Etymotic ER-4 Reference In Ear Monitors

[@mcmaximax]

One thing he forgot is that this is one of the FIRST production in-ear headphones ever made. They have been around for more than 20 years and still sounded awesome by today's standards. That's how good the ER4's are

[@manuel_the_q]

I can already hear the headphones, "bite a pillow. I'm going in dry"

[@wagiqwq]

This is such a good comment for being 9 years old 😂

[@1Rab]

"Lube up because you ain't gonna like it much."

[@quebec4bear]

Dangit Rab! I was going to make that comment, then I was like "Nawww, that's just childish." But then I scroll down, AND GUESS WHAT I SEE! we think alike :)

[@barchetype6430]

69th Like

[@Barnacules]

I need that shirt Linus :P

[@DR0CT4G0N4PUS]

theintunity Nerdgasm, the source for all my barnacles!

[@midibudu]

Hey Barnacules!!!

[@isogamerz]

Why does every KZbinr I know watch Linus, lmao

[@DeclanDSI]

+Ethan Salkic because linus watches them.

[@youtubeyolk]

Did you ever get it?

[@vollandt]

I've been using the lower end etymotic in ear buds since 2008 and can't live with out them. It took about 2 weeks for me to get used to having them in my ears. I can leave them in my ears all day and even sleep in them with no problems. The isolation is incredible from outside noise is incredible. I can listen to podcasts with the volume all the way down even with a lot of ambient noise: operating a lawn mower, riding the subway, and etc.

[@tryingtothinkofsomethingcool]

Are they more comfortable with the foamcoating?

[@Gufberg]

"Lube up because you ain't going to like it much otherwise" I had hoped there would never be a product on this channel for which Linus had to utter those words ...

[@zoomzabba452]

#USBButtPlug

[@xtechbiz]

I own a pair of HF5 which sounds relatively similar to the ER-4, with a little more bass and warmth to the sound. Made the switch to comply eartips and it's comfortable enough to use as a daily driver :D

[@christianhowe458]

BTW, Etymotic has a video about inserting the tips. Also, they offer custom molded tips if you plan on wearing them a lot.

[@marcelbruinsma]

I have these for several years now and never had problems with these 3-flanged tips (but yes, I lube up). To be honest it took some getting used to them but these are still my favourites. I also used them a lot on my motorcycle because they go deep into your ears and isolate as much or even better as earplugs and you can enjoy your music. I never felt sorry for spending the money on these IEM's and I will surely buy new ones when they die.

[@I514]

Oddly I find the large triflanges to be extremely comfortable, like disappear after 5 minutes comfortable. And, they do have a frequency response issue; taking down the 3khz with a wide Q by 7-10dB (to taste) makes them muuuuuuch more neutral. (assuming a good EQ that won't mangle the sound) Without the EQ, they're too tizzy and bright. If you want to get more clinical with the EQ, Tyll has measurements for the ER4Pt on InnerFidelity. (use the raw plot)

[@s2korpionic]

I'd go with flat. It allows MUCH more flexibility when you're messing with the EQ.

[@EazyRed]

i know im late but FACTS

[@josephthefirst1]

Big facts

[@agustinburroni8745]

I prefer, as a musician, the flats one cuz they give me all the sounds i want using a proper amp. But they must be comfortable all the way if i'll use them for hours and hours. Good video as always Linus!

[@smilesmile787]

I like this video because it has more info and less BS. The comparison with ie80 is another PLUS. Nice Review

[@Alexander5R]

I got the newer ER4SR and IE80s, the ER4SR are better all around, just the fit could be an issue, but I also have the Shure SE535, which is not as clear or accurate as the Etymotic, still sounds pretty balanced and way better than the Sennheiser, plus the Shure as super comfortable and you can sleep on with those. The only thing that the Sennheiser had is that they had a big soundstage, like if they were full over the ear headphones or close to that. Get the Shures.

[@latuman]

I had the HF2, which broke after 6 months, but they were awesome. I didnt find them uncomfortable at all. They go DEEP into your ear canal, which can only be a good thing. They offer easily the best isolation and the one of the best sound quality there is. They were the most comfortable just because you never needed to adjust them. These silicone tip regular IEM's always, no matter what eventually pop out slightly when you move or yawn or turn your head and the sound quality and isolation is immediately altered. I dont want to be tweaking them all the time. With Etymotics you never need to. Might buy another pair if they only sold them in finland...

[@ParasiteDelta]

"Lube up, because you won't be liking it much if you don't." -Linus, 2015

[@Domikers]

MU_YosH11 2014*

[@ParasiteDelta]

Right, didn't spot the upload date.

[@mrnarason]

Yoshii Jebaited

[@siliconwitch]

I've got a lower end set of Etymotics. The foam tips are the most comfortable buds I've ever used. Been using them about 6 hours a week for the last 4 - 5 months. No sign of wear yet. They pretty much go back to their normal shape every time I put them away.

[@dawgsledr]

Just bought the E4RS and I had to use the larger triple flange and when I put them in it created a suction and when I took them off a whole wack of wax came out with them. I found also being at 100 ohms impedance I needed an amp. For sound they were very clear and I agree no soundstage. I think the sound is based on fit. I have never had a better fit which makes me wonder if the triple flanges would work well on my w40's. I also agree the cable is heavy. Got these on sale but still at 200+ think they are overpriced. I am going to try the tips with my w40's and see what happens. I have the Senn ie 80's as well and agree ETY's are not as engaging but probably are better for all genres and longer listening. I like ie80's but you can get tired of that constant in your face presentation. The Ety's I don't think will ever make you fatigued unless its the fit but for sound they do a very good job.

[@PunkJuggle]

Absolutely love my HF-5s, actually had them in watching this.. Fantastic for home use, but I use Klipsch S3s any time I leave the house. A great way to tell left from right is by putting an MX Cherry keycap o-ring on one of them :D fits perfectly!

[@elvislad]

Is the audio on this vid slightyly(ironically)distorted?

[@sambassmanstoner]

Someone or something was rubbing against the microphone at some parts of the video, it seemed. And good on you for using 'ironically' properly.

[@jlaurson]

A very fine and accurate review. The Etymotic ER-4PT are my go-to headphones and have been, for years. I love them dearly, even thought they make bad recordings or worse: bad DACs, sound so terrible, that I can't listen to it at all. But with every other headphone, I feel cheated, thinking they are trying to sell me something that I didn't order.

[@totinospizzarolls4737]

rune naljoss I'm planning to get these, they run for $260 dollars on Amazon. Are they worth it (as a guy who owns the ATH-M50x)?

[@jlaurson]

+josh Subet Worth is subjective, but as I said: I love them and their super precise natural neutral sound. Try to feel them for a few hours to see if you can get used to their fit. Myself, i even got a backup pair because i so depend on these.

[@totinospizzarolls4737]

***** i'll try to see if i can try them out. Isolation is very valuable to me, as i am a student who does a decent amount of flying. Sound signature is too, I have a EQ for my M50x to completely flatten them out, and I like it a lot more than stock.

[@totinospizzarolls4737]

rune naljoss Ordered the ER4XR, arrives on the 26-29th :)

[@jlaurson]

+josh Subet Neato! If you enjoy them half as much as i do mine, you'll be in for a treat.

[@marike1100]

I have the Etymotic MC-5, their more entry level pair, and they sound really good for everything but bass heavy music. Superb clarity. With Shure Olive tips, isolation and comfort are terrific. Also have some higher end JVC HA-FXT90, a dual driver model that are the best IEM that I've ever heard. Deep, punchy bass and very good clarity. But I've read great things about the ER-4.

[@lolanimals7206]

This guy is always funny! I like to watch his reviews.

[@tennesseebob1980]

Great review, I can see how they would be uncomfortable, but I prefer the "deep insertion" IEMs because I have small ear canals and other types just don't seal we'll for me, and I also prefer the flatter sound signature. The biggest hurdle for me was the initial soreness from insertion and removal, it went away for me after a couple weeks use, as for sleeping, they go so far into my ear canal that the outside does not contact my pillow at all.

[@MoistDreams]

The only thing I have to say about this is, if the music was intended to be light and electronic dance/ house would that mean with those flat sound but other wise accurate earphones would you be getting the music not intended because a lot of those types of genre's have a bigger emphasis on happy base than accurate listening to an orchestral performance just saying.....

[@MadsMilkyton]

I'm with you on this one.

[@TheFirionus]

The thing is: elctronic/dance music is mixed with more bass, so you usually still get enough bass out of neutral phones when listening to bass-heavy stuff. If you want to multiply that, then you need more bass from EQ or headphones. Eg I have UE 900, which are pretty much flat, but im blown away by the base more often than not.

[@chadtamayo1714]

Listening to this on the Etymotic ER4SR

[@redredred1]

I have to disagree a little with the comment that these are not meant to be "daily drivers". I use them exactly as that and have done for about 3 years now. Part of what makes them so easy to use in that fashion is my ACS custom molds that I ordered up after I got tired of the supplied squeeze foam tips. I never liked the flange tips from day one. Go for custom molds and your only regret will be that you cannot let your friends test drive them. Beware, that after about 3 years of heavy use, the cord started to malfunction and now I need to send in the entire unit to have the cord replaced. Etymotic will apparently test the drivers for their frequency curves again just to make sure all is as it should be, and they will not simply sell the cord by itself, despite the fact that it detaches easily. As you say, the sound quality is absolute. The seems to be the opinion of everyone, nearly to the man, who listens with them. There's no coloration, no strange amplification, no nothing. Whatever you hear is whatever you're feeding it. And whatever tips you're using, you're unlikely to be hearing much else, even in loud environments. Perhaps this is why you always see U2's The Edge with them when they play live. The other thing that often gets lost in these conversations is the subtlety of IEM's in regular use situations. Imagine mowing your lawn or trying to exercise with large over the ear headphones or bright white Beats. It's a little ridiculous. Ever lug those kinds of things on to an airplane with their large case and cheap, breakable headbands? Unless you're Lebron James, you don't look half as cool as you think. Myself, I have a little black pouch with my custom earphones that I can keep in a pocket. Watching all those other folks struggle with their inferior, overpriced, cumbersome and visually obnoxious headsets makes me wonder why everyone isn't ditching those for IEM's in one form or another. Maybe they all know something I don't ... maybe not. And if you're going to make the leap into IEM's, you're going to have a difficult time doing much better than these, especially with the custom tips.

[@austinhowell3818]

As a drummer that practices drum covers quite a bit, there is a time for you to here the bass and a time to just here the music, in example if I'm trying to teach myself a very complex bass rhythm I wanna here the bass, but when it gets to the point when I practically know the beat inside and out, and I want to experiment with the song and the beat, I want straight music. I honestly couldn't say anything about these headphones, without using them myself, and that wont happen any time soon because of the price lol.

[@KseRBanshee]

If you haven’t got a chance to try the ER4 because of its price tag, you should do it now with the ER2SE, somehow even better at an affordable price

[@Langotriel1]

I make music so obviously, i have used reference headphones, speakers etc.. Saying that it is the way the artist intended is often not true with reference earphones/headphones. Personally, although the bass is accurate, it still lacks an essential feature and that IS that boomy sound that you get from consumer grade headphones. Using reference speakers with a correctly adjusted subwoofer is the only way to really hear it the way it is intended.. deep, rich bass that really rips the room apart an certain frequencies.. So, IMO you cannot say that it is the way the artist intended (in most cases) because ALL reference headphones lack what reference speakers give you in the low end. With that said, I think jazz music sounds awesome on reference headphones :P

[@mjc-12]

I prefer different sound signatures depending on what I'm doing. Whenever I'm at my computer, I'm using my Audio Technica ATH-M50s, which have a flat sound signature. During that time that I'm listening to music, I'm also doing something that needs my close attention (homework, coding, etc.). Whenever I'm on the go and using IEMs, I prefer a more bass heavy experience, because I only have my IEMs in when I want to listen to music, and listen to music only. More bass will provide me more of an enjoyable music listening experience.

[@iuhere]

@05:42 Oops there goes my phone , oh gosh now it is like a Linus Watermark where brands and scripts are already written in history forever made about being "Linus Proof" and omg the quality today is amazing when I compare this dated video to today's standards. Some goosebumps watching old videos. #staysafestayhome

[@TeamMemeSupreme]

I absolutely prefer having a "flat" sound signature and a deep in-ear fit. I used to use the 3-flange eartips on my Klipsh S3 and made them go as deep as they could because I could block out the entire world. I would love a pair of these but the dual cords on the upper part of the "Y" shape look a little too flimsy for my taste. I like Kevlar-reinforced cables.

[@TeamMemeSupreme]

***** That is the next pair of IEMs that I am buying.

[@TeamMemeSupreme]

***** Thanks man! I have had my eyes on the HF5 since I saw this review. Hopefully I can scrape up enough cash in order to buy them. I like the included two year warranty if you buy from Etymotic's website. The only thing that I have a problem with is that the reviews of these IEM's have a reputation for being somewhat fragile and easy to break, and I have a very bad reputation of breaking my IEM's within a month of having them.

[@Reilly_P]

I actually own the triple driver version of these and would recommend them to anyone doing live performance that requires feedback ei live production or djing. I personally love the heft to them as it reminds me they are performance tools, not made to have a dance party with.

[@treksez]

You mean that requires foldback right? Feedback is the painful ringing when a system overloads. Foldback is audio being folded back to the artist so they can hear themselves. Know the difference, it can save your life.

[@CliffordNg]

the UniqueMelody Mentors are the best iEM i've every listened to , it's new and it has 10 balanced armatures on each ear . which means they have 20 BA drivers in total , leaving this etymotic in the dirt . but , the UM Mentors have a colourful fun sound signature which is superbly pleasant at a cost .

[@KarlDCampbell]

Sound accuracy > heavy bass everyday.

[@erdincylmaz2842]

Fun sound > analitic sound everyday.

[@peyotecowboy3199]

@@erdincylmaz2842 This is why they made the xr series I think. They have more bass response so you get the accurancy and some fun bass. Got the ER2XRs myself.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

@@erdincylmaz2842 If your music doesn't sound fun when accurately reproduced, you're listening to the wrong music.

[@Tankmastor]

As a bass head I would disagree but, to each is own.

[@03e-210a]

@@EssenceofPureFlavor who are you to say what music is right? “Are you having a good time?” is the most important question

[@thestonecold96]

Personally, I believe in earphones with a flatter response graph. Those that want their music with an emphasis on a certain part of their music can use eqs to color the sound, but it is hard to 'uncolor' earphones that arent flat.

[@TheShizzleCopter]

In your review of the ie80's didn't you mention you had the bass tuner on it on full? Because I have got it around the second notch from the bottom and I wouldn't say they are bass heavy.

[@LinusTechTips]

I tried them at 5, but normally I keep them at 2 like you.

[@TheShizzleCopter]

LinusTechTips The profit responded to me... :o

[@goyomojotech]

+TheShizzleCopter The ie80s are bass heavy even at the lowest setting.

[@juanpaolomonosolegit]

+TheShizzleCopter Yeah look at the frequency response graph of it. Damn bass heavier than the Shure SE 215... and 215 is bloated for me!

[@flapcat4681]

+TheShizzleCopter I think you meant prophet?

[@neogatenova1706]

Professional Unboxer... That takes me back xD I was just starting to get into computers around that time been subbed ever since (between different accounts)

[@gtsgate]

I'm using SHURE SE 846, and as for the sound stage, I don't think it could get any better with any other IEM. Speaking of "hearing the music the way they are intended to be heard" I did some tests on different music players/mods and iRiver AK-120 just blew me away. Looking forward to get a RedWine mod (RWAK120) and considering an (RWAK120-B with RX MKIII-B+ and balanced cable) whenever I have enough money. Maybe Sennheiser HD800? not sure yet, but i think that is what it takes to get as close as possible to "hearing the music the way they are intended to be heard". Nevertheless, SHURE is an outstanding IEM for everyday use, despite being bulky and troublesome to fit to the ears right away. Keep it up Linus!

[@StasiaStudios]

The first thing I looked at after you knocked your phone off the table was your "Professional Unboxer" shirt. Oh how I love you Linus

[@TeOyaOmqul]

@Linus Actually the way that you put them on that is the correct way to use them. For Live music you want the phones to be hidden and not on your way.

[@Alle525]

I have HF5s, and I'm strongly considering getting some custom molded ear tips. They go so deep and are really uncomfortable unless I get them just right, and the slightest bump usually moves them just enough to make them uncomfortable again. They isolate amazingly well though, and have great clarity.

[@Gekko12482]

Have you tried comply foam tips? They are SO much better than the standard foam tips that come with it. I've done a while with the triple flanges but in the end I bought a package of 5 medium sets for like 25 euro's and wore out the first set in 6 months. These things have massively improved both comfort and isolation for me, and they just stay in place very well. Especially on colder days. LINUS! I hope you read this, I think that if you tried the comply tips your experience may have been a lot better as they are not comparable to the foam tips that come with it!

[@KSEddie]

I personally own the IE 800 and enjoyed it, looking forward to a review of it.

[@sahyunmin]

Best review of any audio equipment hands down

[@bennri]

Can you recommend in-ear earbuds that also have a good microphone on a boom? Purpose is to have a telephone conference in the airport lobby - should be lightweight, and robust to the loud announcements. Ideal would be something like Etyblu2 but handling a2dp and two-sided. Any ideas??

[@JasonGriffin]

I was surprised you didn't mention what is, IMO, the most significant flaw of the ER4P and indeed most of the Etymotic Research line up; the cables are extremely "microphonic" - they transmit even the slightist vibration directly into your ears. Walking in these can be maddening as every tap of the wire against my shirt collar is transmitted into my ears at a volume louder than most any other external noise. Perhaps your hack of looping the headphones over your ears solved this problem, hence why you didn't notice it. I'll have to try that with my own set.

[@G3rain1]

+Jason Michael Griffin I use the shirt clip and find, if positioned properly, it virtually eliminates this problem.

[@BavarianM]

They look like 1 dollar earbuds

[@anonperson5454]

I have an Etymotic pair of IEM's (two actually), and they are the most comfortable earbuds I've ever worn. Guess it depends on the user.

[@metalbillyboy]

I bought the IE80s because of your video on them and I love them :)

[@InternetSandman]

As an owner of a pair of Unique Melody Miracles, I'm all about a neutral sound signature that's as detailed as possible, but I'm not about to sacrifice comfort to get it (even my Shure SE535's were uncomfortable at times). Custom molded earphones are expensive, yes, but THEY ARE SO FUCKING WORTH IT

[@InternetSandman]

***** This is where I decided to buy my UM Miracles, probably the best IEM comparison you will ever find www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-309-iems-compared-ces-impressions-part-4-added-01-27-14-p-852 Having only owned one pair of customs I can't make any recommendations, but Joker (the guy who made this post) definitely can

[@Folopolis]

Depending on the music genre you listen to (especially rap, hip-hop, and pop), now that the uninformed masses (including many artists) are thinking that Beats or Bose are the end-all-be-all of high end audio, the "fun" sound signature may very well be the way the artist intended.

[@JoeGillian0]

I really got used to wear them with the triflange that were confy for me and greatvfor noise isolation. But for me their only downside for me is the ear filters i had go replace every 6 months (especially the left one)...and the Rubber tips are notre as good

[@Metalwolf765]

Might be time for an update on these- Ety has a new version with the bass turned up a bit!

[@jeeveseventynine9263]

i tend to go for real sounds (dislike artificial enhancing). A set of full sounds including like relative deep bass. Should be ok for "talking movies" and games as well. Music must always sounds good and rich in sound. Most of the time, to get it right for everything, a handy EQ is always welcome IMHO. Currently use Roccat because i dropped my Steelseries to often and lost stereo. Next purchase will again be Steelseries or if i feel like spending money, Razer!

[@mason4127]

I have a difference in my preference I like bass heavy for deep emotionful music and flat and clear for classical and and some deep music. and i like a v shape EQ for metal, rock and country. I want to see a comparison video between these and the sennheiser hd 800's and other high end headphones.

[@killerfugu2659]

at $300 i don't think they'll match up to the hd800's ,especially when it comes down to sound stage.

[@jungmaeng]

I like to listen to a song with the flattest sound that I can get, (Which are currently my studio monitors) and then adjust after listening to the music. I'm usually too lazy to adjust the EQ though.

[@Drwiggles69]

I definitely prefer flat for the vast majority of music I lsten to. If im looking for more bass or 'fun' I can do that woth software.

[@hunglikehuang]

Get some memory foam eartips from Comply or the Shure black olives. Solved all my comfort issues. The triflanges feel like ear rapage.

[@Ruzz45]

I tried these at my local shop this week and was blown away by the sound. If not for the fact that these IEM's look so unaesthetic, i would definitely have bought it on the spot. Westone 4 fans will love this.

[@MartinRomero]

ATH-IM02. You won't regret it.

[@Ruzz45]

Martin Romero i just tried them. you weren't kidding, they really sound a lot like the ER4's, unfortunately though the comfort of the IEM is a real issue because I work out with my earphones a lot.

[@killerfugu2659]

i use sennheiser momentum's which are apparently bass heavy but i don't think so, nice and open with good accuracy.

[@MadsMilkyton]

Just got myself a set of HD 518's there amazing really enjoy them!

[@killerfugu2659]

a good comfy set of open designed cans :D

[@informedchoice2249]

Did you do the standard IEM over the ear fit? There are some other double flanges that are supposed to be better. The 2's have an SX? don't they which has a subbase boost.

[@pheckphul5175]

@Linus Your comment about the ER4s being difficult to insert into your ears belies your lack of understanding about one of the purposes of these earphones. They are designed similarly to earplugs in order to block sound from your environment so it doesn't interfere with your listening AND to protect musicians so they don't end up like Pete Townshend, mostly deaf. (Yeah, yeah, he blames it on a single pyrotechnic that went off too near to him during a BBC show, but I think it's just his exposure to overly-loud music for 50 years.) As such, they have the form of earplugs and have similar insertion qualities. Having spent a good deal of time in environments that necessitated earplugs, I've always licked my silicone earplugs to ease insertion and provide a better seal. Thus, when I bought my ER6s it was a natural thing to do when inserting them; I never really thought about it. Additionally, if you don't have the need to block out ambient sound, you can always use the foam eartips. BTW, you might've noticed I've given you the benefit of the doubt, and assumed you tried both sizes of flanged eartips.

[@IsawUupThere]

You're full of shit. I've owned a number of in-ear monitors. Etymotics are notoriously the most difficult ones to get the right seal with, even when 'moisturizing' them. Not to mention that transferring bacteria from your mouth to the inside of your ear canal on a regular basis is a fantastically bad idea. Don't be a fanboy. These are not consumer products and this is a very fair review.

[@pheckphul5175]

Not worried about the bacteria; I've been using earplugs this way for 28 years. Also not a fanboi. I really prefer headphones to IEMs. I primarily use them to workout and in noisy environments like datacenters. Opinions are like....

[@pheckphul5175]

Did you even read original comment and my remark about treating them the same as I have always treated earplugs? Why am I even bothering with an obvious troll? Crawl back under your bridge; I have better things to do, like digging out my bacteria-infested earwax.

[@IsawUupThere]

We both know for a fact that you don't. What the fuck do you lick earbuds for? Did you run out of windows? What's going on over there?

[@cameronw6259]

These have way too much cable noise for stage use, and most musicians nowadays will use custom fit iems

[@Frietpan]

i dont understand that graph, it said @ 1Khz in the bottom but it peaks after 2000hz?

[@tmar23]

The three flange ear tips looks like they are taken right off a pair of your common PPE earplugs. Now those don't have the weight on them of these but I still don't see insertion as that much of a problem (I believe the PPE earplugs say the same about moisture and really all it takes is a firm breath on them like fogging up glasses). As far as sound quality goes, yes flattish sound with no over emphasis on specific frequencies is the way to go. I wouldn't call it "less fun". Going to thrill park and only riding the tea cups is less fun. Why would you only want to to have 95% of your music mostly drowned out because because the other 5% is over emphasized?

[@randomfenrir451]

Very nice review as usual linus! Please make the hifiman re-400 your next IEM review

[@jamesjin8839]

Actually ER4S is way better than the PT version which is meant more for mobile and more accurate/neutral than this. Its tone signature sounds like my Yamaha HS5 studio monitor, which is designed to be neutral enough for mixing stuff, so you know.

[@LinusTechTips]

The PT comes with an adapter cable to turn it into the S which means you get the best of both worlds.

[@jamesjin8839]

LinusTechTips Nah the difference between pt and the s version is not only impedance. A well known fact is that ER4PT, which is essentially ER4P, has slight bass boost than ER4S(some experience warmer sounds through listening the P version in comparison). The adapter is just pure resistors which does nothing to drivers that is tuned to a specific tone which is measured by graph scientificlly(but not real life listening experience, yours may vary).

[@JasonGriffin]

James Jin The claim that the adapter cable turns it into an S is directly from Etymotic Research. As far as I'm aware the "well known fact" you mention is conjecture based on subjective experience and group think in various headfi forums. So it comes down to do we believe the manufacturer or do we believe internet forums? Considering Etymotic is not a company who makes grandiose dubious claims on the level of other similarly positioned headphone companies I tend to believe them over the forums. Having said that I have had the opportunity to compare a well broken in ER4P set (my own) with the adapter cable to a brand new straight of the box ER4S set and to my ears the ER4P sounded ever so slightly warmer. However they had different style tips on them with the ER4P using after market foams and the ER4S with the soft rubber three flange OEMs. The sound difference could easily have been attributed to the different tips, the 4 years of use my ER4P set had, that the filters on the ER4P were at least 11 months old, or even the "psycho-acoustic" (placebo) factor. It was an extremely subtle difference, on par with comparing different CD transports. While your logic is sound it hinges on the ER4P having a bass boost which is by no means an objectively proven fact that I'm aware of. This is a very old debate though and it's been years since I researched it; if you have lab tests or other objective measurements indicating a bass boost for the ER4P's please do pass it along. I am always open to new information changing my opinion.

[@johnyang799]

James Jin s is almost equal to pt with the ptos adapter. I recommend hf5 with ptoa adapter or er4s or sr.

[@jamesjin8839]

John Yang nah you need to look at the time. That's Long before I wrapped er4 to my parents and sport a pair of jh13v2.

[@alexbelovestoniastuntkiting]

best out there for audiophile with a hi fi player.Used them over 10 years.Want the next ones XR. Technology(since 80s!!) and materials (like gold) says for itself. Im a happy customer.The minuses: Price and its not for everyday use. IT is studio headphones for some kinds of famous musicians

[@docdetroit99]

Overall I enjoyed the review. I was curious what others thought of these headphones. I have owned ER-4pts for about 15 years (on my second set now and yes they were about $300 bucks back then ). I use them daily and don't find the clip that big of a deal. When my first set broke, I looked at pricier head sets wanting to see if there was something better available. In the end I decided to go with the ER-4pts again because the combination of sound quality and noise isolation simply could not be beat. I am considering buying a second set of high-end, in-ear head phones for use around the house but haven't yet decided if it's worth the money.

[@visionar007]

I use Comply foam tips, I can forget it's in my ear. Most comfortable and best isolation and pair lasts at least six months of daily usage.

[@syn010110]

Shure olives are the best for these. They're far more durable than Comply foams and isolate better.

[@techyescity]

oh Linus man... warm > flat any day of the week, but as always with audio it is all in the ear of the beholder.

[@Statistic189]

Sorry, disagree. Flat is always best.

[@Doubleaa500]

I have never heard of these headphones before, but the ones I use that give me perfect sound with perfect bass and are very comfortable after about 5 minutes of first use are the JVC ha-fx1x in ear headphones for only $20, great for all day everyday use.

[@vteckpwr]

I love audio gear, thanks for this video Linus.

[@devinshon3660]

You are one of the biggest influences in my life

[@JohnGallagher2560]

Hey linus, why dont you guys use a blackmagic 4k camera? I am sure that there is a reason, but it would be nice to know:)

[@TheFirionus]

Please try to get your hands on the In Ear Stage Diver 3. They are made by a small German company for professionals and use Custom technology in a universal shell. In the German Hifi-Forum they are quite hyped since they are the probably the best bass-heavy universal In-Ears on the market. Availability in the US is not that good, but that´s the same with be Quiet! stuff.

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I would say for peoples ear health listening at lower volumes with headphones and not ear buds is better. My ears are sensitive so I hardly ever listen to music through headphones at 100% unless a song is really quiet or I am in an insainly loud place, but with some heaphones you don't need volume loud to block out noise and they don't leak much noise like the ATH m40x headphones which I got after testing lots of headphones.

[@vteckpwr]

Audio clip at 6:11?

[@ay735]

Thanks for looking at the ER-4's. I still want to hear how you think of the consumer-level friendly HF-5's!

[@b-rant]

The HF-5's are a similar story. Extremely crisp sounds (hearing a bell in a song sounds so real that you jump sometimes) I have a pair of the HF-5's and many audiophile reviewers classify them as best in class by a lot

[@ay735]

I bought myself the HF-5's last June. You're correct, they are an absolute joy to use, it convinces me to visit the gym more often! With that said, I want to see how Linus' own words about them, given their slight price point difference ;)

[@b-rant]

I've tried the ER-4's (a guy in my dad's band bought them) and they are EXTREMELY crisp sounding compared to even the HF-5's. So much in fact that i prefer the HF-5's because i do still like at least some additional base rather than the extremely crisp sounding base from the ER-4's. They do, as linus said, sound too boring if you are listening to anything that isn't very percice like jazz or some of the calmer forms of music. anything like rock, hip hop, and so on is kinda lost on the ER4's due to just those forms of music not being recorded in the same manner as say a lot of jazz n such. Personal preference of course, but i enjoy my HF-5's

[@realaudioreviews]

Please review the WESTONE 4r or Westone W40 thanks.

[@treksez]

Try a pair of Shure SE425, they feel amazing, and are kind of in the same price bracket.

[@teekanne15]

I prefer my sounds to accurate and as close to that what the artist had in mind as possible. Thats why I use studio Monitors for daily use instead of these 2.1 PC solutions that are popular right now.

[@renomoto]

If you compare it side by side with the KZ ATE. How would it compare?

[@iagreewitheverythingyousai3525]

I know this is a super late comment, but i didn't see anyone else mention it. Etymotic's site looks like a site selling hearing aids because they are a site selling hearing aids. Maybe you were just trolling us, but look it up, true story. BTW I've had a pair of ER-4Ps (running on a bithead amp) for over a decade now and have never heard anything better.

[@DRAGONFANG18]

I like the HF5s. I dont have a problem with comfort and them falling out.

[@johnyang799]

PillowSmeller I recommend you try comply ts100 small size foam tips also along with ptos adapter from etymotic for your hf5. You will have all kinds of comfort and you will get the sound as good as er4s.

[@DRAGONFANG18]

Thanks! Ill try it.

[@zulfikarnaera9273]

Nice earphone for audiophile. Make sure you get the B version, not P or S. B version sound a little bit smoother than others (i used to review the B version btw)...

[@TGxFarKim]

They're a little old now, but I'd like to hear your opinion on the Shure SE215.

[@gingervlogs4963]

I'm new to the whole building my own pc thing, but I know I am going to use 2 monitors, I will be using the Asus GeForce gtx 780 gpu and I considered I may need two of these to run both monitors. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@kennethlarsson1499]

Have you tried Koss Spark Plug? They are the best as far as I know when it comes to delivering bass. Has anyone tried both?

[@horacegrimsby2870]

Suppose the artist intended strong bass?

[@Metallica4LifeDude]

Hey Linus, is there any chance you would do a review on Porta Pros by KOSS?

[@BeefIngot]

So essentially they are large and uncomfortable to fit in at first, definitely need lube, but are euphoric when they get in and start driving?

[@hillsy5853]

I personally find, that biting the pillow helps make the insertion easier.

[@HKNKRDMR]

Very good review thank you for that. Do you have any advice for an in ear earphone which has a wide range of frequencies to listen jazz, classic and hi res audio with my Astell Kern Mk2 player. For home listening I am using OPPO PM-3 and I want a reliable product(product with a well price performance ratio) "on the go". Thanks in advance for your comment.

[@kevinthink3722]

Hey Linus can you review the shure se 215 they are low cost iems that well are supposed to be great

[@Alexandra-Rex]

Flat sound that also reproduces low frequency. Do they?

[@eSZett_]

I'm a big fan of "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." AKA: I don't care what the artist wanted it to sound like, I care about making it sound good to me. How do we know that the artist used such 'pure' speakers or headphones anyway? Maybe they hear the bass boosted or an EQ on their machine they're not aware of. (unlikely, but a big if for a 'sound purist' argument) I like my bass and I'll EQ it myself if my headphones don't, so why go through the hassle, especially if they're uncomfortable?

[@omnigomjl]

Professional recording studios will almost always use "pure speakers" as you called it. So the songs recorded will be mixed (generally) for those speakers. Then what often happens is that the artists and producers will firstly compress the file to a format like mp3, and test the sound across a range of headphones. Then remix according to the sound that they are looking for. So I completely understand your point on them being uncomfortable and what not. But the thing to understand about these in ears is that they are predominantly (making an assumption here) designed for people who want to A, mix music themselves and understand what the true sound is like, or B, for people who want to hear music the way that it was created. :)

[@migadepancito]

Josh Lake I enjoy clarity... I don't want any frequency to have more power than other ones. Also if your headphones have a sound signature that fits your music taste, and the music taste changes, you can't eq them, as you can these.........

[@SamuelMOropeza]

Linus, you should make a review on the Sony XBA-3 or 4. I am thinking on buying either of them and would love to know your opinion

[@AhokZYashA]

this is one of the best IEM's that i have heard, i own one and its been my daily driver for 2+ years, and it still sound very good. its neutral, slightly warn with a crystal clear smooth treble. oh and they didn't call it ER(Ear Rape) 4 PT for no reason either. but its fine with me anyway, YMMV

[@chriskim9289]

great headphones

[@Confispect1]

+1000000

[@OnlyTheNerd]

LINUS. Try the Shure SE535 LTD's. They're pretty comfortable for universal IEM's, and a really nice reference sound. Or the SE846, if you're willing to drop a grand...

[@j.sant.woodwork]

Have a look at the Westone 4Rs, they blow my mind every time I use them.