Which ER4?

[WSLam]

I am trying to decide between the ER4s and ER4p.
I have a very proper headphone setup (Linn CD12 -> RudiStor 5cvi -> HD650), and am looking for a pair that is more portable.
Problem is, since it's portable, I may no necessarily be using it with the headphone amp. So the portable is primarily for iPOD (or similar device), or even to my ThinkPad...or on the plane etc.
Now from reading ETY's website, I should be getting the ER4p. But looking at the boost in bass, I am worried that the sound will be very unnatural. I listen to 99% Classical (not the 'mild' classical, but more late romantics) and don't know if the 4p's bass curve will be too exagerrated?
I also read that the 4P can be used with an Amp whereas the 4s MUST use an amp? am i getting the correct picture?

ws

 

[svanerik]

The er-4p can easily be transformed to er-4s via a cable converter. So buy them both and no headache!

 

[JohnRich]

The boost in bass with the 4P over the 4S isn't noticable in a portable setting unless you are driving it with a portable amp - it will never reach let alone exceed the level of bass output you'd be used to with the HD650; it's more the case that you'd find the bass lacking if you used the 4S out of portable equipment. If you opt for an Ipod or similar for portable use then I'd think the 4P would work well.

If you get the 4P+4S converter and find the 4S would suit your needed better then Etymotic can convert from 4P to 4S for approx $50

 

[doobooloo]

ER-4S.

Using them with portables isn't such a big deal. Straight out of my Thinkpad T41 they sound fabulous, as well as from my iAudio m3 unamped.

I had the 4P before, and the very slightly increased bass is not nearly enough to compensate for the worsened tonality and increased distortion.

 

[appar111]

Quote:

Originally Posted by doobooloo ER-4S. Using them with portables isn't such a big deal. Straight out of my Thinkpad T41 they sound fabulous, as well as from my iAudio m3 unamped. I had the 4P before, and the very slightly increased bass is not nearly enough to compensate for the worsened tonality and increased distortion.

increased distortion? that's one thing I've never heard of with Etys....

 

[doobooloo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by appar111 increased distortion? that's one thing I've never heard of with Etys....

The ER-4P is distorted relative to the ER-4S. Of course, they are still very neutral compared to other phones.

The lower the serial impedance on those little capsules, it seems, the higher the distortion. I have tried the ERs with even <10 ohms of impedance, and at that level the sound becomes boomy and the tonality suffers quite a bit, while it can be driven to much higher levels out of a portable. The ER-4P exhibits some type of this distortion, relative to the ER-4S.

 

[JohnRich]

I'd agree that the 4P does have less clarity and range than a adequately powered 4S; for portable use with less powerful equipment the 4Ps are a good compromise.

 

[zool]

This might be a stupid qeustion, but I'll ask it anyway.. If you can turn 4P in to a 4S with a cable, how come it's not possible to do vise versa (4S to a 4P)?

 

[JohnRich]

The 4P cable has a lower resistance; you can add resitance passively via a cable with resistors, but you'd need extra power to go the other way. Etymotic can entirely remove the cable and replace it to change ER4S->P.

 

[episiarch]

For me the deciding factor is the flexible 4P earphone cable vs. the much stiffer 4S earphone cable. I find the slimmer cable less bothersome to wear so for that reason I recommend the 4P. But I much prefer the 4S sound so I always listen to my 4P's with the 4P->4S adaptor.

 

[WSLam]

Thank you so much for all the responses.
Before doobooloo's post, the E4P seems to be the clear choice, but now I am not so sure if compromising tonality is the way to go to get some boost in bass.
I have only heard the 'lowly' E6i before. How would those 4P and 4R compare?

 

[Kirosia]

Just to state, the er-4p cable is less microphonic than that of th er-4s. This makes a big difference if you plan on using them on-the-go.

 

[doobooloo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirosia Just to state, the er-4p cable is less microphonic than that of th er-4s. This makes a big difference if you plan on using them on-the-go.

Well this is true but even the ER-4P was way too microphonic for me to use on the road (walking) - I only use the Etys sitting down (on bus, plane, etc.) anyway, so it doesn't make a difference for me.

 

[JohnRich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSLam Thank you so much for all the responses. Before doobooloo's post, the E4P seems to be the clear choice, but now I am not so sure if compromising tonality is the way to go to get some boost in bass. I have only heard the 'lowly' E6i before. How would those 4P and 4R compare?

Haven't heard the 6i; the ER6 is closer (in bass anyway) to the ER4S and really needs an amp to perform at it's best. I believe that the 6i is tuned to boost bass in a similar way to the 4p.

Did you like the ER6i sound ?

 

[WSLam]

The 6i sound a little lean and sterile to my ears. and they pick up so much sound (microphonic).