Etymotic Research ER2-XR Extended Response - In Ear Noise Isolating IEM Earphones with Detachable Cable

Product Information

These are a Korean Single Dynamic earphone that are tuned to be very neutral close to the Harman target response. This earphone has a bump in the sub-bass below 100 Hz, otherwise super neutral. Unless IEMs/tips are cleaned regularly, any moisture and debris buildup on your IEMs for extensive periods can be potential contamination that can irritate your ears. Next to cleaning your IEMs regularly and your ears with cotton tips, look into using eardrops.

Both ER2 models, the ER2SE and ER2XR, use the same low-impedance dynamic drivers. That means they are easy to drive, and no amplifier is required. The only difference between the 2 models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The “Studio Edition” ER2SE is tuned to have a flat frequency response. The “eXtended Response” ER2XR is tuned to have an emphasized bass, adding 1-2dB to the mid-bass and 3-4dB to the sub-bass. The rest of the frequencies are practically identical to the ER2SE. ER2SE is a great choice for audio creators and musicians on a budget, who require a precise and neutral sound reproduction. ER2SE is also the IEM of choice for consumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded. ER2XR is favored by those who enjoy the extra bass presence and body when listening to their music. The extra bass is done tastefully without turning the ER2XR into a bass heavy IEM. This is another type of ear tip you can use on the Etymotic IEMs, but it’s a whole different theme. It requires quite deep insertion (though not quite as much as with the Ety triple flanges), and provides ultimate isolation. With deep insertion you’re as good as deaf. But even with my relatively shallow insertion, we get very good isolation. And there is no leakage. The ER2XR offers Etymotic’s renowned passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation. You will hear all the details in the music with lower volume levels that are safer for your hearing. The flat mids and highs, along with the emphasized bass of the ER2XR, will appeal to consumers and audiophiles who like a little more presence of bass. Of course, as with all IEMs, changing the ear tip changes the sound, and experimentation is necessary. In general, I find using the single flange tips make the overall sound a little bit brighter, likely due to the tip of the IEM nozzle being closer to the opening of the ear tip. Also, many ear tips have wider bores than the really narrow bores of the Etymotic tips. Because the insertion is much more shallow with these other tips, I find the sound stage to be a bit wider, and the music doesn’t sound like it’s in the middle of your head as much. For really critical listening, such as using the ER4SR for mastering recordings, I’d recommend using the Etymotic tips, for accuracy.But on the other end of the spectrum, the budget lineup of Etymotic’s product range had historically been an afterthought in the eyes of the audiophile community. Perhaps the most popular of which would’ve been the HF5, but you’re probably not aware that Etymotic had no less than eight lower entry models, which includes the MC series (MC2, MC3 and MC5), the HF series (HF2, HF3 and HF5), the MK5 series and most out-of-place of all, the “Ety Kids” EK5 which is a volume-limited MK5 (if memory serves me correct).

It just so happened that my ER4XR developed a problem on one side, so I had to return it. Since I wasn't getting any more listening time for now, I figured I might as well write this post as it is. INTRODUCTION For non-audio opinions, please refer to my unboxing post. There are always a few companies that come to mind Housings of dark blue colour are nice to behold, and the anodized coating reflect some light. There are some serial numbers in the bottom of the housings (mine are 2620 and 2621). They don’t spoil the aesthetics but it might have been better without them. Although better than the vast majority of IEMs out there, I don't like the ER2XR to be honest, very noticeable bloated bass with no so much air above to compensate. For my own tastes, i thought the ER2XR might just add a little too much bass. I would have preferred if they kept the bass completely linear as opposed to downward slope of the SE and the upward tilt in the XR series. I really hope they put out another iteration with dynamic drivers trying to further increase the speed, etc.On tonality, to add a slight bump around the 4.5kHz treble area to improve perceived clarity, and to increase the overall upper treble response to improve perceived transparency and spaciousness. INTRODUCTION For crinacle’s short impressions and non-audio opinions, refer to his unboxing post. Empire Ears is a brand name that Initial impressions, measurements, and non-audio opinions of the highly anticipated collaboration between Drop and Sennheiser: the HD8XX. Overall THD level of the Etymotic ER2XR is a bit higher than most IEMs that I’ve measured. Please take note that distortion measurement is not part of sound quality evaluation. It is only used to observe the engineering quality of the IEM.

Introduction IMR Acoustics is a brand that many would associate with the now-defunct “Trinity Audio”, a company that went on Close to ruler flat impedance (15 ohms) ensures consistent tonality with various audio equipment regardless of the headphone output impedance. If you’re looking for a great sub-bassy sound, without too much mid-bass bloat, then FiiO FH3 is your best choice. With great noise isolation, these are very good IEMs, and quite comfortable. FH3s have a quite natural and neutral sound, with exceptional sub-bass and excellent and sharp imaging. Overall, remarkable IEMs, and arguably the best bass for the price. Highlights: IEMs generally have better isolation and sound in general because they are transmitting directly into your ear canal, rather than diffusing. This means that the bass response will be tighter with less sibilance. The soundstage can be better with some earbuds, but they also have worse imaging. Comfort is subjective, some people prefer IEMs, others prefer earbuds. Are Headphones better than IEMs?

The main correction is actually on the 4-5kHz treble peak which is already present in ER4XR but absent on ER2XR and ER2SE. So I guess it will make more sense to try it on the ER2SE instead. Thanks! I bought this unit from the 2nd hand marketplace. Rest assured that this review will be free from any bias/es as much as possible. I’m not a fan of the deep insertion silicone tips, but find the foam tips a perfectly acceptable alternative with no compromise in fidelity ( albeit somewhat less external noise isolation ). Etymotic’s gift to the sensible, value driven audiophile!