Etymotic ER3SE Review!
: - The most accurate-sounding IEM (according to them)
- Uncolored, true neutral, flat sound signature.
- Speedy, clean attack and decay.
- Excellent clarity and resolution.
- Top-class isolation in the UIEM form factor.
- Non-fatiguing sound.
- Excellent technical performance in its class.
- Excellent fit and comfort (when fitted properly).
: - Fit will not be for everybody.
- Cable microphonics is present when the chin slider and shirt clip are unused.
- Subbass might be lacking for some (but not me though, get the ER2XR/3XR for a bass boost)
- There is a slight hint of metallic timbre on certain tracks.
- Semi-proprietary MMCX connection.
- Unforgiving and will slap you with the reality that a soundstage in an iem is all made up inside your head.
- Does not have a better value due to ER2SE having nearly the same, or even sometimes better while being cheaper.
- A cable winder and a hard case would be a treat for everybody (nitpick).
Etymotic ER3SE Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Etymotic ER3SE. Speedy realist!
Disclaimer:
- I bought this unit from the 2nd hand marketplace. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hidizs AP80
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- VE MEGATRON USB DAC
- Tempotec Sonata HD V
- Cyberdrive Feather DAC
- Non-HiFi smartphone (realme 5i, Samsung Galaxy On7)
- Local Files via Foobar and Roon, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock preinstalled tri-flange eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, both high and low gain, with and without extra amplification.
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Sound signature:
- Etymotic IEMs need no introduction. The Etymotic ER3SE follows the Etymotic’s Diffuse Field (DF) Target. As a result, the sound will be flat, uncolored, and unforgiving. This also reflects to the technical performance as well.
Lows:
- The lows here are linear, tight, clean, fast, and punchy. The subbass will only show itself when the track needs it. This will never be the basshead’s dream and maybe the ER3XR/2XR fits the title better if we’re talking about a “bassy” Etymotic IEM.
Mids:
- The mids here are still, neutral, uncolored, and clean. Everything has an “accurate” note weight and articulate. No instances of peaks or harshness are present here in nature unless the track itself is poorly recorded, mastered, or sibilant prone.
Highs:
- The treble here is also linear and has that usual accurate extension from an Etymotic IEM. Some people may find it lacking, unenergetic, or dry, especially for those people who loves elevated presence. Detail retrieval here is excellent in its class and can pick up nuances with ease.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
- Etymotic IEMs are more on the realists side - which means they stick to their principle that the soundstage perceived will depend on how your mind or ear perceives it, and depends if the track is recorded widely, narrow, or compressed. Separation and imaging here is precise but again, depends on the track itself.
Pros:
- The most accurate-sounding IEM (according to them)
- Uncolored, true neutral, flat sound signature.
- Speedy, clean attack and decay.
- Excellent clarity and resolution.
- Top-class isolation in the UIEM form factor.
- Non-fatiguing sound.
- Excellent technical performance in its class.
- Excellent fit and comfort (when fitted properly).
Cons:
- Fit will not be for everybody.
- Cable microphonics is present when the chin slider and shirt clip are unused.
- Subbass might be lacking for some (but not me though, get the ER2XR/3XR for a bass boost)
- There is a slight hint of metallic timbre on certain tracks.
- Semi-proprietary MMCX connection.
- Unforgiving and will slap you with the reality that a soundstage in an iem is all made up inside your head.
- Does not have a better value due to ER2SE having nearly the same, or even sometimes better while being cheaper.
- A cable winder and a hard case would be a treat for everybody (nitpick).
Verdict:
The ER3SE is good and a top performer in my book for being technical and “true to life”. However, the ER2SE is cheaper, has no BA timbre, nearly has the same sound for cheaper price, so that would be my recommended go-to, unless you find a cheaper ER3SE over a brand new ER2SE.
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: The ER3SE is relatively easy to drive. However, a decent source like Tempotec or Ibasso dongle will help it unleash its full potential.
- Eartips: Etymotic has given you sets of eartips to test and fit according to your comfort. The triple flange preinstalled eartips worked for me well, but may not on your ears.
Thank you for reading!
Additional photos here:
