[gixxerwimp]

I use small dog hair bands (real small rubber bands) and loop it in a similar bundle. It helps but don't stop the problem. The best way I've found is to ground the wire under my hat to neutralize that mechanical energy. That with the rubber bands does a pretty good job. I've always wondered if a mold would stop this.

I know what you mean. There's still a lot of noise wearing over-ear with the stock cable. I think it's because of the stiffness and hard insulating sheath, thus allowing it to transfer mechanical energy very efficiently.

Changing cables has made a huge difference. There's still some noise, but I think it's almost unavoidable due to the extreme insertion depth required for the ER•4s. Comply tips reduce it by providing a bit of mechanical damping, but the highs and lows are affected (for me) so I'm sticking with the tri-flanges for now.

 

[gixxerwimp]

Two short questions:

1. As you said straight cables aren't a problem for over ear use. Just wanted to confirm, as i do not need the microphones. 
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-EAC64BK-Detachable-Earphone-Earphones/dp/B0046HADYQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1424895816&sr=1-2&keywords=Shure+cable

2. Does the adapter's UE cable version work the same way? Just to reconfirm in case I go for this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290630811020?rmvSB=true

Anyone experiences with the Fiio replacement cables? Reliable? Tangle? Memory? 

Again, Kudos.
Thanks.

1. Should work fine with any straight Shure connector cable, unless your tragus sticks out at the exact position you want the adapter and cable to go.

2. I only saw an old Westone version adapter in awwan's listing and it was "S". Wanting the "P", the Shure version was my only option at the time. But he may have added to his inventory. If by "work the same way", you mean the resistors are in the adapters, then I think they are. Best to drop awwan a line if you're uncertain and want to confirm. I don't know anything about UE connectors. BTW, you're eBay link goes to the "P" Shure version.

 

[gixxerwimp]

What do the versions mean?
Which version is the most reliable (connector wise)?

@TheDreamthinker, you seem to have edited your question.

The ER•4s come in 3 flavours: B, P and S. They have different resistors (and capacitors for the B) inside the pod just below the Y-join. You can find lots of info here about the respective sound of each.

awwan's adapters have the resistors (and capacitors) inside them, so all you need is a normal cable.

As for which connector is more reliable, I can't help you as all my experience with changing headphone cables can be seen in my tutorial. But FWIW, Westone have gone to the same MMXC used by Shure. In any case, this would give you lots of aftermarket options.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/683866/shure-215-vs-535-limited-edition/15#post_9850559

 

[Jazic]

 
1. As you said straight cables aren't a problem for over ear use. Just wanted to confirm, as i do not need the microphones. 
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-EAC64BK-Detachable-Earphone-Earphones/dp/B0046HADYQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1424895816&sr=1-2&keywords=Shure+cable
 
 

 
Does anyone mind uploading a pic of a non-angled cable instead of the angled Shure cable?
 
And also to clarify this "P Shure Cable Adapter" has the 25-30 ohm resistor included in the adapter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290630811020?rmvSB=true

 

[crazychile]

I just found this thread and have an old (8yrs) pair of ER-4Ps that I've been meaning to send into Etymotic for a cable replacement. (One channel is intermittent depending on the cable angle). Thanks for the info here as I think the mods look great. I have a few questions:
 
1. I have ER-4Ps. If I replace the cable with something that doesn't have the resistor, does that effectively turn it into an "S" version?
1A. Can an S Version be used straight from an iPhone with satisfactory results? I have a portable amp that  I could use with it, but just wondering how it would work unamped.
2. I've sort of gotten used to the cable microphonics, and I understand that is one of the advantages of using an aftermarket cable. But has anyone noticed an improvement in sound quality by using a different cable?
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[gixxerwimp]

Does anyone mind uploading a pic of a non-angled cable instead of the angled Shure cable?

And also to clarify this "P Shure Cable Adapter" has the 25-30 ohm resistor included in the adapter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/290630811020?rmvSB=true

Yes, that's the adapter I bought. It has the correct resistor for 4P.

I only have the curved Shure cable, but I don't think it's too hard to imagine what a straight one would look like. I did a Google image search for "er-4 shure cable", but didn't come up with anything useful, though my photos did turn up

 

[gixxerwimp]

1. I have ER-4Ps. If I replace the cable with something that doesn't have the resistor, does that effectively turn it into an "S" version?
1A. Can an S Version be used straight from an iPhone with satisfactory results? I have a portable amp that  I could use with it, but just wondering how it would work unamped.
2. I've sort of gotten used to the cable microphonics, and I understand that is one of the advantages of using an aftermarket cable. But has anyone noticed an improvement in sound quality by using a different cable?

Thanks in advance.

No resistor will leave you with only the impedance of the BA driver, which would be far to low. The 4P is 27 ohms and the 4S is 100 ohms.
http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/earphones/er4.html

As to how the 4S sounds unamped, try searching the "If you still love your Etymotics" thread.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/538615/if-you-still-love-etymotic-er4-this-is-the-thread-for-you

 

[Jazic]

No resistor will leave you with only the impedance of the BA driver, which would be far to low.

I was about to ask that exact question.

What is the ohm rating of the B? Wondering what the difference is.

 

[Mooses9]

I was about to ask that exact question.

What is the ohm rating of the B? Wondering what the difference is.

seems to be the same as the er4 series per they per they are offering the adapter to make it like the S series.

 

[gixxerwimp]

No resistor will leave you with only the impedance of the BA driver, which would be far too low.

I was about to ask that exact question.

What is the ohm rating of the B? Wondering what the difference is.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/538615/if-you-still-love-etymotic-er4-this-is-the-thread-for-you/5655#post_11447442

http://www.head-fi.org/t/506087/review-etymotic-er4p-er4s-the-living-legends

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2012/08/p2b-adapter-for-etymotic-research-er-4p.html?m=1

 

[crazychile]

No resistor will leave you with only the impedance of the BA driver, which would be far to low. The 4P is 27 ohms and the 4S is 100 ohms.
http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/earphones/er4.html

As to how the 4S sounds unamped, try searching the "If you still love your Etymotics" thread.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/538615/if-you-still-love-etymotic-er4-this-is-the-thread-for-you

Thanks. I think I had started reading that thread back when it was started. It's huge now....4S being 100 ohms isn't really too bad. I may have etymotic change mine to the 4S when I have them replace the cable. I have a couple portable amps I could use if the standard output of the iPhone isn't good enough.
 
Has anyone recently found parts to DIY their Etys (like the Westone adapter piece) without going to ebay? I didn't see anything when I looked yesterday, which is why I'm considering just sending my ER-4Ps back to Etymotic.

 

[gixxerwimp]

 

No resistor will leave you with only the impedance of the BA driver, which would be far to low. The 4P is 27 ohms and the 4S is 100 ohms.
http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/earphones/er4.html

As to how the 4S sounds unamped, try searching the "If you still love your Etymotics" thread.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/538615/if-you-still-love-etymotic-er4-this-is-the-thread-for-you

Thanks. I think I had started reading that thread back when it was started. It's huge now....4S being 100 ohms isn't really too bad. I may have etymotic change mine to the 4S when I have them replace the cable. I have a couple portable amps I could use if the standard output of the iPhone isn't good enough.
 
Has anyone recently found parts to DIY their Etys (like the Westone adapter piece) without going to ebay? I didn't see anything when I looked yesterday, which is why I'm considering just sending my ER-4Ps back to Etymotic.

 
Suggest putting 4P resistors in the cable (either Ety OEM or DIY w/ AWWAN adapters) and using a 4P-to-4S adapter. That way you can switch back and forth from P-to-S as you please. If you get the 4S cable, you CAN'T reduce the impedance with an adapter.
 
Ety's OEM adapter is pricey, and there are lots available on eBay.
http://www.etymotic.com/er38-24.html 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ETYMOTIC-ER4P-TO-ER4S-RESISTOR-ADAPTOR-3-5MM-PLUG-/291329605627 (AWWAN)