for iPhones, HF2 is for everything else

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinyman392 

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

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.

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:

Originally Posted by tinyman392 

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

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:

Originally Posted by ljokerl 

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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinyman392 

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

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.