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Etymotic Er-4 Custom Tips: Which ones?
Nov 9, 2011 at 1:52 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 18
Audiophile_Apprentice

Audiophile_Apprentice

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I am considering custom tips for my Etymotic ER-4P's, and am trying to decide which ones to get. The two options seem to be:
 
1) Etymotic Custom-Fit - Made by Microsonic in the US
 
2) Sensaphonics Custom Tips
 
 
Can anyone tell me which of these are the best? Most importantly, which ones provide the most unaltered sound?
 
Nov 9, 2011 at 4:51 PM Post #3 of 18
I got a two sets of ACS custom sleeves.  They're great.  The fit is tight and comfy (silicon), and they don't seem to change the sound at all (compared to comply foams).  The only issue I have is they stick out far, and I can't lie on my side without fear of breaking them.  Although that's simply not going to change, as they are long IEM's.  Soundwise, I'm very satisfied.
 
Nov 9, 2011 at 6:30 PM Post #4 of 18
I used the Olives on mine, and was pretty happy with them.
 
Nov 9, 2011 at 6:35 PM Post #5 of 18
Why not go with Ety's $100 program? Includes audiologist appointment and customs, and everyone has said that it doesn't alter the sound but provides a good seal which is pretty elusive with universal tips. 
 
I'm going to do it as soon as I get the time. 
 
 
Nov 9, 2011 at 7:26 PM Post #6 of 18
Wow that is a good deal.  
 
Nov 9, 2011 at 7:29 PM Post #7 of 18


Quote:
robm321 said:
Why not go with Ety's $100 program? Includes audiologist appointment and customs, and everyone has said that it doesn't alter the sound but provides a good seal which is pretty elusive with universal tips. 
 
I'm going to do it as soon as I get the time. 
 
Click to expand...



@OP 
This is definitely a great option to consider.
I personally found that ACS custom tips are extremely comfortable and a great option if you don't want the sound to change noticeably.
 
Nov 10, 2011 at 9:19 AM Post #8 of 18
Are they using ACS at all anymore?  As I said above, I went with Etymotic/Microsonic and was VERY disappointed...  I've been using ER4 for over a decade and was super excited about this....it was a real bummer.  Even tried different impressions and remakes.  No joy.   Fit was fine...sound just too compromised by the silicon and the indirect path it must take through the tube....   I've read others say similar comments with ACS and Microsonic.  (In fairness have read reports from people who are happy)
 
I did get custom tips for my MTPC from another (more expensive) manufacturer and was SUPER pleased.... 
 
Nov 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM Post #9 of 18
^ that's a bummer. You're the first I've read that it didn't work for. Is there some sort of money back if it doesn't work, or are you just out the $100? 
 
Nov 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM Post #10 of 18
How about the Sensaphonics? Anyone have any experience with those?
 
Through the custom-fit program, etymotic uses microsonic. However, I bet i could send my impressions to ACS and just have them make molds if I wanted to. I doubt they would turn down business.
 
Nov 10, 2011 at 12:11 PM Post #12 of 18
^^^   I didn't try for a refund.   I think I got exactly what they could deliver.  But....look at this picture.   How could sound not be altered if it has to bounce off silicon, make a turn, and travel a good bit through a tube before hitting my eardrum.   With something like Ety foamies, Shure olives, etc. the sound coming out has a direct exit and line of sight to my ear canal/drum. (Sorry for bad cell phone pic)
 

 
I also suspect the mix(?) of silicon has something to do with it.   Like I said above, I have a WONDERFUL set of custom sleeves for my MTPC.   The sound is perfect.  But, the feel of the silicon is VERY different. 
 
Nov 11, 2011 at 2:39 PM Post #13 of 18
That's a bummer. I'm worried my impressions will come out weird like that too since a doctor said my right ear canal folds back or something. And yes, reflections inside of the tube could possibly cause some of the issues that you get when you have room reflections trying to set up speakers. 
 
Nov 11, 2011 at 4:42 PM Post #14 of 18
This may be a little known secret but I called Westone to have custom tips made for my UM3X and asked if those tips woud fit my Etys.  They responded telling me that while the tips would not fit the Etys they could make customs specifically for the Ety as well.  The lady said it was not advertised on the website but they can do it.  Haven't done it, can't say whether they're good or not, but thisis another option  And I'd only be paying one audiologist fee instead of one for the Ety and one for the Westies
 
Nov 11, 2011 at 5:21 PM Post #15 of 18
^ good to know. With the Ety program the audiologist appointment is included in the $100, so there's no extra charge. 
 
 
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