Ready to Step Up from the Etymotic Research Hf5 - But Lacking Experience/Knowledge
Dec 28, 2012 at 4:44 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 22
sheldonkreger

sheldonkreger

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Hi Everybody,
 
A few months ago I broke my Hf5's for the third time and the warranty was over. I really liked the sound but I'm not willing to buy another pair because they keep breaking despite my best efforts to treat them nicely.
 
To replace them temporarily, I bought a pair of Grado igi's because they were in my price range and in stock locally (I live in Portland, OR). I was also curious to compare them to the Hf5's. Overall, I don't think very highly of them.
 
Please see my review here:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/643342/my-first-review-etymotic-research-hf5-vs-grado-igi
 
Now, I'm ready to step up to a better IEM. My price range is $400 and under, including accessories. I'm willing to get an amp within that price range, or to add one later on (a can of worms I have yet to open). 
 
What I really like about they Hf5's is the overall analytical detail and clarity. I'm a musician (drummer) and I love to really dig into what the musicians are doing, so separation is critical for me. It is the combination of warmth and clarity which I really enjoy about the Hf5s. I would like to have more balance and maybe something a bit more gentle. I don't like overemphasis on lows. (see above review for more detail on my tastes).
 
I primarily listen to jazz fusion, contemporary jazz, and hip hop.
 
If you have any questions or thoughts, please let me know!
 
-sheldon
 
Dec 28, 2012 at 10:33 PM Post #3 of 22
Quote:
gsarider said:
Firstly, it would be good to know how they're breaking and see if there is a pair that are more suited to the strains you're placing on them.
Personally I love the IE80's but I'm not sure if these would suit your musical tastes.
Click to expand...

If I'm walking or moving, I always try to point the cable up and wrap the wires behind my ears. But, I'm not sure if that's effective in eliminating the strain, since I'm still having problems.
 
Funny you mention the IE80's. I tried the IE60's today and was very impressed. They're at the top of the list alongside the ER4s. However, nowhere in town carries the ER4 so I can't try them on, I'm only guessing based on reviews :-/
 
Have you tried either the ER4 or the IE60? If so, how would you compare them to your IE80's? How would you compare the Hf5 to the IE80?
 
Any help is appreciated :)
 
-sheldon
 
Dec 28, 2012 at 11:05 PM Post #5 of 22
I have tried the Er4's and they sounded good, however the triple flange tips were uncomfortable plus I like having the cables behind my ears also, which the IE80's do. I also like the IE80's totally replaceable cable, which, in my opinion is usually the weak point in a lot of IEM's. the IE60's don't have a removable cable either and it really sounds like you need it to be.
 
Dec 29, 2012 at 10:09 PM Post #6 of 22
Quote:
gsarider said:
I have tried the Er4's and they sounded good, however the triple flange tips were uncomfortable plus I like having the cables behind my ears also, which the IE80's do. I also like the IE80's totally replaceable cable, which, in my opinion is usually the weak point in a lot of IEM's. the IE60's don't have a removable cable either and it really sounds like you need it to be.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help. A removable cable would be nice, but I don't think it justifies the price gap between the IE80's and the IE60's. Also looks like they might be out of my $400 budget. Is there any other difference between the two?
 
Here's my list right now:
 
Etymotic ER4
Sennheiser IE60 
Rockit R-50
 
Thanks again for all the help!
 
Dec 29, 2012 at 10:22 PM Post #8 of 22
The R-50 is a great choice, its got all the detail of the HF5 and the R-50 has a larger soundstage better imaging and instrument separation, for $120 they're hard to beat and are still one of my favorites after going through about 50 IEM this past year.
 
Also the TDK BA200 is another dual balanced armature under $150 that's very good.  Now it has a warmer sound but still has the detail you want and it to has a spacious sound with great separation and the imaging on the BA200 is a bit better than the R-50.  I'd rank both equal as far as sound quality and what it comes down to is do you want a brighter more analytical sound (the R-50) or a warmer smoother sound (the BA200).
 
Dec 29, 2012 at 10:36 PM Post #9 of 22
Just remember though... the R50 warranty is only parts/labor for 90 days. You get 1 year on parts but that is never the expensive portion of fixing something. Just want to add that because I didn't realize it before I ordered them. I had thought the industry standard was one year, you just pay for shipping but maybe I'm mistaken.
 
Dec 30, 2012 at 12:18 AM Post #10 of 22
I know someone who had a problem with their R-50 and it was past 90 days, they sent them back and got a new pair so I don't know about and just parts warranty.
 
Dec 30, 2012 at 3:36 AM Post #11 of 22
TechnoKid made some nice suggestions; I don't know if they're necessarily what you're looking for in an "upgrade", but they're good choices that won't break the bank. I'd also be partial to the BA200.
 
If you're ready to go the custom in-ear monitor route (which would be good for you if you perform on-stage often), the Cosmic Ears BA2 Twin Balanced Armature model seems like a good choice. It'll offer a bit more warmth compared to the HF5, and from what I've seen of its frequency response, it'll offer a mixture between the R-50 and the BA200.
 
Dec 30, 2012 at 3:41 AM Post #12 of 22
Quote:
tomscy2000 said:
TechnoKid made some nice suggestions; I don't know if they're necessarily what you're looking for in an "upgrade", but they're good choices that won't break the bank. I'd also be partial to the BA200.
 
If you're ready to go the custom in-ear monitor route (which would be good for you if you perform on-stage often), the Cosmic Ears BA2 Twin Balanced Armature model seems like a good choice. It'll offer a bit more warmth compared to the HF5, and from what I've seen of its frequency response, it'll offer a mixture between the R-50 and the BA200.
Click to expand...

 
That's the model I was getting tell my ear impressions got lost in the mail and that's when I ended up getting the BA200 which lead to the SM3.
 
Dec 30, 2012 at 3:54 AM Post #14 of 22
I'm not a big analytical listener so the SM3 is perfect for me.  The have the same amount of detail as the analytical R-50 and DBA-02 but in a much smoother way with awesome mids and 3D imaging which I love.  So really I'm glad they lost my impressions because it lead to me getting them.
 
Dec 30, 2012 at 1:32 PM Post #15 of 22
Quote:
tomscy2000 said:
TechnoKid made some nice suggestions; I don't know if they're necessarily what you're looking for in an "upgrade", but they're good choices that won't break the bank. I'd also be partial to the BA200.
 
If you're ready to go the custom in-ear monitor route (which would be good for you if you perform on-stage often), the Cosmic Ears BA2 Twin Balanced Armature model seems like a good choice. It'll offer a bit more warmth compared to the HF5, and from what I've seen of its frequency response, it'll offer a mixture between the R-50 and the BA200.
Click to expand...

 
It doesn't look like they have the BA2's available any more :frowning2:
 
http://cosmicearphones.com/products/custom-earphones/ba2/
 
(no order button, not on shopping page)
 
Do you know where to get them?
 
-sheldon
 
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