Etymotic Er-4 Custom Tips: Which ones?

I got Microsonic Tips.  Not satisfied at all.  They altered the sound.   I wish I would have bought $100 worth of Shure Olives instead!

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.

I used the Olives on mine, and was pretty happy with them.

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. 

Wow that is a good deal.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by robm321 

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. 

 

@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.

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.... 

^ 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? 

Another vote for ACS tips purchased via Ety...super comfortable, excellent seal and no change in the SQ (for me). YMMV

^^^   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. 

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. 

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

^ good to know. With the Ety program the audiologist appointment is included in the $100, so there's no extra charge.