Upgrading from Ety ER-6i

[gshepherdogs]

I have a pair of Er-6i's that I am happy with but want more bass, and better sound. I am happy with the style of phones, and like in-ear sets. I found the comfort of the Ety's to be excellent, though a little difficult to remove.

I would like a pair that provides more bass and more balanced sound quality. I am seriously considering the Ultimate Ears, Super.fi 5, either the Pro's or the EB model. Also, the Ety ER-4P's. I use my phones in the gym everyday and lift and do cardio with them. So, I need a pair that are going to stay put, move with me and not cause a distraction. Noise isolation is a must. Ear fatigue is a deal breaker as I will have them on for at least 2 hours.

My main music is alternative and rock.

I really need some good advice from users of these phones as to which may be best for me. Thank you in advance. :D

[Macromedia]

Well I find the ER-4p to be an ER-6i roughly. It does everything the ER-6i does, just better. I'd try it out before you buy however. Also the cable is quite microphonic too. So beware of that.

[gshepherdogs]

Yea, I talked to Ety about the cord, and there statement was the new "rubberized" cord is better. But, I have read a good deal about the problems, unfortunately there is no where close to me that I can demo a pair. So, no chance to try b4 I buy.

[warpdrive]

Well I find the ER-4p to be an ER-6i roughly. It does everything the ER-6i does, just better. I'd try it out before you buy however. Also the cable is quite microphonic too. So beware of that.

Agree with that statement.

The ER4P is a sonically improved ER6i, clearer highs, about the same frequency balance.

Upgrading from the ER4P is difficult because most other IEM's have a vastly different frequency balance. Almost none have the sparkly highs that Ety's are known for. Supposedly the UE10 comes close, but almost all the other ones are a bit recessed in the highs. It's kind of disappointing for me though, I really wanted to upgrade from my ER4S but I can't find anything I like.

[Jackonicko]

If you want more bass and better sound I'd recommend the Panasonic HJE70 (I know it's cheaper, I know that Etymotic is supposed to be a more 'prestigious' brand, but I've used both, and I can tell you that prejudices and preconceptions aside, the HJE70 kicks the ER6i's butt!) or the Ultimate Ears Super Fi 5EB, which I also own.

[JazzyMac]

Wow Jacko.

I would suggest the Westone UM1. Light, comfortable, well-balance, and stays put. Only thing is the foam comply tips will need changing after about 60 days of gym use (more if you're a sweater).

[gshepherdogs]

Well, I went with the UE Super.fi 5 Pro's. At the end of the day, two things sold me. ONe, the fact that the cords are detachable from the buds, so if they break or get caought on something like constantly happens with the er's they will detach. And, if I have a problem, I can buy a replacement cord. The problem with the Ety's I have now, is I constantly get them caught on things in the gym, and I have managed to damage the connection to the right earphone, so it cuts in and out constantly. Partly, because the cord is so freakin long on these things. Who the heck needa a cord that long?

Also, the Super.fi's (I hope) will stay put better than other models, with the loop around the ear. Hopefully, I made a good choice, only time will tell. Thank you all.

[Cakbar]

If you have to use the ER6's at the gym, you may want to consider running the cord beneath your T-shirt, with them clipped to the neck of your T-shirt. If you get the bottom part of the cord (which will still hang down a bit) caught on something, it will pull at the clip on your neck, instead of at your ears. I have been wearing mine at the gym like this for a while and have yet to get them caught, wheras when wearing the cord outside of my T-shirt, I was always getting them caught.

[gshepherdogs]

If you have to use the ER6's at the gym, you may want to consider running the cord beneath your T-shirt, with them clipped to the neck of your T-shirt. If you get the bottom part of the cord (which will still hang down a bit) caught on something, it will pull at the clip on your neck, instead of at your ears. I have been wearing mine at the gym like this for a while and have yet to get them caught, wheras when wearing the cord outside of my T-shirt, I was always getting them caught.


LOL..that's what my wife keeps tellin me:p Well, with the new ones, that will be a must. Don't really want to wrecka 200 dollar set of phones.

[Arrowsmith]

LOL..that's what my wife keeps tellin me:p Well, with the new ones, that will be a must. Don't really want to wrecka 200 dollar set of phones.

I replaced my 6i's with the Shure E5's because of the bass upgrade. They are ear monitors and once you get the cables set over your ears they hold on nicely with minimal fatigue. They come with a variety of ear inserts so you can see what you like best.