[oldschool]

My iPod along with my ER-6i's got stolen recently. I will be buying the new Classic 120GB and I am also looking for new IEM's.

I was pretty happy with the 6i's. I am wondering if I should spend almost twice the amoung and go for the 4P's.
I am concerned about the output level, seems to be a little lower than the 6i, and I do listen without amplification to some recordings from CD sources with quiet mastering.

Also, how does the bass on 4P compare to 6i?

And what about those new hf5 IEMs? They cost as much as the 4P's.

 

[oldschool]

Anyone?

 

[hempcamp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldschool /img/forum/go_quote.gif Anyone?

I have both the ER6 (not 6i) and the HF2 (the headset version of the HF5). I have tried both the 6i and the 4P.

Although I don't hear much difference in SQ between the ER6 and HF2, it is way easier to get a good seal (for me) with the tri-flanges on the HF2 than it ever was with the ER6, which means the great sound is more consistent.

In fact, the HF2 out of my iPhone sounds nearly as good to me as my K701 out of my Headfive. The HF2 also looks really subtle but feels durable and well-made. The ER4P isn't good enough for me to take that next step in comparison, especially for portable use.

--Chris

 

[vYu223]

This review (not done by me) on Amazon may help:

Amazon.com: TAFB's review of Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earp...

The review compares the hf5 to the ER-4P.

 

[oldschool]

Thanks. I am leaning towards the 4P, as it comes with more accessories and seems to be a well regarded performer.

 

[synaesthetic]

not to dig up old dirt, but if the OP is still paying attention to this, the ER-4P have the most godawful cable ever created.

Too long, too heavy, has that annoying "pod" at the Y-split and is incredibly microphonic. The way the earphones are designed, as well, prevent over-the-ear use. The cable's so damn heavy that it tended to yank the earphones hard enough to break the seal when worn over-the-ear.

I found the increase in "detail" (read: high frequency emphasis, and sibilance) from the 6i to the 4P to be more annoying and fatiguing than enjoyable. Your mileage may vary, however.

Some people love the 4Ps, and on some albums, they're outstanding, especially soft, airy songs with female vocals. But portable headphones should be able to eat anything I throw at them, and a whole lot of metal I listen to becomes nails-on-a-chalkboard. I don't like having to leave Arcturus off my MP3 player because the sibilance makes me want to kill myself when played through the ER-4P.

 

[vYu223]

If you want portable headphones that are able to eat anything you throw at them, there is the ER-4S.

 

[mape00]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vYu223 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you want portable headphones that are able to eat anything you throw at them, there is the ER-4S.

I kind of agree with you, but I doubt synaesthetic would, because ER-4S has even more high frequency emphasis than the ER-4P. (And then there's the ER-4B too, which are even brighter...)

 

[sparkfizzle]

I have been trying to decide between these two (HF5/ER-4P) as well. I was leaning towards the ER-4P since I like highs and bright sounds, but am bothered by all the cable issues with the ER-4P. Is it really that bad with regards to weight and microphonics?

 

[mape00]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkfizzle /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have been trying to decide between these two (HF5/ER-4P) as well. I was leaning towards the ER-4P since I like highs and bright sounds, but am bothered by all the cable issues with the ER-4P. Is it really that bad with regards to weight and microphonics?

It's not a big problem if you use the shirt clip and don't run with them. I get some microphonics if the cable rubs against zippers when walking. I would have preferred over-the-ear style, as it petty much eliminates the problem.

 

[Taikero]

This might help you decide: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/e...1/#post5145969

 

[sparkfizzle]

Thanks! That definitely helps a lot. I also found a few notes here:

Ooo... colors... (Absurd Singularity)

I also read somewhere that the new tips (which are supposed to be much better) are shipping by default now with the HF5. You can see some pics here:

Review: Etymotic hf5 High-Fidelity Earphones | iLounge

All in all, I may go with the HF5 for comfort/fit afterall.

 

[calipilot227]

If you're going to drive them right out of an iPod, you'll want the ER-4P (versus the ER-4S). The ER-4P has a lower impeadance (easier to drive and they don't require an amp to sound their best).

 

[pellegrino10]

Um, this thread is two years old.

 

[ahmedjhang]

still managed to help me