Trading DT770/80's for ER4P's-- am I crazy?

[appar111]

I've been looking at changing the sound up lately, and since I've got a nice amp lately, I was thinking about selling my DT770/80's and going to the ER4P or ER4S's, since pricing on them is pretty reasonable nowadays. Since I listen to alot of rock and metal (Iron Maiden, Marilyn Manson, Megadeth), but also alot of poppier & electronic stuff (Prince & Bjork) would this be a bad idea? I'm just looking to hear more layers of detail and generally a more intimate experience than what I'm getting with the DT770/80's.

Initially I was looking into Grado, which is still a possibility, but I'm looking for something less open (I listen while on the computer in the same room as my girlfriend while watching tv), and Grado's are about as open as they get. Which leads me to the ER4 series. I could probably grab the ER6's cheap now, but I've had them before and really would like to hear what Ety's top end stuff is capable of.

So should I do it? I listen to most of my music while on the computer, or in bed-- basically stationary listening. I figure I can get the ER4 for about $30-40 out of pocket after selling the DT770/80's.

 

[holeinmywallet]

I haven't heard the DT770/80, but I always thought er4 did poorly with electronic music compared to how it did with acoustic music. The treble just sounded strange and off with electric guitar.

 

[TURBO]

Do you really want to go canal? I remember when I got my ir6i's. I was planning to have it for stationary listening, but it is impossible. When people talk to you, they even get mad at you. To get those babies in / out is a mission.
Canal phones are the closest to perfection you can get now days. But they are not for everyday listening unless, you live alone or dont have many friends. Now, I do have my etys just for trips or when I want to isolate myself where nobody can find me.

 

[Feanor]

Wouldnt that be going from one extreme of bass to another?

 

[appar111]

Monday morning bump for this post... would really like some more opinions, thanks!

 

[Jahn]

I've listened to metal with the ER4P, amped with SR71 and unamped. Not for a long time tho mind you.

My impression was that you will miss the Bass that the DT770 gives you. I wouldn't call it intimate just because they are IEM - in fact the clinical detail and lack of bass and dryness of the Etys left me quite uninvolved versus the fun bass of the DT770.

Of course you could get a xin product with bass boost to help you out, and a DT770 for a ER4P is a good swap price wise - but i'd make sure this is the approach you want to stay with. After all they are two totally opposite beasts.

 

[eastside504]

I had both. I like the ER4p's highs and the bass was decent enough for me even for rock and techno music. The 770/80 didnt have the balance or mids that i liked, however it was more comfortable and easier to use listening at home. It just two differnt headphone for two different purpose. If you are used to the bass of the 770/80 then you are going to be disappointed in the bass from the ER4, however the mids and treble are going to blow you away. IMO i prefer the ER4 sound more then the Beyer and used it a lot more. I only used the Beyer for games and for bass driven music.

 

[Talonz]

As long as you still have the HD-25 in your profile and you're looking for the Ety sound, I think it's worth a shot. Obviously, you already know that the sound is going to be completely different, but the caveat to the etys is that you really do need another pair of headphones. I find that I use my MS-1 just as much as my Etys for convenience. The Etys take the long listening sessions though

 

[appar111]

Actually, I need to update my profile, as I no longer have the HD25's. Basically, my main cans are the DT770's, with the backup/standby's being the Sportapros.

Oddly enough, the bass isn't always the focus with the DT770's on all music. Alot of times, I find the high end being what grabs my attention first, especially on older metal albums (Powerslave by Iron Maiden is a good example).

I realize there's going to be a big difference in the fundamental sound. When I had the ER6's, I remember thinking "they're definitely not bassy, but wow! I never heard that part in that song before, etc." Alot of uncovering of details-- and that was with no amp. I guess that's why I'm sort of stoked-- because I didn't mind the presentation that the ER6's were giving me. I could still hear the bass, but more as an instrument than an ear-tickler. And if I liked the ER6 sound, then the ER4 sound is way better, from what I've read. It's a trade off, for sure, but I'm realizing that having big bass, while enjoyable, isn't everything.

I want to really get into the texture of the songs, the layering, the detail, almost like having a magnifying glass put on the music to bring me that much closer-- hearing pick scrapes on guitar strings, whispers in the background of tracks, really clear cymbals, that sort of thing.

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 Actually, I need to update my profile, as I no longer have the HD25's. Basically, my main cans are the DT770's, with the backup/standby's being the Sportapros. Oddly enough, the bass isn't always the focus with the DT770's on all music. Alot of times, I find the high end being what grabs my attention first, especially on older metal albums (Powerslave by Iron Maiden is a good example). I realize there's going to be a big difference in the fundamental sound. When I had the ER6's, I remember thinking "they're definitely not bassy, but wow! I never heard that part in that song before, etc." Alot of uncovering of details-- and that was with no amp. I guess that's why I'm sort of stoked-- because I didn't mind the presentation that the ER6's were giving me. I could still hear the bass, but more as an instrument than an ear-tickler. And if I liked the ER6 sound, then the ER4 sound is way better, from what I've read. It's a trade off, for sure, but I'm realizing that having big bass, while enjoyable, isn't everything. I want to really get into the texture of the songs, the layering, the detail, almost like having a magnifying glass put on the music to bring me that much closer-- hearing pick scrapes on guitar strings, whispers in the background of tracks, really clear cymbals, that sort of thing.

Be careful of what you wish for - I wanted the same detail, so I got the CD3K, and it delivered in spades. But when I found myself buying an eq to make up for the bass deficiency, i said time to move on.

And you are right - the DT770 isn't just a bass monster - it brings the highs too. The overall presentation is like the "V" on an eq - not too realistic, but fun, and will bring out alot of detail - but not too realistically lol. For instance my DT770 with cymbals was like a HISSHISSHISS and the MS-2 was like TssTssTss and the SR200 was like "hello, i'm a cymbal."

at this stage in the game, it's apples and oranges - going from a big comfy closed can to an IEM is going to mean alot of changes, and you may or may not decide it was worth the swap - good luck either way!

 

[appar111]

Since I've tried the ER6 before, it won't be too much adjustment to IEM's-- and I've heard that the insertion with the ER4 series is easier than the ER6.

There will be more isolation, that's for sure, so I'll have to take into account the hassle of taking them out, putting them back in, etc.

Compared to the DT770, I'll be getting "hyper-detail", which I think I'd like.

I really wish that Grados weren't so open! I would probably grab some SR325's as they would be a killer choice for metal, and for details, but again, more of an exaggerated level of detail rather than the "hello, I'm a cymbal" sort of situation.

So would Grado be the way to go for getting that high end detail AND bass? Again, there's a sacrifice involved... namely being banished to the basement den while listening to music, so as not to disturb others...

 

[Jahn]

i'd say grado has the best bass slam out of the choices you've mentioned - the DT770 digs deeper in the bass dept and the etys dig shallower. but for impact, grados rule supreme. for details in the highs, i'd say the etys have the leg up, then the grado then dt770. mids? grados win.

 

[daycart1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by holeinmywallet I haven't heard the DT770/80, but I always thought er4 did poorly with electronic music compared to how it did with acoustic music. The treble just sounded strange and off with electric guitar.

The Etys deliver ALL the bass, but it is musical bass without the thumping impact. I agree with the above that the biggest difference is in treble detail and presentation. Something like "distance." I get used to it pretty quickly, but it IS something you have to get used to, especially with non-acoustic music.

 

[appar111]

well, I listen to alot of non-acoustic music. So how would I need to get used to this presentation, or "distance" as you called it? Can you explain it a little more?

 

[Talonz]

I think he means the bass has distance. It's like real bass.. but in your head