[rmask]

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... )
 
Thanks.

 

[ClieOS]

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+.

 

[rmask]

Thanks, seems like RE-ZERO is what I need, good, detailed reproduction with lesser noise isolation levels (although -20dB is not bad). 
 
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.

 

[ClieOS]

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.

 

[rmask]

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...

 

[ClieOS]

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.

 

[rawrster]

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.

 

[kmhaynes]

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.

 

[rmask]

I do need low isolation (I'd "like" some background noise for "safer" street listening) and etymotic sound .
Any other suggestions in the 100 eur (~135USD) bracket (only RE-Zero?)
 
Thanks