Did anyone try to compare the SQ of ER3XR with 20ohm impedance adapter and ER4XR?
I can't find any further discussion about it. Did it truly sound identical or was it just in graph?
I don't have a ER3XR, but based on what I've read, they are darker sounding compared to ER4XR. So, i'm wondering if it is possible for them to sound identical with the impedance adapter.
Hi PowerCycles,
Your lucky, I have had an ER3XR for a year now and added an ER4XR last week so I started comparing them this morning. For this comparison I have used an Ibasso DX160 DAP, the original Etymotic cables, and original tripple flange ear tips, 3.5mm SE connector. Impedance adpater of 30 ohm. Tests are all done by ear. The ER4XR's are still brand new and I only have about 50 Hrs usage on them.
ER3XR vs ER4XR:
My first impression is that the bass on the ER3XR is similar in strength as that on the ER4XR, but the ER3XR I find more woolly and congested. The notes on the ER4XR are a better defined. The biggest change I hear are in middle and upper frequencies. On te ER4XTR these note feel faster, more airy and more "fresh". To be fair the difference is not huge. This was a bit of a surprise to me because I was expecting a drop on bass volume on the ER4XR, as is happening by adding the impedance adapter.
ER3XR + 30 ohm adapter vs ESR3XR without adapter.
I used a 30 ohm impedance adapter which comes close to you 20ohm request. The ohm values I have find on the web go form 23 ohm to 75 ohm so there is a rather big variation. When adding the impedance adapter, the bass volume drops by a few decibel. This lifts the middle and highs and make it less woolly, the bass bleed less into the middle notes. IMO this gives the effect of stronger (louder) middle and high frequency notes. This works well on heavy bass tracks lifting the mids and highs. A subtle but welcome change in frequency response.
ER3XR + 30 ohm adapter vs ESR4XR
Now the million dollar question, how do these compare. Adding the impedance adapter on the ERS3XR lifts its mids and highs making them feel louder/stronger, making them sound more like the ER4XR. However IMO the quality of the notes on the ER4XR are better, faster and more fresh. The changed frequency response on the ER3XR+30ohm can not make up for the lift in quality of the ER4XR.
Again, the differences between the ER3XR and ER4XR are small and I can understand that some cant hear the difference. I only bought the ER4XR because I love the ER3XR. I wanted a spare pair and Black Friday prices (on amazon US) pushed me into buying the ER4XR because they are the top op the range of Etymotic.
While experimenting I also tested the ER4XR + 30ohm impedance adapter. The impact is similar to the ER3XR + adapter. The bass volume drops a few decibel, making the frequency response more like the ER4SR.