Etymotic ER4SR & ER4XR

Awesome! Thanks, that's great news!

Recommending these to a friend now!

 

There's apparently going to be an option to upgrade your older ER4 to the new models: http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/earphones/er4-new.html

 

From the EtyDave's post on HF, here's a general FR curve for them.

 

LOL too bad my ER4's are in custom molds!

 

So I bought the ER4XR, and have been using them for the last couple days. They're a bit bright for my tastes, but I may just need to mentally adjust. Incredibly detailed like the ER4PT, but a bit of extra bass kick. They are not dark though, and thus do not do too well with EDM, or pop. Comfort wise, the nozzles are quite annoying. You need to stick them in pretty far to get a seal and doing so means any jaw movement causes a bit of pain. Also triple flanges are impossible to get a seal with for my ears.

So still all the problems and pros of the ER4PT, but with a touch more bass. I may return them within the 30 day period due to the comfort but I'll give them a few more days.

 

How is the cable? It looks like the old ER4 cable: Typical twisted pair above the 'Y', and a single jacketed cable below. Is the lower cable pliable and soft, or is it stiff with a mind of its own like the old cable?

 

So it seems like the same cable as the ER4PT. I'll compare it to my brother's ER4PT on Wednesday when I get back to Chicago.

 

@JewBear do you have any westone star tips around? I always like those on the Er4. For my canals, they work quite well.

 

No, but I'm nearly certain I'll be returning them. The discomfort combined with the brightness means they won't get much use.

 

Yes! Stoked to hear what everyone thinks.

 

I personally found that it is very comfortable with comply P series foam tips and tame treble slightly. If you have not returned already, you may try before returning it. You might like it..

 

I spent some time with the ER4XR today, I was expecting that midrange to start rattling my eardrums before long but ended up being amazed. It probably helps that I finally found a way to wear the triple flange tips without pain..

They have perfect bass in my opinion, although I tried the ER4SR as well and could certainly enjoy that too. Despite the included frequency graphs, I thought I noticed a little more midrange presence with the SR, but it could just be the lower bass level which was doing it.

 

How do you find XR comparing with old 4S? Do you notice more bass presence and higher accuracy?

 

My mother actually bought them off me as she wanted a super isolating pair. I may grab them next time I see her and try the comply.

 

Decomo - "How do you find XR comparing with old 4S? Do you notice more bass presence and higher accuracy?" (I'm not sure how quoting works here - it's weird)

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the old 4S, I can only compare with the 4SR which I'm told is pretty much a 4S anyway. Bass presence is definitely higher but still within acceptable limits (this is Etymotic after all). I'm discovering flaws in recordings all over the place which I never spotted before so definitely accurate and revealing.

Again I suspect that the SR is a little more revealing, but am put off by the frequency response graphs which came with the earphones. Both are identical above about 800Hz, so make of that what you will.

 

Your mother has great taste on gear...

 

I have not tried SR so cannot comment but many people on HeadFi shared that preference sequence is SR>XR>4S>4P>4B. SR has higher clarity than 4S and shares similar sound signature of 4S but improved on all account. 4XR is slightly bass boosted while maintaining 4S clarity. My only dissatisfaction on 4S was slight lack on bass quantity and 4XR keeps same clarity of 4S but slightly improved bass quantity which is perfect for me.

 

So with my out of warranty ER4S I can either: (1) sell them for about $150 on the used market and then pay about $200 out of pocket for an ER4SR or (2) send them to Etymotic and then pay $275 out of pocket for the ER4SR.

Really only worth it if you bought your ER4 within the last six months.