The level of noise isolation of HiFiMan RE-ZERO vs Etymotic HF2(5)
Nov 15, 2010 at 5:02 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9

rmask

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Dear all,
 
Can someone comment on the level of noise isolation of HiFiMan RE-ZERO vs Etymotic HF2?
 
I need some detailed IEMs for "outdoor use" (mainly for walking) with a significantly smaller levels of isolation compared to my HF2s (way too dangerous in the street w. music playing... :wink: )
 
Thanks.
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 5:12 AM Post #2 of 9
In that case, RE-ZERO has definitely much less isolation than HF5, or any other Ety for that matter. I'll say RE-ZERO is probably around -20dB (what I consider to be average) while most Ety are -30dB+.
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 6:50 AM Post #3 of 9
Thanks, seems like RE-ZERO is what I need, good, detailed reproduction with lesser noise isolation levels (although -20dB is not bad).  :wink:
 
Any other suggestions (low isolation level, up to 100 euros)? I should probably note, that I really like the etymotic sound (coupled with my J3).
 
Thanks again.
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 7:55 AM Post #4 of 9
If you like Ety kind of analytical sound, another viable option will be Phonak PFE. It is more isolated than RE-ZERO, but still far less than an Ety.
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 12:46 PM Post #5 of 9
Thanks ClieOS !
 
I can also get the panasonic RP-HJE900E locally (~100eur). The build quality seems to be very good, the reviews are also good, but I'm not sure about the sound and isolation...
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 1:03 PM Post #6 of 9
Haven't listened to HJE900 before, so I can't really help. But from what I read, it is probably not too close to a typical Ety sound.
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 1:09 PM Post #7 of 9
If you want a sound similar to the Etymotic sound then the HJE900 will not provide that. Also isolation will be hard to match coming from an Etymotic as they are known to have the best isolation in an universal earphone.
 
Nov 15, 2010 at 2:35 PM Post #8 of 9
Yeah, HJE900 is very thick and bassy compared to the Ety sound.  The isolation is not that great, but the sound of the HJE900 is so strong it will drown out everything anyway.
 
Nov 16, 2010 at 12:25 AM Post #9 of 9
I do need low isolation (I'd "like" some background noise for "safer" street listening) and etymotic sound :wink:.
Any other suggestions in the 100 eur (~135USD) bracket (only RE-Zero?)
 
Thanks
 

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