[Jonathan Lerner]

I recently decided to jump on a pair of er2xr after i saw them on amazon for 80 bucks and i think im in love. I actually prefer them to my significantly to my fdx1. While i find that the fdx1 has better technicalities almost across the board only winning in the bass and timbre where I find the fdx1 can sound a touch metallic with too fast of a decay in the bass (although the slam quality on the fdx1 is quite impressive). I find that I prefer the more relaxed treble and more forward mids of the er2xr ( I still detect a tiny bit of sibilance somewhere so i might just be treble sensitive) . I also find that the fdx1 has some unpleasant peak in the lower treble/upper mids that can make female vocals have an unpleasant edge (could be the cause of the metallic sound maybe?). I even find the fit of the er2xr to be quite comfortable as long as i dont insert them all the way, I find that they sound more open that way anyway. My only complaints so far are the cable build quality which is usable but pretty bad and I could use a smidge more treble across the board but just a smidge. Im considering writing a review of the er2xr with a comparison to the fdx1 before i sell them so please lmk if that sounds interesting to anyone thankyou!

 

[CK Moustache]

I wonder how much better the er4xr is then the er3xr.

From my ER3XR review in which I compared the ER3XR directly with the ER4XR:

The tonal differences between the ER3XR and ER4XR are less pronounced than between the ER3SE and ER4SR (at least when referring to the units I have on hand), which is why the ER3XR and ER4XR could be described as almost identical. For example, the differences between the two in-ears are about as small as the side matching differences of one and the same in-ear from most other manufacturers (and I’m not talking about clearly mismatched models but rather in-ears that measure with a really, really tight channel matching).

In the mid and low bass, both in-ears are the same. Only in the upper bass and fundamental range the ER3XR have got a little more warmth and impact (if you can even say so about a set of Etymotic in-ears).
The ER3XR are only slightly less present in the presence area/upper mids.
Solely around 6 and 7 kHz, there is a "more obvious" difference between the two in-ears: the ER3XR are a bit more relaxed here.
In the upper highs, the ER3XR are again a little more relaxed, albeit only slightly, which is however heard in the reproduction of cymbals, although only slightly.

Apart from that, both in-ears are similarly tuned in the mid- and sub-bass, as well as in the central midrange and when it comes to treble extension. As a result, I would call the ER3XR the "better" alternative to the ER4XR due to their virtually similar resolution performance - only for users who plan to use the in-ears for serious music production, the higher price for the ER4XR could still be worth it because of their ultimately ever so slightly higher flatness in the fundamental range and upper frequencies, provided that what one is looking for is a set of in-ears with a compensation for the viscerally perceived mechanical vibrations in the lows, which the XR models somewhat compensate for with their mild bass elevation compared to in-ears with a diffuse-field flat bass tuning (such as the SR/S/SE models).

When it comes to details and resolution, both in-ears are equal - the only difference is that the ER3XR appear minimally softer in bass, but the impression disappears when one lowers their lower fundamental range and upper bass slightly, which brings them exactly to ER4XR levels.

The spatial presentation of both in-ears is equally precise and realistic, with equally good layering and separation of the imaginary events.
The ER4XR seem to have slightly more perceived width, but this impression comes only from their slightly louder upper treble compared to the ER3XR.

So basically very, very similar, and in fact I would consider the ER3XR the better and more reasonable alternative to the ER4XR. In addition, they can be turned into the ER4XR by adding electrical resistance to the source device's output.

Also a good read on this topic: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...ding_to_measurements_the_er3xr_can_become_an/

 

[SilverEars]

From my ER3XR review in which I compared the ER3XR directly with the ER4XR:



So basically very, very similar, and in fact I would consider the ER3XR the better and more reasonable alternative to the ER4XR. In addition, they can be turned into the ER4XR by adding electrical resistance to the source device's output.

Also a good read on this topic: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones...ding_to_measurements_the_er3xr_can_become_an/

That electrical resistance must be approximately 23 ohms give or take to be about the same response. I know people say you can add a range resistances, but will not be precisely the same response, but with slight tonal tilt (this significance depending on the resistance value). Also, ER4s come with good matching and target response which are proven with their measurements certificate, but resistors have some tolerance differences as well, and that can further deviate things like channel balance.

 

[SilverEars]

The dual flanges work best for me. But I can't deny that the foam will isolate the best simply due to how much material the sound will need to traverse compared to any silicone tip that exists. I think Etymotic quoted something like 42 dB of isolation using the foam tips and 32 for the triple-flange silicone. I'm kind of in the same boat you are as I'm not a huge fan of the way foam tips sometimes give the sound an overall warm tilt.

You really have to kind of twist the triple flanges into your ear to get them to fit, kind of like a screwing motion. Once properly seated, you really won't feel them until you touch the IEM or it moves in anyway, then you can feel the tip push up against your ear canal and it's uncomfortable/painful.

You can also look at 3rd party tips like a Spinfit. I haven't tried them though so I can't say much. A lot of people have gotten Shure tips to do very well on Etymotics as well.


Etymotic dual-flange tips.

Edit: Here's the link for the XL sized dual-flange. I don't see a link to their fit kit that they offer (includes one of each size) which may be useful for dialing your fit with them. But you can purchase one of those (as soon as they have stock) if you email them.

The Shure tips you are referring to are olives, not foam correct? I mostly see talks of olives on this thread. I decided on large size dual-flanges since L and XL only differ by 1mm.

 

[CK Moustache]

That electrical resistance must be approximately 23 ohms give or take to be about the same response. I know people say you can add a range resistances, but will not be precisely the same response, but with slight tonal tilt (this significance depending on the resistance value). Also, ER4s come with good matching and target response which are proven with their measurements certificate, but resistors have some tolerance differences as well, and that can further deviate things like channel balance.

Sure, there is no individual certificate of performance included and the theoretical quality control/matching isn't as tight as when compared to the ER4 series IEMs, but even according to Etymotic, most ER3 series units would still easily pass ER4 quality control/matching standards, but unlike on the ER4 series IEMs, they couldn't guarantee for this (in case of the ER3SE and ER3XR that I have on hand, I can at least say than based on the two units that I have, they would easily pass ER4 standards for quality control and driver matching).

About the resistors - once a certain point of resistance is reached, increasing the value will not lead to any relevant tonal changes anymore (asymptotic behaviour). Additionally, the resistors' tolerances would have to be very high in order to lead to any relevant channel imbalance (as long as one is using fixed value resistors and not variable ones).

Either way, unless one really needs the (unmodified) ultimately slightly higher tonal accuracy, individual certificate of performance, better and longer cable as well as more/better accessories, I really don't see any reason to get the ER4XR instead of the ER3XR.

 

[tinyman392]

The Shure tips you are referring to are olives, not foam correct? I mostly see talks of olives on this thread. I decided on large size dual-flanges since L and XL only differ by 1mm.

Yes, it would be the Olives if memory serves. I ended up getting a fit pack to find my size.

 

[SilverEars]

Yes, it would be the Olives if memory serves. I ended up getting a fit pack to find my size.

For the olives, it makes sense to go small since it will be inserted deep, correct?

 

[imackler]

I've got to recommend, once again, the Westone star tips. I would get a multi-size pack and see what fits!

 

[OspreyAndy]

For the olives, it makes sense to go small since it will be inserted deep, correct?

Yes I use the smallest one. In fact for all Etys I use the smallest possible to allow for deep canal insertion

 

[SilverEars]

I've got to recommend, once again, the Westone star tips. I would get a multi-size pack and see what fits!

Only if the shipping wasn't $12 on Westone site...

 

[Chaz1952]

Only if the shipping wasn't $12 on Westone site...

Highly recommend Sweetwater. I've ordered lots of music/audio gear from them over the years.

Great customer service/support. Fast (& usually free) shipping.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...tar-silicone-eartips-fit-kit-all-sizes-5-pair

 

[jmwant]

I recently decided to jump on a pair of er2xr after i saw them on amazon for 80 bucks and i think im in love. I actually prefer them to my significantly to my fdx1. While i find that the fdx1 has better technicalities almost across the board only winning in the bass and timbre where I find the fdx1 can sound a touch metallic with too fast of a decay in the bass (although the slam quality on the fdx1 is quite impressive). I find that I prefer the more relaxed treble and more forward mids of the er2xr ( I still detect a tiny bit of sibilance somewhere so i might just be treble sensitive) . I also find that the fdx1 has some unpleasant peak in the lower treble/upper mids that can make female vocals have an unpleasant edge (could be the cause of the metallic sound maybe?). I even find the fit of the er2xr to be quite comfortable as long as i dont insert them all the way, I find that they sound more open that way anyway. My only complaints so far are the cable build quality which is usable but pretty bad and I could use a smidge more treble across the board but just a smidge. Im considering writing a review of the er2xr with a comparison to the fdx1 before i sell them so please lmk if that sounds interesting to anyone thankyou!

I'd really appreciate it. I was considering to get the Fdx1 as an upgrade over the Er2xr. Would like to know your opinion on that. If the Fdx1 gets out of the list, only one iems will remain under $300 is Blessing 2.

 

[earmonger]

The foam that comes with the ER4 is ridiculously isolating. I don't think I've experience such level of isolation before (probably not even customs). I wouldn't mind getting something like that just for general isolation for environments I want to isolate noise for sleeping.

I'll need to try more tips. Digging this thread of images for tips. I've heard Shure foam is pretty good. I like Shure foam since the surface is covered with some material that's not like foam.

Shure Olives are nice puffy foam that you can squish and let expand in your ears, for excellent isolation. They fit the narrow Ety nozzles.

 

[jmwant]

Is anyone using the Er2xr with Apple dongle? I think it's underpowered and I need to get a bit more powerful dac-amp like Shanling UA2 or the Hidizs S9.

 

[SilverEars]

I still don't like the ER4's sound. Still find it a bit thin sounding with lacking dynamics. Just really stiff sounding. I don't see how this iem is called accurate. Perhaps tonally, but imaging isn't great, and just really dull sounding. I got it for the isolation, but I'd rather just go back to my ANC full-sized XM3 for convenience and no ear rape. ER4 feels less convenient since you got to insert it a certain way everytime and you have to clip the little thingy if you don't want microphonics. It's just not all that convenient.

Is there an iem on the same level of isolation that is much more convenient? With good dynamics to the sound? Any full sized even the XM3 has better sound than this.

I think it's the single BA ssound that seems not dynamic and narrow sounding. I wish there was a good dynamic driver with same level of isolation.