[fusionsword]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forums here, and a relatively new audiophile. To start off, I bought a second hand ER4-B thinking that it would be a good way to start my new hobby. However I'm having some serious doubts about its legitimacy. Is there a way I can check to make sure it's the real thing?
There seem to be serial numbers but is there a way I can cross reference?
Would appreciate help here. Thanks everyone!

 

[fusionsword]

I seem to be able to play it on my smartphone (Xperia Z1). Is this actually possible with an authentic ER4-B? Anyone tried it?

 

[mark2410]

hmm id be really surprised if anyone is faking the ER4. 

 

[fusionsword]

I think fakes are unlikely but is it possible to obtain a smartphone compatible ER4B through the methods listed below?

 

[fusionsword]

hmm id be really surprised if anyone is faking the ER4. 

Was there ever a low-impedance version released for the ER4-B?
Or could it have been obtained through re-cabling?

 

[mark2410]

the B doesnt come up too often so i cant say with certainty, but it only has a 100 ohm impedance doesnt it?  that should run without much issue out of most things.
 
it just likely wont be run to its best it doesnt mean that it wont produce usable sound.

 

[squallkiercosa]

There are no reports of Etymotic been counterfeited. Upload some pictures anyway.

 

[fusionsword]

  the B doesnt come up too often so i cant say with certainty, but it only has a 100 ohm impedance doesnt it?  that should run without much issue out of most things.
 
it just likely wont be run to its best it doesnt mean that it wont produce usable sound.

That's what I'm not sure of haha...from what I've managed to glean from the forums it appears that the impedance might be a little too high for smartphones to drive. 

 

[fusionsword]

  There are no reports of Etymotic been counterfeited. Upload some pictures anyway.

Here are some pictures of what I have. Hope it helps!
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0156.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0157.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0158.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0159.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0160.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0161.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0162.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0163.jpg.html
 
http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/jonnytan27/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0164.jpg.html
 
Serial number of drivers are 304706 (left and 304707 (right), if that's important

 

[mark2410]

while the impedance is high for a phone to drive well it doesnt mean it wont function.  it will, you can plug big 300 ohm cans into a phone and it will work just fine.
 
just as you cound pull the engine out of a renault clio and shove it in a ferrari.  it will work and drive it just wont do it super well

 

[squallkiercosa]

Everything looks ok for me but, the Etys are what people refers as "Treble happy" IEMs with a very analytical sound not suited (arguably) for fun listening sessions. They're one of those brutal and honest headphones and probably the sound might not be what you were expecting in the first place. Can't really tell you what to do.
 
In any case, at first the sound might not be appealing but try using them for a weeks to see if it grows on you, later everything else will sound dark in comparison