Hi soundstige, thanks for replying. I did a bit of searching out side of this forum, and found my answer. Red is the RIGHT channel, Black is the LEFT channel, White is unused and simply needs to be trimmed back..
I have fitted the much more sturdier Neutrik 3.5mm jack. And, damn, thank god. After using the Etymotic's for over a decade, using the other ear buds was simply dreadful.
A break is good for the soul though. Because now, the Etymotic's just sound immense. I look forward to trying them with the P to S adapter, and my portable head phone amp.
Finally. I have book marked this thread. If I need any assistance in the future, I know exactly where to come. Many thanks to all the kind folks who replied to my newbie questions.
Have fun. Anil