Fickle iPod of mine (ER4 issues).

[AlienPyro]

I feel that I'm getting unsatisfactory results from my ER4-P and iPod combo: mainly along the lines of screechy highs, sibilance and almost imperceptible bass (on some tracks).

I'm considering two possible solutions to this.
1) Sell the Etys and get a pair of Super.Fi 5 Pros with a net loss of about $100 or
2) Get the ER4P-24 for $50 and use the ER4-S out of the iPod.

Mainly, as I'm already aware of the SF5Ps general sound signature, I'd like to know how much of a difference the ER4-S would make in sound and whether it could be successfully driven by the iPod.
Comparisons between the two phones - and possibly the E4cs - would be much appreciated.



Forgot to mention my musical preferences!
I listen to a variety of music, with something of an emphasis on rock.
I'd say, 60 percent of my library is rock of some sort while the rest is mostly acoustic, hip-hop, classical and electronica, with a smattering of vocals and pop.
It's encoded at all qualities, from below 128 to lossless.

 

[The Monkey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlienPyro I feel that I'm getting unsatisfactory results from my ER4-P and iPod combo: mainly along the lines of screechy highs, sibilance and almost imperceptible bass (on some tracks). I'm considering two possible solutions to this. 1) Sell the Etys and get a pair of Super.Fi 5 Pros with a net loss of about $100 or 2) Get the ER4P-24 for $50 and use the ER4-S out of the iPod. Mainly, as I'm already aware of the SF5Ps general sound signature, I'd like to know how much of a difference the ER4-S would make in sound and whether it could be successfully driven by the iPod. Comparisons between the two phones - and possibly the E4cs - would be much appreciated.

How about secret option #3: adding an amp and listening to the ipod through the line out?

 

[AlienPyro]

Not an option really. This rig is meant to be portable and ampless. Not to mention all the hassle (and money) involved with using an amp through the dock connector.

SMV3 + Sik Ram Din + Shipping = $400

That is, of course, just one option, but you get the idea.

 

[joelongwood]

I have all the IEMs you mention (Ety ER4P, ER4S, Shure E4, and UE SF Pro.)
Based on your musical tastes and the fact that your music library is encoded at 128 kbs, I would not hesitate to recommend the Super.Fi5 Pro above the others.
Unfortunately this will mean you'll have to bite the bullet (which will, by your estimation cost around $100), but I'm pretty confident you'll love the full, rich sound and huge soundstage of the SF Pro.
The Ety ER4S directly out of the iPod, while an improvement sonically over the ER4P (mainly a smoother top end), is not a night and day difference over your present set-up.
The Shure E4's main drawback when used with the iPod headphone out is a very deficient low end. That said, I still prefer the Shure house sound to the Etys. With your 128 kbs music, both the Etys in particular, and even the Shures, will reveal all the digital nasties that exist......not a good thing.
All of this is just my opinion, of course.
Hope this helps.

 

[AlienPyro]

One thing that worries me about the UEs is that many (yourself included, if memory serves) have given the opinion that while they sound awesome out of an iPod, out of other sources they become too bassy.

Does anyone think this will be a problem once I change the UE's source?


Oh, and no one has any opinion on the iPod + ER4-S?

 

[The Monkey]

I echo joe's sentiments. As for the sf5pro being too bassy, I think it is possible, but probably not a huge issue. And I think the sf5pro's soundstage is a feature that makes up for it.

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlienPyro One thing that worries me about the UEs is that many (yourself included, if memory serves) have given the opinion that while they sound awesome out of an iPod, out of other sources they become too bassy. Does anyone think this will be a problem once I change the UE's source? Oh, and no one has any opinion on the iPod + ER4-S?

Right now I'm using the SF Pros directly out of a Sharp DR7 portable MD player, and I find the bass to be in just the right proportions. I have had excessive bass problems when using the SFs with certain portable amps, specifically the PAV2.
Just for the heck of it I switched to the Shures and found that I had to set the DR7 at bass boost #1 to equal the SF Pros. The Shures had more details in the upper mids, but not by much........and the size of the soundstage was no contest.......the SFs win handily.
Oh, and I did mention the Ety ER4S/iPod combo in my previous post. For further info on this pairing, you can check here.
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=iPod+ER4S

 

[AlienPyro]

Thx.

: Ehh... sorta. Tho they used to make me smile.