[skyles]

I want to here anyone and everyones opinion on which is the best canal phone regardless of price for portable use. I have narrowed my choices down to these three models but I have not had the pleasure of listening to any of them.

1. Etymotic Er-4p

2. Shure E5

3. Sensaphonic ProPhonic 2x Soft


Any input that anyone has will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Gopher]

I got my ER4S' in the mail today... while I haven't sat down to do any critical listening... (speaking of which, I might as well grab 'em now) they accompanied me to the gym. To describe these headphones in a word-- "violating"

I have no doubt I'll get used to them soon, and my first impression is that they sounded quite good considering they were sourced with a portable (CT-470) and supermini v1... I was impressed by the sound stage as my predjudices led me to believe it would be a sort of in head expereince... the detail resolution was pretty good as well, I can imagine them sounding phenominal with proper amplification and a good source, but all in all I'm not sure I'm gonna keep 'em more then a few weeks... they'll accompany me on a family vacation at the end of this month... at that point I'll decide on their fate.

Sorry I can't offer direct comparissions... but do heed my word of caution on canal phones... they might not be your cup of tea.

 

[austonia]

yeah, ety's rape your ear sockets, but its all good. they sound good n stuff.

 

[skyles]

I own a pair of er-6's and I am really disappointed with the sound after all the hype I read on the internet about them (not to mention they hurt like hell) I've been looking for a replacement (upgrade) for them but I am unsure what direction to take. Everyone here rave's about the er-4p(s)'s (again the hype) and I have come very close to purchasing a pair, but I dont want to blow another $230 plus on these and have them sitting in a corner some where like my $130 er-6's. I hear the Shure E-5 have a more dynamic (bright) 3d soundstage and much better bass response but on the other hand I hear that the Sensaphonic ProPhonic 2x(s) are even a step above the Shure's (well at least in price anyway).

 

[xlifez]

no offence but the ety looks kind of cheap things, since it has the "RED" and "BLUE" on one side and another... damn u must be loaded to buy those stuff eh?

i think go for E5 since i hear alot of good things about the E series..

 

[Flasken]

Would a mod please change the thread title to one that doesn't make you think the thread contains a shoot out between canal phoneS??

 

[acs236]

The ETY 4S is one of my absolute favorite headphones. As for comfort, it depends on the person. Some people, like myself, find them very comfortable. In fact, I find them more comfortable than just about any supraaural phone, but I guess they take some getting used to. I haven't heard a phone that I consider better in every way than the 4S.

 

[Guyferd]

if you can get the comfort, etys er 4p/s are fantastic!!!
detail, precise imaging, everything!!

 

[MadDog]

I must agree that e5 is such a powerful little creature and I have no complaint about its sound quality whatsoever without an amp, plus have no doubt that this thing could last decades of heavy use. Nevertheless, I feel so uncomfortable wearing it even with the custom earmold. It feels so heavy on my ear but then I have extrememly small ear canal and rather fragile ear structure. I only wear e5 occasionally when I go to gym right now.

I am now waiting on prophonics 2x-s to arrive and if this thing could provide me the same sound quality at much better comfort level, I may have to let e5 go..Just hoping that I get my money's worth with pro 2x-s! Btw - I didn't find er-4p/s to be that impressive in sound quality lacking viceral bass with narrow soundstage..

 

[Welly Wu]

Yo! Welcome!

I got the ER-4S and I like them a lot. I haven't heard the two other earphones you mentioned but I can tell you about the ER-4S. I thought: "Maybe this thingie will not be comfortable in my ears." It took the better part of a day for me to adjust to them and now they fit just right in my ear canals. I don't experience any problems with them. You ought to consider getting the large yellow foam tips if you have large ear canals or if you prefer foam tips but want the best possible sound quality from these ER-4Ss. They're good and they feel comfortable. Sound quality wise, it seems to me that you've been doing some research. Yeah, they're extremely detailed and the sound stage is quite filling in your head. They're neutral and uncolored alright. Balance is good too. I'd say that the thing about these earphones as you might already know is that the bass is a bit weak WHEN you are like walking outside or exercising with them. I can't hear the bass at all in my ears when I'm walking in the park. The other thing is that there's a lot of microphonics with these cans as they are manufactured today. You might want to wait before buying a pair of them for about 6 - 7 months. Etymotic is coming with a newer version as you might already know that will reduce microphonics and the cord length as well. Check doobooloo's thread. He's got the prototype.

By the way, why don't you buy them used? You could save yourself $50 or more dollars! Check the marketplace here.

 

[skyles]

mad dog i am still eagerly awaiting your opinion on the pro 2x's, i'm more than likely going to go with which ever one you think is best since its impossible for me to test the e5's or the 2x's from where i'm at. I had thougt about buying both and sending back the pair with inferior sound but i dont think you can return custom ear molds. plus a visit to an audiologist would be a hassle all by itself it were all for naught.

 

[swalker]

I found a pretty detailed review of E5. The only problem is that it's in Korean but babelfish might be able to translate some of it.

http://www.cdpkorea.com/zboard4/zboa...sc=asc&no=3373

 

[MadDog]

skyles
sensaphoncs offered two types of cables 1) teflon cable similar to e5 terminating to a separate black stereo cable that goes to audio unit 2) one piece, braided hardwired e1 style cable which looks much lighter. I went along with cable #2 because it would definitely be lighter on my ear. Sensaphonics said the black stereo cable alone will weight approximately 3~4oz, way too heavy.

Hopefully I with receive this phone in a week or little more, at which time I will wirte up something as a average user for those who are interested.

 

[skyles]

how much did the audiologist visit cost you maddog, and how long did the visit take?

 

[Sentral Dogma]

Quote:

Originally posted by skyles I own a pair of er-6's and I am really disappointed with the sound after all the hype I read on the internet about them (not to mention they hurt like hell) I've been looking for a replacement (upgrade) for them but I am unsure what direction to take. Everyone here rave's about the er-4p(s)'s (again the hype) and I have come very close to purchasing a pair, but I dont want to blow another $230 plus on these and have them sitting in a corner some where like my $130 er-6's.

if you have er-6's and don't like'em, then er4's will be even MORE disappointing. Cuz you'll look at your receipt and think,"*****!" Your wallet will start talking to you and it'll say, "what the hell did you do that for?" Remember, hype is only opinion, and my opinion on ety's is that they have great "sound" but can't play music for ****.