ETYMOTIC RESEARCH ER-4 MicroPro Earphones

Rating:
Summary: Great with iPod
Review: I've been using the Etymotic ER-4P for about 6 months and I find them indispensable. I spend 2-3 hours a day commuting by bus and train, and the combination of a 20GB iPod with my Etymotic ER-4P is an essential commute accessory. They reduce ambient noise (even nearby loud conversations and normal train noises) to a quiet rumble, such that I can listen to music without feeling like I have to crank up the music to drown out those ambient noises.

I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I do listen to a lot of music. This setup (20Gb 3rd gen iPod + ER-4P) is by far the BEST listening environment I've ever experienced, way better than my crappy home stereo. The sound quality from these headphones, along with the acoustic isolation from outside noises, brings out parts of songs I've never heard before. I prefer listening to songs on these headphones over anywhere else, really.

I can't compare these to the ER-6 or the ER-6i, etymotic's lower priced alternatives. I sprung for the ER-4P's without trying either of those, but I have no regrets spending the extra $100 on them. Like the other reviewer said, just make sure you get the ER-4P if you're getting these for portable listening, as its impedances are tailored differently for portable devices.

These earphones do have to slide into your ear canal, which may freak some people out. I use the 3-flange tip (rather than the foam one, which felt kinda scratchy to me) and it took some getting used to. Allow yourself a few days to get over being weirded out by the feeling. And I'm not even going to get into the ear wax issues. ugh. Still, they're awesome.

Rating:
Summary: be sure you get what you want
Review: these earphones come in 3 types. the type being sold here are (type-s) are ment for home use with a stereo. etymotic makes a set of these made for portable use- the difference? the portables will sound fine from your portable cd player- the stereo set will sound great from your stereo be will be under powered from your portable device.