Etymotics ER-6 or Sony EX-71SLW?

[Faide]

Hi everyone,

I just bought some Sony EX71-SLW and was a little disappointed with the sound volume im getting out of those. Admittedly ive only worn these for an hour so far.

They only have 100 db/mW. The ER-6 are supposed ot have 108db/mw which is significant.

The Sony's are supposed to deliver better base whereas the Etys only go as low at 20Hz.

Has anyone tried both? I would appreciate some advice. I understand that tweeter.com is currently selling them for $99 and free shipping which looks like a good deal. (anyone bought from them?)

Thanks in advance

-Faide

[Faide]

Ok forgive me....I used the search function and found some info on the ER-6. But if someone could compare or post an opinion on the difference between the EX71 and the ER-6 i would appreciate it.

Also i noticed that the ER-6 has a high impedance (48ohms) against the 32ohms of the EX71. Would that make it sound quieter? or use more battery power?

Thanks

-Faide

[Nizzle]

Man the ER-6, if you can afford them, they are the way to go. Those headphones are in 2 entirely different classes not even worth comparing.

[chavo]

I have used EX-71s with the sony d-1000 which is their second to top discman, a number of PCs, and some high end gear (arcam amps etc). I have also auditioned them in comparison to other headphones (sennheiser HD470s) and the original ipod buds, as well as a range of OEM gear that Sony ship.

the EX-71 design (using the ear canal to enhance bass resonance) is an unusual idea, and I would recommend sticking with them if you like the earbud/plug style of phone

they DO take getting used to, but once you're there.. . you'll never go back to inferior designs

as far as banded phones go, im just saving up for my next pair of grados :D

[kauffee]

Even if you ignore price completely, the sound of the EX71 and ER6 are completely different. The EX71 is a fun headphone with strong, boomy bass (albeit muddy), while the ER6 is a very analytical headphone with a much more flat and even response. You really have to decide what kind of sound you're looking for.

As far as your technical questions, the 48ohm impedence of the ER6 will not be a problem at all. You'll get more volume out of those than you will out of the EX71 due to the higher sensitivity. The Shure E5 have 110ohm impedence but are driven easily by the iPod due to their tremendous sensitivity.

Nizzle is right that these two phones are in entirely different classes. You're better off comparing the ER6 to the Shure E2/E3.

[Faide]

Thanks everyone. I understand that due to price i shouldn't really be comparing them.

Im noticing on my EX71 that the base doesn't seem to be as bassy as i would have expected and the treble is quite shrill. Ive inserted my buds as deep as they will go and have experimented with all the different size sleeves. Hmm what am i doing wrong?

Also is there a definitive answer with regards to "burning in" new headphones? Do these sound better after a few weeks?

Thanks again.

-Faide

[kauffee]

I don't think there's a burn-in period with canalphones. Some people say there is, but the general consensus is that the sound won't change much, if at all, over time. There is definitely a period of time before your ears get used to the sound, though.

What you're hearing from the EX71 is pretty normal. No canalphone, with the exception of the Shure E5, can give you the kind of bass you'd expect from full-size headphones. And yes, the EX71 treble is quite shrill. As long as you're getting a decent seal, you're not doing anything wrong... it's just the way they are.

[Faide]

Thanks Kauffee, I will give it some time to get used to them. I just hope im not starting on the slippery road towards ever more expensive headphones ;)

-Faide

[kauffee]

Sorry Faide, you're done :)

In 2 months, my progression was as follows:
SonyEX71->Shure E2->Etymotic ER4P->Shure E3

I guess I actually lucked out in that the E3 is cheaper than the ER4P... but it was an expensive road, nonetheless. So far I seem to have enough willpower to keep from ordering the E5. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Faide]

I.....must....resist....(where's my credit card?) :)