Which in-ear phones?

[funch]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of in-ear 'phones for transportable use, and I've narrowed (?) my choices down to: Ety ER4S, Shure E4, Super.fi 5 pro, and Westone UM2. I haven't heard any of them, and was wondering which would give me the most neutral sound. Of course, comfort is important as well. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[SiBurning]

Don't look. Listen.

There are too many variables. Type of music. How loud you play it. Whether you prefer extra bass. Whether you prefer distortion at 4k or 8k. What you plug into. What tips you use. Where you listen. What mood you're in.

I can't decide between my Etymotic er4p, Westone um2, and Shure e5. I like the Etymotics best, but there's something annoying about them too that makes me glad I can swap and get a different sound. Westone for loud rock. Shure for certain classical. Except Shures sound distant or something, so I'll often use the Etys. Bah! Can't decide. They all have strengths and weaknesses.

Enjoy the music.

 

[Alex M]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiBurning There are too many variables. Type of music. How loud you play it. Whether you prefer extra bass. Whether you prefer distortion at 4k or 8k. What you plug into. What tips you use. Where you listen. What mood you're in.

You also need to decide how much isolation you require, and whether you are planning to use them on the go. I found that almost complete isolation provided by my ER4P may be a bit dangerous for walking in NYC traffic but was very helpful on long flights. I also do not like the cord noise I get when walking, but it is not an issue when I am sitting still.

 

[BushGuy]

In the under $500 category I'd stay with Ety 6l or 4, or Sure E-5. Keep in mind that foam sleeves are best used in airplanes as they do not sound as good for regular use. The microphonics issue - I find it is easy to adjust ones' walking pace to the music where it essentially evolves into a non-issue. I think you'll find, regarding comfort, that all non-custom sleeves provide little difference in comfort - irrespective of iem brand. The next step is a visit to audiologist for custom moulds --> eventually, the big bucks for eg. Sensaphonics. Truthfully, at the lower end of the price spectrum you will want amplification ie. Xin Supermini (a night and day experience w/Ety - can't say re Shure E-5). The near-total isolation in using iem - always great, but the music will always be in your head - not the sound-stage presentation of good speakers/subwoofer.

 

[BRBJackson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BushGuy Keep in mind that foam sleeves are best used in airplanes as they do not sound as good for regular use.

I have to take issue with that statement. Plenty of users here report that their IEM's sound best with foamies. It's mainly a personal fit and preference thing.

 

[VicAjax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex M I found that almost complete isolation provided by my ER4P may be a bit dangerous for walking in NYC traffic...

i walk around nyc every day with my etys (tri-flange, not foam), and i have no problem. i find being aware with my eyes is safer for me than being aware with my ears, which are too often distracted. YMMV.

 

[parrot5]

Quote:

Keep in mind that foam sleeves are best used in airplanes as they do not sound as good for regular use

Depends on what "good" is... My own issue here:http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=147288

 

[solvexyz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by funch was wondering which would give me the most neutral sound.

To me, I believe Shure e4c gives you the most neutral sound.

It got decent bass, but not as much as UM2 or e5c.
It got decent high, but not as good as ER4p
It got really sweet mid.