Short Etymotic ER-6i Review

[neoxphuse]

Before buying the ER-6i earphones, I had two pair of ipod earphones which went bad within 4 months. The included ipod earphones were like their damn batteries, good for the first bit then dramatically drops in production. After going through some research, and reviews on the forum I decided to purchase a pair.

First thing I notice was how uncomfortable these were. After finally getting a decent seal with the 3-flage tips I could hear the difference. The bass was considerably reduced, but I could hear the crystal clear details. I was thinking to myself, was it worth spending the extra $70 on something I felt like that wasn't much of a difference?

Well after a week, I can tell you yes. I switched to the foam tips and they give me a much better seal. The earphones are now very much more comfortable, and the bass is higher. You could hear how much difference, especially the difference in a 128kbs from a 192kbs. You could hear the static in variable bitrates. The sould isolation is phenominal, even when the volume was at 40%.

So if you're looking for something, grab these for a decent price. It took me a week to get used to it, and they're great. Just make sure you have a HQ bitrate with a proper and comfortable seal. I haven't even hit the volume at 100% which I do regularly with the Ipod earphones. Sound isolation is great, you can't hear anything, but I wish the cord was a little stronger. Sometimes it gets jerked around it loses its sound for a second.

Summary: Yes, as long as you have a HQ file, comfortable fit and proper seal.

[NawdaKh]

That's good information. That seems to be the unanimous vote for those around here.

Umm, in your summary, what is "Yes" pertaining to? I'm assuming you're saying yes that you would recommend them, but you didn't start the review with any question to answer so I wasn't sure.

[neoxphuse]

Originally posted by NawdaKh
That's good information. That seems to be the unanimous vote for those around here.

Umm, in your summary, what is "Yes" pertaining to? I'm assuming you're saying yes that you would recommend them, but you didn't start the review with any question to answer so I wasn't sure.

Sorry, yes I recommend them if one is looking to update their sound quality for a relatively decent price. Give it a week to see how they work for you, as the beginning may seem different and akward.

[NawdaKh]

Oh no way, I'm not buying them.

I'm saving for UE-5cs.

[gvenditto]

good review.

I just got a set and am disappointed. The sound is a bit tinny but it may be that my fit is not great. I've been using the triple-flange earpiece that it comes with. After reading your review I am more inclined to give the foam a try.

The flange design does give a better fit than the iPod earbudgs --t hey kept falling out. I was able to use the Etymotic while exercising -- I just wish the sound was a ilttle better. And that the noise isolation was better.

But what concerns me about the foam -- doesn't it need to be replaced pretty often? You can wash the flanges since they're a durable plastic, but I would not expect to be able to clean the foam. Doesn't foam absorb the ear wax? I want good sound but i'm not willing to risk an ear infection for it.

Also, they give you one set of replacement filters -- I suppose you have to buy more? I didn't see any accessories for sale at http://www.etymotic.com

[GadgetGuru72]

Originally posted by neoxphuse
I haven't even hit the volume at 100% which I do regularly with the iPod earphones.

Seriously?? I guess you don't value your hearing that much, huh?

[warpdrive]

Originally posted by gvenditto
good review.

I just got a set and am disappointed. The sound is a bit tinny but it may be that my fit is not great. I've been using the triple-flange earpiece that it comes with. After reading your review I am more inclined to give the foam a try.

The flange design does give a better fit than the iPod earbudgs --t hey kept falling out. I was able to use the Etymotic while exercising -- I just wish the sound was a ilttle better. And that the noise isolation was better.

But what concerns me about the foam -- doesn't it need to be replaced pretty often? You can wash the flanges since they're a durable plastic, but I would not expect to be able to clean the foam. Doesn't foam absorb the ear wax? I want good sound but i'm not willing to risk an ear infection for it.

Also, they give you one set of replacement filters -- I suppose you have to buy more? I didn't see any accessories for sale at http://www.etymotic.com

Don't even think about that...use the foams NOW. For me, it was a night a day difference. The triflanges were screechy, and completely tinny. Not even close. With the foams, it sounds completely balanced, even a bit weak in the treble.

With the foams, and a good seal, you can get 30 dB of isolation. You can't get much better than that....even with industrial quality hearing protectors, or firing range earmuffs.

Filters don't have to be changed much if you don't sweat much or get moisture into them. They can last easy 6 to 12 months.

I typically get about a months use out of the foams.

[neoxphuse]

Originally posted by GadgetGuru72
Seriously?? I guess you don't value your hearing that much, huh?

Yes I do. I don't need to crank the volume so high as the sound isolation is amazing, unlike the Ipod earphones. I did try it once, but it was too damn loud.

[skybl4ck]

the stock ipod buds at 100% hurt. lol

[bobb-mini]

Originally posted by gvenditto
I've been using the triple-flange earpiece that it comes with. After reading your review I am more inclined to give the foam a try.
I second that. The foam works ALOT better for me.

And don't forget to do it properly. Pinch (squeeze) the foam to make it into a small barrel, THEN insert it into your ear as far as it will go, twist side-by-side a little for perfect fit and max comfort, follow the manual's intructions (you read it didn't u) and hold it with your hands until the foam expands and seal your ears canals, up to 20 seconds. Patience is key here.

Plactice doing this in a constant noise environment, like with a hair dryer running, and u should be AMAZE at the the noise isolation after the form expands. If it doesn't, you are doing it wrong.

[gvenditto]

OK, so the foams are the way to go -- can you wash them? And where do you get replacements?

[bobb-mini]

Originally posted by gvenditto
OK, so the foams are the way to go
Do go to the Accessories -> Review of the 6i, tons of feedback there about this item.

-- can you wash them?
The manual doesn't say so, but I have earplugs made of the same material, and yes, u can (and should) wash them, but replacing them, like a old toothbrush, when it gets too "used" would be good.

And where do you get replacements?
www.headphone.com (http://www.headphone.com)

[Riprazor]

Most people find the tri-flanges very difficult to seal. Without a proper seal, the 6i's will under perform (considerably). The foam inserts are much easier to seal, thus most people get considerably better results. I spoke directly with Etymotics who sent me a set of larger as well as a set of smaller double-flanges. The larger double-flanges are perfect and perform at the same level as the foam inserts. When properly sealed, the 6i's are definetely a best buy. The isolation is identical to my Ultimate Ear 10's when using the double flange or foam inserts. Sound quality is excellent with the 6i's although not in the same league as the UE10's. At about 10% of the cost, that is to be expected.

[gvenditto]

I switched to the foam and it was absolutely much better.

The only problem I had was installing the foam -- they really ought to show in the manual how to do that. The round plastic tube that is at the end of the headphone does not look like it will fit inside the foam's plastic tube. I couldn't decide whether to remove the plastic tube or to jam it in -- after unsuccessful attempts to reach them by phone, I jammed it in. It worked out fine but I could understand if someone would damage the earphone in trying to figure this out.

It's not total sound isolation but the quality is good and it is much better than the iPod ear bud -- not as good as my Sennhauser noise-reducing cans but it's nice to travel light and have good sound.