ER-4S with Supermacro Or Sensaphonic?

[jlingo]

Ety ER-4S(USD$330) and Full Featured Supermacro bass boosted(USD$350)?
Or
Sensaphonic 2X-S(USD$800)?

Which one would sound better? How much better? I read in a review that
ER-4S combined with Supermacro bass boosted, really kick ass and really close in performance to Sensaphonic?

Thanks in advance,

 

[lindrone]

Not even close... SuperMacro + ER-4 won't get you anywhere near the same sound quality as Sensaphonics.

 

[lee0539]

sensaphonics hands down. amp does make difference but its not a miracle worker when it comes to canalphones.

its a different question when comparing full cans cuz they require much more power

 

[catscratch]

Even if the sound quality is the same in ER-4S + SuperMacro and Sensaphonics, with the ER-4 you've still got to lug the amp around. Believe me, that's not practical, especially if you consider that most of the better interconnects between your amp and portable aren't really all that flexible. I'm in a similar situation with my Stax SR-001 - while the amp is small, the interconnect between amp and portable cd-player is stiff (Kimber mini-2-mini, sounds good though!), and the whole assembly can barely fit in a pocket - a very large pocket.

With the sensaphonics, you don't have to worry about any of that. On top of this, they're also more comfortable and better isolating than the ER-4. The biggest detriment to the Sensas is the cost - but if you're going to spend that much, might as well go straight to the top. And, if you're dead set on an amp, you can always add one later, once your wallet recuperates.

Can't give you sound comparisons, though, since I haven't heard the 2X-S. I like the Etys, but I like my SR-001 more.

 

[toaster]

just in case you weren't convinced what to do yet...

i'll put in another vote for the sensaphonics.

 

[JohnRich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch Even if the sound quality is the same in ER-4S + SuperMacro and Sensaphonics, with the ER-4 you've still got to lug the amp around. Believe me, that's not practical, especially if you consider that most of the better interconnects between your amp and portable aren't really all that flexible. I'm in a similar situation with my Stax SR-001 - while the amp is small, the interconnect between amp and portable cd-player is stiff (Kimber mini-2-mini, sounds good though!), and the whole assembly can barely fit in a pocket - a very large pocket. With the sensaphonics, you don't have to worry about any of that. On top of this, they're also more comfortable and better isolating than the ER-4. The biggest detriment to the Sensas is the cost - but if you're going to spend that much, might as well go straight to the top. And, if you're dead set on an amp, you can always add one later, once your wallet recuperates. Can't give you sound comparisons, though, since I haven't heard the 2X-S. I like the Etys, but I like my SR-001 more.

The sensas isolate about the same as ER4 with tri-flanges or custom molds; they are more comfortable (if you move around at all) than the ER4 with either due to the lighter cable and over-the-ear fit.

I like the Stax SR-001 sound compared with ER4 or Sensas (although I think the X2 bass is better) but the lack of isolation and the limited comfort make it a less attractive alternative.

 

[PATB]

There is no contest. For exlusively portable use, the sensaphonics will be the clear winner. The sensas without amp sounds almost as good as an amped HD650/Zu Mobius!

However, if you need an amp for other sources (full size CD player, sound card), the supermacro/Ety combo is the way to go.

 

[iamdone]

I'll put one more vote in for the sensaphonics.

I used to use the ER-4P w/S cable and my PPA amp w/diamond buffer, bass boost, and battery board. The sensas sound much better straight out of the ipod than the etys with the amp w/bass boost on. I no longer use the amp on the go with the sensas because the sound is already so good, it's not worth the effort to lug the amp around.

As far as the comparison to the hd650/zu, my vote is now going to the hd650/zu. Switched back to these for home use. I think they have a little more detail, higher extension, bigger soundstage, and a better airy texture. The sensas just sound stuffy in a direct comparison.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Sensaphonics. Amps are overrated, especially with canal phones. You'd be better off with a portable DAC or something...

 

[lindrone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 Sensaphonics. Amps are overrated, especially with canal phones. You'd be better off with a portable DAC or something...

Not necessarily... Sensas with SR-71 sounds much better than headphone output alone. But Sensa without any amp will still sound a whole world better than ER-4 with any amp.

 

[gorman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyfrenchman27 Sensaphonics. Amps are overrated, especially with canal phones. You'd be better off with a portable DAC or something...

I agree with Lindrone, my UE-10 definitely sound better out of my amp than out of my Karma (that's known for having pretty good amp on board, when compared to other DAPs).

 

[iamdone]

My sensaphonics have a bigger improvement with the amp than the etys did, it's just they sound good enough without it, that I no longer saw the need to carry it around. I'm sure if I had a much smaller amp, like the SR-71, I'd use it.

Since I'm enjoying my ultra-portable setup, I don't think it's worth the money or the hassle to get a smaller amp.

 

[PATB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamdone As far as the comparison to the hd650/zu, my vote is now going to the hd650/zu.

Agree. That is why I had to use the qualifier "almost."

As can be expected, the sensas off my SR-71 (320KAAC=>iPod mini=>Pocketdock=>Earcandy mini-mini=>SR-71=>sensaphonics 2X-s) sounds better than off the iPod headphone jack. However, as other have posted, it is not worth lugging the amp around. I am finding that I am too lazy these days to lug the amp even inside the house.

I hope, that gives you an idea on how good the sensaphonics sounds.

 

[plainsong]

I went ampless the other day, and seriously felt I was missing some all-over omph and definition. But you're right in that they won't kill your ears like etys did ampless. Ouch, harsh!

If you want one-dimensional portable fun, I'd suggest a good amp and the er6-i's.. lots of bang for buck. I enjoyed these more in portable situations than the er4p.

And before the sensa crowd pronounces me a traitor..

If you want a realistic full-bodied sound, skip the 4s/p and go right to the 2x-s's. It just ain't no contest.

 

[jlingo]

Wow, heheh thanks a lot guys, I'm sure I understand how good Sensa is.
Anyhow, I have read a lot how custom made like Sensa might require a long time, due to more adjustments required with the molds.
Since I'am located in Australia, I don't think I'm willing to send my Sensa back and forth to The US for final adjustments. It's just inefficent and shipment is more expensive. Not to mention, there are many unhappy customers in this forum with Sensa Customer Service. I think I will try to order it when I'm in Canada on Vacation next Christmas 2005.
I once shipped goods from The US by Fedex and then it didn't get to Australia for 1 month due to custom clearance. So I don't think I want to chance it at this time. But thanks a lot for all your replies.
In the meantime, I have ordered Supermacro for this Christmas holiday season

I'm eager to hear the difference compared to JMT PIMETA.