Etymotic ER-6 Versus ER-6i

[PhennPhawcks]

I am considering upgrading my Shures and am looking at the Etymotic headsets as I have been told they perform much better than my current e2c canalphones. However, I have a choice of 2 models and am not sure which one to go for.

The 6i phones cost a bit more and are apparently better tuned to the iPod, but they're white. I'm really not keen on white headphones as I don't want to advertise the fact I'm carrying an iPod to everyone.

Are there really any noticeable differences between these 'phones other than the colour scheme and the fact that the 6is come with triple flange earplugs while the e6s have what appear to be double flanges? According to the Etymotic website the e6is only score 81% for accuracy against 90% for the standard e6s. Seems strange to me that you'd want to pay more for headphones that the manufacturer admits are less accurate.

I'm also not too sure about these flange earplugs, as I'm used to foam plugs now and really like them.

If there are any of you out there who have used both versions I'd appreciate some advice.

[NawdaKh]

One major difference is that the 6is have more bass. I had a link that rx7_fan gave me on both of them that went into detail about their differences... but I can't seem to find it. Maybe if he reads this he'll post it for you.

[bkrodgers]

The black ER-6 version is much higher impedance. The down side of this is that you won't get as much volume, and it might drain your battery a little faster. The up side is that some have reported that higher impedance helps the sound distortion some have experienced on the photo/color.

I have the ER-6i, and am very happy with it (although it took time to get used to it). I haven't used the ER-6, so I can't speak to it.

-Brian

[YogY11]

6i earphones have 8 dB higher sound output and increased bass compared to the original ER-6

search for it on google you'll find it

[bobb-mini]

I got the 6i and I am not *that* happy with it based on my prior experience with a pair of 4P. It has a cool sounding bass but the rest of the range seems "muddled" to me, compared to my 4P. OK so the 4P is twice$, and it's "too accurate" for some people.

If you read this technical review (http://www.machrone.net/mt/archives/2010/05/etymotic_er6i.html#more) , it points out that vendors play the more-volume game by giving u lower impedance but sacrificing accuracy. On the same site, also read the reviews on the sound quality of the Mini versus Nano, etc. (how they behave under different phone types).

I'd love to test drive a pair of 6, except that I, on the other hand WANT white color. So keeping my 6i for now, but not totally happy.

People, I don't know why it's necessary to point out the 1, ONE decibel isolation difference between the 6 and 6i. That's just junk information.