ER6i/ER4p Comfortable?

[melo]

Hi,

I've waited quite some time to pop this question. Is the ER6isolator canalphones comfortable?

I've notice that the tips are VERY similiar to the ER4s, and according to serveral forums, the ER4s require some getting-used to. COMFORT is extremely important but, I'm looking for good sound quality also.

There are SO many different views...the main concern is...can I insert these canalphones with one hand...

I currently have the EX71sl, and they are good but not great in terms of sound quality.

I've bought the Shure E3c some months back and I love the sound, but for some reason, it keeps slipping out of my ears and felt uncomfortable. I've tried everything and adapting to it but to no avail.

It cost me a lot, but I manage to sell it at a loss. Please help...I don't wanna buy another canalphone and regret again...and the worse is I there's no way to try on a pair before buying...

What I wanna know is...can I insert and reinsert the earbuds for the ER6i/ER4p quickly, without any hassle? No need for the best seal, can I insert them with one hand like normal earphones?

THANKS for your time...

[kauffee]

From what you've said, I don't think canalphones are right for you. If you couldn't get used to the Shure E3, my guess is that the Ety ER4 will drive you crazy. In my opinion, the ER3 is considerably more comfortable than the ER4, regardless of tip.

While you can insert the ER4 with one hand, you probably wouldn't want to. It's not easy.

If I were you, I'd invest in a good set of earbuds... maybe Sony E888 or an Audio Technica.

[beauport]

I have the ER-4P Ety's and while you can insert them with one hand it's a little tricky to get them in correctly. You WANT them to seal fully as the quality of the sound is dependent upon a good seal (like any earbud really). The very first time you put in a canal earphone they feel a bit odd but not uncomfortable, just different. I love mine and I can put them in using one hand but usually use both as it makes it easier for a better seal.

[brentsg]

I just got a new pair of ER-4P's and I'm not sure I can get used to them. I'll give it a bit but I can't get over the feeling of having my ears stuffed. They sound good and are probably the best sounding canal phones I can afford.

I might give the Shure E3's a try. Now wishing I'd have paid a bit more to buy from a no-restocking fee place.

B

[Periphrast]

I used to own the ER6 (not the ER6i; no one can tell you about those; they're not out yet) and found them comfortable and remarkably detailed, though lacking in visceral bass. I sold them not because of comfort or sound but for fear of tinnitus. It just isn't good to be strolling the streets and subways with something that bright-sounding shrieking inside your ear. I do use my ER4S at home to drown out certain neighbors, but that's a more controlled situation than trying to counteract the body-vibrating rumble of a subway car.

The new 6i is purported to have more bass and looks quite different from the ER6 in terms of the tips. If I were you, I'd wait for reviews instead of paying to be a beta tester.

Not being a bass addict, the phones I use most often in transit are Audio-Technica EM-7 clip-ons. They look more stylish than practically anything else, convey sufficient detail, and are far enough from the eardrums not to cause damage if kept at a reasonable volume. Once I get to work or home, I use my Etys, Sony MDR-V6 (not the 600 DJ model) or Grado RS-1. Some people love KSC-35 clip-ons, but I find them lacking in detail.

[Edited to correct privately conveyed confusion about the V6]

[kauffee]

Distance from the eardrum shouldn't have any effect on tinnitus. Canalphones are actually safer. Because they isolate, you don't have to have the volume as high. Most people listen to regular headphones too loud in order to drown outside noise. So they have the additional volume from the headphones plus the outside noise contributing to the total decibel level entering their ears.

[Periphrast]

I've had this discussion on Head-fi many times. The orthodox answer is correct in theory, but not, in my experience, in practice.

Etymotic was originally a hearing-specific company; of course they're going to try to make safer products. However, the ER6 (and possibly the ER6i) are not as isolating as the ER4 series; there is still leakage, meaning that the proximity to the eardrum is a factor if the volume is too loud and if the earphone is used for too long (more than 2-4 hours a day); moreover, they lack a fair amount of bass, which can often create the psychological need for more volume to give the listener a sense of grounding.

The isolation factor helps, but only if the volume is kept fairly low. People have a tendency to turn up earphones in the real world to compensate for low-end masking without realizing it's the boosted highs that threaten their hearing.

It's all well and good to tell people they're perfectly safe. Even so, I think it's better for them to know if there are reasons to be careful. When earphones are as bright as the ER6, I'd err on the side of caution: Set the volume indoors at a safe level and don't stray from that volume even when in louder environments. I have a lot of experience as a studio musician and I've seen people lose their hearing over time.

[melo]

Hi,

Thanks a lot guys for your quick replies...

The matter on canalphones is very subjective I guess. You really need to get used to them...my advice is to see if you can get hold of one and try them out, or read reviews of them online instead of getting one hastily.

Just to let you know my personal experience with the Shure E3c. I read a lot about it online and bought it because I can't stand the quality of my earphones.

The sound didn't blow me off right away (not with the price-sound ratio at least hahaha), and took me quite some time to adapt. But its noticibly better sounding compared to the E2c and ex71, you can really hear the bass and clarity, great sound I have to say.

Amazing, I only used them at home because it was a tat too troublesome to put over my ears and adjust to get the seal. It's pretty inconvenient for my to wear them while walking or on a crowded bus or train...especially if you have to take it off and put them on again if you need to hear someone talking...

I would truly say its MORE becasue of the inconvenience compared to the E3c not being comfortable (its a bit uncomfortable after a while, but you can definitely get used to it)

I hope you get what I mean...anyway, I actually wanted to know how comforatble the er4s are because the default tips are similar to that of the er6i....so if its not comfortable...there's a high chance it won't be for the er6i, at least for my case. Although I have to say...what a cool canalphone!

Best of luck and enjoy your week!
:p