[JdeFalconr]

Thanks in advance for your help.

I'm looking to pick up a pair of Etys and I'm trying to decide between the ER3XR and ER2XR. Based on what I'm reading I understand the ER2XR to be an exceptionally good value and that both sets of IEMs are very good in their own right. I also understand that they are separate beasts in of themselves, not merely big-and-little brother devices that are analogous to each other.

What I'm having trouble finding, though, is a comparison of the two. I don't want to blindly pick the ER3XR just because its model number and MSRP are higher and would purportedly be the "better" offering. Besides, both are presently priced the same on Amazon. Can anyone either point me to an information resource or offer some of your own impressions to help me decide?

I'm looking at these mostly because of fit (see this post of mine) but the detailed, precise sound signature with some "tasteful" bass addition also sounds like it's right up my alley.

 

[godsound101]

I suggest you go for the ER2XR, the earphone delivers impactful bass while keeping clear and accurate midrange and treble sound.

 

[earmonger]

I have the ER3XR but haven't heard the ER2XR. I've had balanced armature IEMs I came to dislike, but ER3XR has very natural timbre and great clarity.

If you want to try the ER3XR with a 30-day return (+ shipping if you send them back, about $12) here's the best price:
https://www.adorama.com/etyer3xr.html?emailprice=t

The ER2XR are $99 at Adorama.
https://www.adorama.com/etyer2xr.html?emailprice=t

Here's a comparison from Head-Fi.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/etymotic-research-er2xr.23811/reviews

 

[HipHopScribe]

Haven't heard the ER2XR to compare, but just FYI you can get the ER3XR from Adorama for $69.00. Looks like Amazon has them for like $30 more, so that's a nice savings if you decide on them

https://www.adorama.com/etyer3xr.html?emailprice=t

For what its worth, "detailed, precise sound signature with some "tasteful" bass addition" is pretty much a perfect description of the ER3XR, I really enjoy them

 

[JdeFalconr]

Thanks everyone! I still fell like I haven't seen a really focused head-to-head comparison between the ER2XR and the ER3XR without analyzing frequency response charts. Based on what I'm reading both sound detailed and both have a reasonable - but not obnoxious - bass bump over the SE versions. I've read the ER2XR is slightly less-detailed than the ER3XR but by no means muddy or fuzzy. Based on what I'm reading it almost sounds like the main distinction is that the ER2XR leans towards a "fun" colored sound while the ER3XR is "neutral" in its reproduction.

 

[earmonger]

Here's a comparison graph, pretty easy to envision. It looks like the ER2XR has both a little more bass and a little more high treble.
https://crinacle.com/graphs/iems/graphtool/?share=IEF_Neutral_Target,ER2XR_S3,ER3XR

But the ER2XR may need that bit of treble crispness for the dynamic driver to offer something like the quicker response of a balanced armature driver. Neither one is considered neutral like the SE/SR models.

You can find opinions on both sides about which one is better. You should just try one (from a place with a return policy).

The bigger question for every Etymotic owner is the fit. They need to seal deep and some people just hate the feeling. I can't get a seal with the double flange and I think they're annoying with the triple-flanged silicone, but (after a session or two) they are comfortable with the gray foam tips. If you hate the fit, you're not going to want to listen to them anyway.

They also have a two-dimensional soundstage -- a high-res flat screen rather than 3D. You'll have to decide if that's right for you.