Head Direct REO vs Etymotic ER-6i
Jun 13, 2010 at 2:13 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 17

philipt42

Head-Fier
Joined
May 1, 2010
Posts
60
Likes
10
The title says it all.
I need enough isolation to use on a bus (these are a compromise for me - instead of earbuds AND NC headphones, it get IEMs), but SQ is also a priority. After searching around, it is down to these two IEMs, but I can't quite decide.
 
I like a detailed, middy sound usually, and I don't like overpowering bass. I'm using a 6th gen iPod classic if that makes a difference.
 
Ideally these would be durable enough to carry around in my pocket all day.
 
Jun 13, 2010 at 11:05 AM Post #2 of 17
Well, I think I can give you more information than you want to know. :)
 
I started out with the Er6i a couple of years ago, and moved to the re0. The re0 is clearly a much better piece, in all aspects, it's not even close. Since you mention a preference for midrange detail, you will want to avoid the er6i, since those can be a bit bright.
 
But.....the wiring on the re0's can be fragile. Mine has just recently started coming loose inside the plug. For something sturdy that you can carry around in your pocket, I suggest you look at the Monster line. I understand those are built very sturdy. I'm considering a pair of their Pro Coppers for use on the motorbike since that's a really hard environment on cables.
 
Whichever one you go with, make sure you try whatever variety of tips you can. On a set like the re0's, they make not only a big difference in blocking out outside noise, but also can hurt the sound quality, simple because everyone's ears are different. For me, the stock black tips on the re0's work best, even though they let in more outside noise, while the double flange tips they come with really muddy up the bass.
 
Good luck!
Dan
 
Jun 13, 2010 at 11:21 AM Post #3 of 17
Here is another option: hf5. I really hope they'd fit in your pricing scheme, as IMO they are great IEMs. I prefer them over the RE0, because they have a thicker sound and they are very accurate. They have superb isolation, I dare to say unbeatable, but on the downside have a smaller soundstage.
I haven't listened to the er6, but the hf5 is the unmatched driver version of the er4 which is excellent for the price.
 
Jun 13, 2010 at 12:57 PM Post #4 of 17
Blorton: Thanks for the info - with the right tips, do you think the isolation would be enough for riding on a bus? (With the RE0)
 
I'm hesitant to go with monster because I've always heard their products are overpriced, and also because of how the treat local business's/anyone who they think is violating their copyright.
 
sebhuber: The hf5 are a little out of my pricing scheme, which is $80, tops.
 
I'm leaning towards the er6i, if only because my Grado sr60's are perfect (what a great headphone for so cheap) for use around the house. On the bus SQ doesn't matter quite as much as ability to actually hear what I'm playing. 
 
I'm eager to hear other people's opinions though - keep those posts coming!

 
Quote:
Well, I think I can give you more information than you want to know. :)
 
I started out with the Er6i a couple of years ago, and moved to the re0. The re0 is clearly a much better piece, in all aspects, it's not even close. Since you mention a preference for midrange detail, you will want to avoid the er6i, since those can be a bit bright.
 
But.....the wiring on the re0's can be fragile. Mine has just recently started coming loose inside the plug. For something sturdy that you can carry around in your pocket, I suggest you look at the Monster line. I understand those are built very sturdy. I'm considering a pair of their Pro Coppers for use on the motorbike since that's a really hard environment on cables.
 
Whichever one you go with, make sure you try whatever variety of tips you can. On a set like the re0's, they make not only a big difference in blocking out outside noise, but also can hurt the sound quality, simple because everyone's ears are different. For me, the stock black tips on the re0's work best, even though they let in more outside noise, while the double flange tips they come with really muddy up the bass.
 
Good luck!
Dan





Quote:
Here is another option: hf5. I really hope they'd fit in your pricing scheme, as IMO they are great IEMs. I prefer them over the RE0, because they have a thicker sound and they are very accurate. They have superb isolation, I dare to say unbeatable, but on the downside have a smaller soundstage.
I haven't listened to the er6, but the hf5 is the unmatched driver version of the er4 which is excellent for the price.



 
Jun 13, 2010 at 2:04 PM Post #5 of 17
Lol - I've used my re0's while riding a loud motorcycle. They block out noise just fine up to about 70mph. :) Riding inside a bus won't even be a challenge.
 
Jun 13, 2010 at 8:53 PM Post #6 of 17
I'm buying the Re0 tonight. I'm really looking forward to getting them - do you know how long Head Direct usually takes to ship?
 
I might post a review when I get them, as there weren't really that many when I was looking around on head-fi.
 
Jun 15, 2010 at 2:27 PM Post #8 of 17
You made a good choice imho
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/405947/re0-rivals-er-4s-beats-e500-and-er-4p
head direct usually ships in 2-3 days, but check your email cause they might need something and delayed response will delay shipping.
 
Some people have reported breaking at the housing, Head-Direct claims a failure rate of 2% i think. Personally I've head them for 4 months now and they are fine, normal everyday use, moving on the road and on bus. Blorton maybe had the previous version.
 
Jun 15, 2010 at 3:30 PM Post #9 of 17
2% failure seems really good, just from looking through reviews of IEMs on amazon. I hope these will last.
 
Does anyone know where Head Direct ships from? It isn't from China, is it?
 
Jun 15, 2010 at 7:02 PM Post #11 of 17
new york if within US and they have it stocked there. China everywhere else
 
Nov 29, 2010 at 8:40 PM Post #13 of 17
I think isolation with the RE0s depends on the tips.  I've tried the bi-flange (that come with) and the isolation is only so-so compared with the bi-flange on the ER6 (which I'm assuming are the same as the ER6i). Decent, but I can still hear people on their cell phones on the train.
 
Aug 21, 2011 at 1:06 AM Post #14 of 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blorton
 
But.....the wiring on the re0's can be fragile. Mine has just recently started coming loose inside the plug. For something sturdy that you can carry around in your pocket, I suggest you look at the Monster line. I understand those are built very sturdy. I'm considering a pair of their Pro Coppers for use on the motorbike since that's a really hard environment on cables.
 

Spot on. The only reason I regret buying RE0 slightly.
 


Quote:
Here is another option: hf5. I really hope they'd fit in your pricing scheme, as IMO they are great IEMs. I prefer them over the RE0, because they have a thicker sound and they are very accurate. They have superb isolation, I dare to say unbeatable, but on the downside have a smaller soundstage.
I haven't listened to the er6, but the hf5 is the unmatched driver version of the er4 which is excellent for the price.


Wow, you guys are good! hf5 is my next purchase.
 
 
Aug 21, 2011 at 1:34 AM Post #15 of 17
You would have regret buying ER6i slightly as well because the cable tends to harden up after a year and break with a bit of stress.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top