[swalker]

After strictely using the rubber(silicon) tip for a couple of months, I tried the foamies just to see how my taste has changed.

It's as if the venue has changed from a nice small room to a smokey, acoustically misconstructed bar. The sound is less "in my head" but the tonality is different. The sound is warmer and the treble is recessed. To make the matters worse the foamies put overly heavy pressure on my canals thereby giving me a headache after around an hour. I was surprised as I remember myself using foamies only when I first bought the etys and I couldn't stand the feeling of the rubber tips back then.

I guess the change in tonality is dependant on individual canal shapes but still makes me wonder which tip is more faithful to the designer's original intention.

 

[joelongwood]

Quote:

Originally posted by swalker \I guess the change in tonality is dependant on individual canal shapes but still makes me wonder what is the more faithful to the designer's intention.

I believe the Etys were designed with the silicon tips in mind, and that the foamies were created to allow people who had a hard time with the rubbers to experience Ety bliss....................almost.

 

[DigDub]

the foamies gave me serious sibilance on my er6. i pretty much prefer the sound from rubber tips.

 

[Uncledan]

I only use silicon, since it give me better seal.

 

[iamdone]

I always use the foamies but decided to compare with the silcone ones. I had to turn the volume down a bit because the sound was that much stronger. Everything sounds better. I'm still listening now.

The problem with the foamies is they wear out over time and don't create as good as a seal. I like them for work because they are easier to take out quicker but if the silcone ones sound that much better, I'm going to try and make the switch.

 

[usc goose]

to quote sir mixalot, "silicone parts were made for toys".

but as that seems not at all germaine to the subject at hand, i hate the foamies. all silicone for me.

 

[Bob Pepin]

Have you considered earmolds? The fit is precise, the seal is the best, and I find them much more comfortable than either the white tips or the foamies.

 

[downingp]

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Pepin Have you considered earmolds? The fit is precise, the seal is the best, and I find them much more comfortable than either the white tips or the foamies.

How much are we talking to get some custon earmolds?

 

[Bob Pepin]

Around $100 - $150. I got my from Scientific Plastics here in NYC. They sell Etys and hearing aids and make molds for holding monitors used in newcasting. Earmolds are $100, $30 if you buy the Etys from them (www.customearsets.com).

Etymotics site lists preferred manufacturers of earmolds (Scientific is among them) an generally recommends you get the molds made by someone familiar with Etys' headphones.

 

[skagen]

I used the plastic tips when I first got my Etys, they itched and they put way too much pressure on my ears. I persevered for a wee and a half, hoping that I would adapt to them (or they to me). Didn't happen. Finally one day I tried the foam tips - instant rapture and I've never looked back.

I've never tried the custom earmolds, but if I ever have $150 to blow, I just might check it own.

 

[troublemaker]

well i use the silicon tips as the foamies i cant get in my ears more than 2 mm without them scraping my ear with that dumass plastic tube!

i insert the silicon tips more fully (not too far i hope) and equalise the pressure and they sound far better.

Remeber - as with a lot of rubber things in life they are ribbed for pleasure!

i love them

 

[stuartr]

I could not deal with the silicon tips. I use the foamies. I think I would like to get the earmolds, but do you have to go into the office to do it? I am in Santa Barbara right now, and I doubt they have a place here that is familiar with it.

 

[Bob Pepin]

Scientific Plastics offers a kit for making the impression at their web site. You mail the impression back to them, they make the molds, drill them out for the Etys and mail the completed molds back to you.

I had them do all this at their showroom here in NYC. If I were doing it long distance, I think it'd be prudent to consult an audiologist and have them help/advise you with making the impression. An added expense, but when it comes to your hearing better more care than less.

 

[Gojira]

It seems to be an individual thing. I prefer the foamies if only because they give me far better noise isolation. I lost my original silicone ones though so I can't do a direct comparison at the moment. The biggest problem with the foamies is the cost. They really do wear out (IMO) in less than a week of use. I have tried making my own foam tips using the hot wire method without success. So in the long run they are very expensive, perhaps more so than custom molds.

For this reason (to save money), and because I cannot imagine every giving up my etys, I am considering a custom mold. Does anyone know how it compares to the foamies in terms of blocking sound?

 

[Bob Pepin]

Gojira,

While I can't say in decibels, I'm pretty sure earmolds' isolation is better than the foamies and the white silicone tips.

Your point about the expense is well taken - my guess is that you'd spend a good deal more on foam replacements than on a pair of earmolds, well before the earmolds need replacing.