On the fence (iPhone Ultimate ER-6i)

[Darold]

I am on the fence about getting the iPhone ready hybrid featured here (Etymotic ER-6i with stock buds):
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/ultimate-buds-apple-etymotic-er6i-iphone-earphones/

These look to fit my need exactly. The stock/standard buds just don't fit. Not only do they fall out of my ear unless I am standing perfectly still, the sound quality they provide is about equal to listening to the music on speaker-phone. I really like that you can send in your own headphones to help cover the costs. I had a few quick questions about them though before I commit.

1) Has anyone had any positive experience with them? I saw one review that bashed them, but all the responses seemed to indicate that it could have been a bad set. I am very fond of the in-ear type earphones, so I doubt comfort would be a problem. I also plan on using these a lot whole running.

2) Are these available in Apple stores? I would like to apply my $100 rebate towards them if possible, and have then send them to get the work done (sorry, but even if I did have soldering tools I wouldn't be willing to attempt this).

3) I really want to retain the remote portion of the headphones (not just the microphone). I checked out the V-moda sets as well, but they would be a compromise for wheat I am looking for. Does anyone foresee other solutions or products coming soon (or even an upgrade for the V-moda sets to have a call answer button added)?

4) Finally, Will there ever be a reverse adapter? If I spend the money on this set, and then want to use it with standard devices, will there be a plug available so these will fit into standard headphone jacks? I haven't seen one on the market yet. I plan on using these primarily with the iPhone, but would like the flexibility of using them later on as well.


Thank you for sticking with me on such a long winded post. I appreciate any responses you have that can help me decide to wait, or get this pair now.

[mcdj]

1. I bought and returned a pair. The fit was not for me. The sound was good, but a little clinical for my taste. As many others have mentioned, ER6i are not known for their prominent bass response. UltimateBuds customer service could not have been more accomodating and prompt in handling my order and return. As for comfort, if you are fond of true canal buds (note that Sony EX71/EX90, Sennheiser CX300, etc, are not considered canal buds, but in-ear buds...canal buds are considerably more invasive and take some getting used to) then you should be ok with the ER6i.

2. To my knowledge, ER6i are not sold by Apple, either online or in stores.

3. V-Moda is apparently coming out soon with an updated Vibe that will have both the remote button function and a mic. Their current model only has the mic.

4. If by standard headphone jacks you mean 1/8", like a normal iPod or other portable player, then the UltimateBuds need no adapter. If you mean a full size 1/4" jack, then most standard 1/8 to 1/4 adapters should fit fine.

[Darold]

Based on this response, I am sending my stock iPhone set in to be worked on. If they don't work out, then it sounds like a return shouldn't be too big a hassle. Maybe I can use my rebate for Leopord next month (or the updated V-moda if this pair doesn't work out). For some reason, I thought the iPhone ones wouldn't fit regular devices. Since they do, I am even less nervous about getting this set. Thanks so much for your reply. I will let everyone know how much I like/dislike them when they come in.

[bobb-mini]

Sure u don't want to sit on it for a coupla of days? Gonna take 1 reply and that's it? Sounds like impulse purchasing.