Etymotic ER-4P MicroPro earphones – POOR BASS?

[bazac]

Etymotic ER-4P MicroPro earphones – POOR BASS?

I want to buy some headphones and I think Etymotic ER-4P MicroPro are a good choice.

I read a lot of good comments about them, but some say that there are few weaknesses:

1. Poor bass
2. Needs a headphones amplifier
3. Microphonic noise

PS. Etymotic says:

"ER-4P (Portable) earphones have enhanced bass and higher sensitivity.

ER-4Ps can be used with portable CD, MP3, DVD and other players without requiring an additional amplifier.

The ER-4P has 10 dB greater sensitivity at high frequencies and 13 dB more at low frequencies than the ER-4S.

The higher sensitivity and enhanced bass of the ER-4P have made it the most popular earphone for most uses."

What do you think?

Should I buy it?

Or should I buy:

1. Shure E3c
2. Etymotic Research ER-6i
3. super.fi 5Pro

Thnx.

[DanofNJ]

Go with the Super.fi 5Pro. I had a pair of E3c, hated them, terrible... very uncomfortable, weak sound, especially bass. The 5 Pro's blow them into the discount rake. If you want to spend the extra money, you will not be disappointed. They are incredible, deep, balanced bass, responsive, and comfortable.

[Jason Allen]

I have er4ps, I think the bass sounds really good if you get the seal right. The cord noise is a pain sometimes. As far as am amp ,My iPods have no problem powering them. I have heard the er4s have a higher impedance and should be used with a more powerful amp. There are prob. better phones to listen to hip-hop or dance music ,but I am not looking for exaggerated bass. I don't have 2 12-inch subs in my car either though ,so different strokes for different folks! You might want to read instructions on inserting them properly ,if you haven't already.

[bigDee]

Go for the ER-6i

[etherealbeats]

ER-4;s dont have poor bass at all. I listen to House music and find the bass full and rich.

[thedodgyguy]

Get the Super.Fi Pro. It's the nearest sonic response you'll get to a decent headphone among that bunch. The Etymotic does have an anaemic bass in absolute terms, but many people can get used to it and claim otherwise. A large part of the added clarity that the Etymotic seems to have is due to that missing bass.


The only downside of the 5Pro is the fit. Because the size of the 'ear tube' is more than double that of the E3c / ER-4P, some people can find it a chore to fit properly.

[etherealbeats]

I've just received my Etymotic ER-4P's and the bass is phenominal if a good seal is acheived. The bass is however quite tight and is not over exagerated like with the lower range Ultimate Ears models. They aim to match the natural response of the ear drum and do it well, and therefore making them sound better than the Shure E5c's and surprisingly close to the top of the range custom mould ultimate ears.

[thedodgyguy]

Tonally there is something of a gulf between the UE10 and the ER-4P. The E5c also easily beats out the 4P in terms of impact while retaining the bass texture and matches it in accuracy up to the upper trebles, when the specific tuning of the 4P takes over.


The Etymotics are quite fascinating phones for the money, especially for the newbie still feeling his way through accuracy and tonality. The elevated high ends especially, combined with the somewhat reduced bass does create the feeling that you're getting a very accurate tone.


Ultimately though, I'll take the more headphone-realistic response of the Super.Fi Pro.

[enjoilax]

I don't know, people have this idea of Bass that needs to shake your head. Which is horse.

[thedodgyguy]

It's not possible for the bass on an IEM to do that. However balanced bass is achievable.


The E3c compromises a little in perception due to it's elevated midrange, the ER-4P has even less, and both of these sound somewhat tinny when compared with a well-balanced headphone. The Super.Fi Pro is one of the cheapest in-earphones for which you can change to and from said balanced headphones without that feeling.

[etherealbeats]

i disagree, I find the super.fi Pro's bass too heavy. I find that it is far more balanced in the ER-4P's. I don't find that the E3c's are comparible to the ER-4P's.

[thedodgyguy]

I think we've gathered that you are very excited with the ER-4P's.

[kola]

Hi: I'd recommend you research Westone UM2. They have a dual driver as opposed to the single driver of the ER-4P, which gives them a better bass response. I had pair of UM2, lost them, purchased another set. Can be purchased new for $260.

I initially had the er-6, lost them so upgraded to the ER-4P. I liked the ER-4P but the microphonic (cord) noise was driving me nuts.

I had read reviews on the Westones and contacted a seller to see if they had cord noise. He never heard of it. I purchased the Westones and was blown away. No cord noise, but also the bass was much better than the ER-4P. For comparison, I listened to Bob Marley's "Exodus." The song has a bass line that one instantly recognizes. Sounded great in the Westones; barely audible in the ER-4P.

I'd love to have a pair of Ultimate Ears, but they are out of my price range. I believe the Westone UM2 are the best value for the money.

Just my two cents.

Peace

[Mitchie12]

I dont recomend the Shure e3g becasue of its lack in bass, i'd say go with UE super.fi 5 pro im ordering mine soon.

[Mitchie12]

I dont recomend the Shure e3g becasue of its lack in bass, i'd say go with UE super.fi 5 pro im orfering mine soon.

[Mitchie12]

Do the Ety er4P have poor bass or do they have more then the UE super.fi 5 pro.. decitions desiotins :P

[etherealbeats]

The Ety's do have less bass but they are pretty much perfectly balanced. The Ety's also have better highs and mids then the UE's. The UE's tend to bloat the bass a tiny bit compared to the Ety's. Ety's are better for audiophile use and critical listening.

[thedodgyguy]

The UE's are relatively balanced. The Etys are relatively lean. The Etys seem to have an acceptable level of bass for many as they seem to have a fast response caused by the lack of bass, which means that thumps come in a sharp way. If you haven't used high-quality headphones before, that speed will be unprecedented. However there's not a whole lot of it, and not near what is a balanced measure from a headphone point of view. For all-purpose listening, especially to rock & pop and less anal-retentive use, I'd say the UE's are the ticket.

[iTara]

The UE Super.fi 5 Pros (http://www.ultimateears.com/superfi/superfi-5-Pro-black.htm) Are also dual-driver and sound amazingly clear & crisp.. the bass is not overdone like someone posted above, I think they were thinking of the EBs.. I find them very niceley balanced and quite comfortable & secure.

T.