Am I asking too much of my ER6I's or IEMs in general?

[ecfinn]

I just bought a new iPOD and bought some ER6iBs to go with it. I figured that for the price it was a decent upgrade over the standard Apple buds. I've tried all of the different tips and either the foam pads or medium sized (2 part) tips seem to work best seal-wise.

Here's my problem. The sound is disappointing when comparing them to my Sony MDR-7506 headphones. I've been using my Sony headphones at work and skipping the new IEMs. Is this a common issue or will the ER6i's break-in and start to sound better in time? Is there an IEM that will sound comparable to the Sony's or am I asking too much of the tiny little drivers in them?

Thanks,
Eric

[cyclingplatypus]

The problem with buying or switching from something that you aren't used to is that what you are used to always sounds better. I had a problem when I switched because the sound was quite drastic and I was constantly comparing them to my old ones, it'll take a few days for you to "break them in" to your listening style, less with actual breaking in of the phones and more them breaking you in. But give it a week or two and then pull out the old ones and compare then...you'll be pretty shocked at how those will no longer sound right to you.

[bobb-mini]

With the IEM seated properly, you shouldn't be able to hear someone talking to you in normal voice. If u can, then keep working at it.

[ecfinn]

With the IEM seated properly, you shouldn't be able to hear someone talking to you in normal voice. If u can, then keep working at it.
They are definitely seated properly. I spent a decent amout of time with the different tips etc getting them to fit well. In fact the reason I chose the Etymotic ones is that I've got some ear plugs from them that use the same type of rubber isolation "boots" so I knew how they work. I'm just not happy with the quality of the sound compared to my full-size headphones.

Eric

[bobb-mini]

I have the orignal 6i and have to say they are OK, but unspectacular.

[porieux]

Sony 7506 are really 'hyped'. I've had multiple pairs for 15 years and IMO if you are used to this exaggerated sound a more flat response may not sound as 'good' to you at first. But I haven't used the ERs at all so this is just a wild guess.

[JazzyMac]

ER6is are always going to sound tinny and bass-less. Better purchase would have been Westone UM1s for an all-around sound for the same price.