[Max Choiral]

Hello, EtyDave.
 
Do you remember about photo comparison of IEMs body? 

I had asked some time ago about ER4 vs HD5 vs MC5.
If it's not too much for you, of course.

 

[ER4S]

Yes,s/sr/xr comparison graphs in high res (not too smoothed)...

Most of the time, graphs say nothing for me.

 

[luisdent]

Yes,s/sr/xr comparison graphs in high res (not too smoothed)...

Most of the time, graphs say nothing for me.

Not for me. So long as they are by the same grapher for consistency...

 

[bioyuki]

I don't read Korean but some interesting info from the Seeko review (I'm guessing here). In terms of the BAs themselves:
 
SR: Knowles RAB-32063-000 (Datasheet: http://www.knowles.com/eng/content/download/5908/102956/version/8/file/Receiver+Datasheet+RAB-32063-000.pdf)
XR: Knowles RAB-32257-000 (Datasheet: http://www.knowles.com/eng/content/download/5907/102941/version/9/file/Receiver+Datasheet+RAB-32257-000.pdf)
 
Product page:
 
http://www.knowles.com/eng/Products/Balanced-armature-receivers-and-speakers/Radio-communications/RAB-series-balanced-armature-speakers
http://www.knowles.com/eng/Applications/Specialty-components/Hearing-aid-components/Balanced-Armature-Products
 
The SR BA is described as being "our smallest full-range driver with level response" and the XR BA is described as being "Our smallest full-range driver with tuned vent for warm, distinct bass and crystal clear treble." Looks like the the XR BA is vented whereas the SR one isn't. 
 
An interesting note, it looks like moving from the ED series BAs in the ER4 to the RAB series BAs in the SR/XR, Etymotic has achieved from strong cost savings based on Mouser's pricing:
 
http://www.mouser.com/new/knowles/knowles-rab-armature-drivers/

 

[bioyuki]

 

[rawrster]

Does anyone use custom tips with the ER4SR? I was wondering if anything changes compared to regular tips. I imagine them being more comfortable but not sure if sound changes.

 

[luisdent]

Does anyone use custom tips with the ER4SR? I was wondering if anything changes compared to regular tips. I imagine them being more comfortable but not sure if sound changes.

I had used ACS customs and they were horrible in terms of altering the sound. Very bad. Rin posted a measurement of customs as well, and "typically" due to the depth and length of the custom sound tubes, etc. it is nearly impossible to retain the neutral signature with custom molded tips. At least from the multiple brands that were tested.

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2013/05/etymotic-research-customfit-ear-sleeves.html?m=1

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2010/11/customfit-ear-sleeves-for-er-4.html?m=1

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-deep-do-you-insert-you-er4.html?m=1

I even sent mine back mutliple times, and the tried to get the er4 housing deeper into the molding and work with me, remolded, re-fit, etc., but it didn't help enough. And placing filters in the molded eartip was suggested but also changes the response noticeably. In essence, for comfort, maybe. For sound, they're awful.

Now I don't know if some other method of custom tip would be better, like going through westone or something...

 

[uzi2]

  Does anyone use custom tips with the ER4SR? I was wondering if anything changes compared to regular tips. I imagine them being more comfortable but not sure if sound changes.

I've yet to see any custom tips that allow for deep enough insertion. Usually the Ety barrel goes only to the bend in the ear canal and not beyond. This is far from optimal and apart from degrading the sound also means that the Etys stick out too far making cable management awkward.
If anyone has a custom tip that allows for the proper deep insertion, I would love to know of it.

 

[Makahl]

  I don't read Korean but some interesting info from the Seeko review (I'm guessing here). In terms of the BAs themselves:
 
 

I really don't know but judging these datasheets there's a notable difference after 11 kHz in terms of the extension, maybe Ety has a custom model or the exact know-how to achievement a better tuning at high frequencies. 

 

[uzi2]

I had used ACS customs and they were horrible in terms of altering the sound. Very bad. Rin posted a measurement of customs as well, and "typically" due to the depth and length of the custom sound tubes, etc. it is nearly impossible to retain the neutral signature with custom molded tips. At least from the multiple brands that were tested.

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2013/05/etymotic-research-customfit-ear-sleeves.html?m=1

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2010/11/customfit-ear-sleeves-for-er-4.html?m=1

I even sent mine back mutliple times, and the tried to get the er4 housing deeper into the molding and work with me, but it didn't help help enough. And placing filters in the molded eartip was suggested but also changes the response noticeably. In essence, for comfort, maybe. For sound, they're awful.

Now I don't know if some other method of custom tip would be better, like going through westone or something...

http://rinchoi.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-deep-do-you-insert-you-er4.html?m=1

I had the ACS tips, originally for HF5. It sounded OK with the HF5, but horrible with ER4.

 

[rawrster]

Thanks for the quick replies. I guess that settles it for me. I've been holding off buying some replacement tips since I wasn't sure if custom tips would work out since it's only $150 or so at ACS but it seems that they are a bad match. That saved me $150. I'll go to B&H this weekend and just purchase a set of tips instead.

 

[bioyuki]

Can anyone suggest a shorter (preferably around 36") MMCX cable for my XR? Everything aftermarket seems to be in the 50" range like the stock cable which is too long for my needs....

 

[AnyDave]

 

  Hello, EtyDave.
 
Do you remember about photo comparison of IEMs body? 

I had asked some time ago about ER4 vs HD5 vs MC5.
If it's not too much for you, of course.

 
Sorry Max, it took me longer to get to it than I thought.
 
I don't think I'm going to be getting any phone calls to do catalog shoots anytime soon, but here's a quick snap of four of our earphones.  From left to right (and bottom to top), they are MK5 - MC5 - HF5 - ER4.
 
As you can see, the HF5 got a bit dirty in the process. 
 

 

[polyrhythm]

wow, cannot believe I have not even been aware of new Etys SR-XR. Good on them for developing these legends further. I personally did not expect this, and am glad to see they have not gone down the route of multi drivers etc but rather refine an already superb product.(with options) 
 
Interestingly I do not see the 'glider' ear tips included in the package or as an accessory option. The glider tips for me are great although they are not durable and cost wise need replacing too often (note: I have found a possible solution to this that will be trying soon, so for those that like gliders it might be really good and save money)
 
There is no way I am departing with ER-4s so will not take advantage of Etymotic upgrade options and for me the XR is a logical 'leisure' option to get hold of when it is available in U.K on amazon for decent price because I am not going to pay £329.04 for them from the official Etymotic U.K site.

 

[uzi2]

  Interestingly I do not see the 'glider' ear tips included in the package or as an accessory option. The glider tips for me are great although they are not durable and cost wise need replacing too often (note: I have found a possible solution to this that will be trying soon, so for those that like gliders it might be really good and save money)

 
Gliders are my favourites for comfort, but fully agree they don't last long enough to make economic sense.
I'll be interested to hear your "possible solution". The Ety tips started life as ear defenders and they are modified to have the hole through the middle and glued on plastic tube. It is possible to DIY this process, but a bit too much of a faff for the potential savings.