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New <$150 IEMs for ER-6i User

Sep 29, 2011 at 4:34 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 14
TIGR

TIGR

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I've been researching possibilities but would appreciate advice specifically addressing what I'm looking for in consideration of what I'm accustomed to from the gurus here at Head-Fi!

What I'm accustomed to is my Etymotic ER-6is and they're the only IEMs I can remember hearing (long story but I have amnesia). I like their clarity and to me they sound fairly neutral, but I'm not going to put much stock in my own observations at this point. Neutrality is important to me as I do some [casual] recording (piano, guitar, vocals, who knows what else in the future). I also like their isolation, and isolation is very important to me.

There are a few things I do not like about the ER-6i IEMs. Firstly, the microphonics are problematic. I loop the cords over my ears but I'm an active guy and they don't stay real well. Secondly, fit: if they're not inserted just right, say good-bye to clarity, neutrality, and a quite a chunk of treble. Even if they are inserted just right, a little bit of jogging can change that pretty fast. Finally, replacing the filters. I am meticulous about keeping my ears clean but I still need to buy replacement filters more often than I'd like. Oh and I wouldn't mind slightly more bass, but it's not important and I prefer quality over quantity.

Value is important to me so I'm looking for one inexpensive pair to use both for recording/editing and for listening during exercise, etc. I listen to all genres. No, seriously: it wouldn't be weird to see Enya, Frank Sinatra, Linkin Park, Mozart, Rachmaninov, and Slipknot next to each other on one of my playlists.

The order in which I prioritize is roughly:

1. Value (bang for the buck up-front and long-term including things like filters)
2. Consistently high accuracy/neutrality and isolation (without being overly finicky about insertion and movement)
3. Clarity, dynamics, soundstage, and microphonics
4. Build quality/durability
5. Comfort and style

I would be grateful for a "best choice under $100" and "best choice under $150" option, as well as suggestions for any higher-priced models you happen to spot at a truly exceptional price. Hopefully this post is intelligent and specific enough not to garner a bunch of "use the search button!" replies. :) I have searched and would just like some specialized advice.

Thank you Head-Fi gurus.
 
Sep 29, 2011 at 4:49 PM Post #3 of 14
Thank you. I have in fact had the HF5s in mind and will look into them more closely now. Pure coincidence that I am considering another product from Etymotic as I'm not one for brand loyalty (or bashing).
 
Sep 29, 2011 at 5:24 PM Post #5 of 14
I hadn't thought about the HF2s. Now that you mention it, maybe I could use that mic. Do you think the HF2s would be appropriate/useful for gaming/VoIP (e.g. Ventrilo)? Perhaps it's a dumb question. I gather that's not their intended usage, just wonder how well one could expect it to work for that.
 
Sep 29, 2011 at 8:35 PM Post #6 of 14
Sony EX600, RE0, PFE112, DBA-02, UE700 and HS Crystal.
 
Oct 4, 2011 at 1:36 AM Post #9 of 14
RE2 or RE0. I actually went to the RE2 after the ER6i. More colouration and less treble extension, but an upgrade in every other way, but now that RE0 is $80, really no point in the RE2. Audeo Phonak PFE112 would compliment an Ety nicely like ZARIM said. Don't worry, you're not going to find anything with less bass response than the ER6i 
tongue_smile.gif

 
Oct 4, 2011 at 1:49 AM Post #10 of 14
HF5's are terrific for the value, I've never used the HF2's but I have a friend who uses one with his phone and the mic does seem to work pretty well.
The dba02's or the Brainwavz B2's, which are pretty much the same, are also very good earphones for the price.  They have nearly the same sound signature as the HF5's, crystal clear and focused on highs/mids with less emphasis on the lower end.  They also are supposed to be worn over the ears.  HF5's can sort of be worn over the ears, but the cord didn't stay up so well for me.
 
Oct 4, 2011 at 11:47 AM Post #11 of 14
x3 for Brainwavz B2 love the isolation, you can use the er4 triple flange (interchangeable with the er6i's i believe) on them, just visit the B2 trend from time to time and check if there are any specials, they can cost as low as 100 shipped. These earphones gave me the wow factor as my first iem did which were the er6i.
 
Oct 4, 2011 at 12:17 PM Post #12 of 14


Quote:
milford30 said:
x3 for Brainwavz B2 love the isolation, you can use the er4 triple flange (interchangeable with the er6i's i believe) on them, just visit the B2 trend from time to time and check if there are any specials, they can cost as low as 100 shipped. These earphones gave me the wow factor as my first iem did which were the er6i.
Click to expand...


The B2 has been as low as 100?  When was the last time and does it happen often?
 
 
 
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