Etymotic ER4XR Review: A New Reference

Laser beam ice pick ear dream!
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[@nohype-fi6468]

"Am I really ready to try deep insertion?" "My first time was pretty scary as well but I got used to it" Hmmm that's taking heardphone reviews to a whole new level

[@johnyang799]

Once you get used to it, you will never feel the same way with any others.

[@CaveyMoth]

My single-flange Monster Turbines were like nothing after using the Etymotic MC5 for years, hahaha. Edit: I just remembered that Monster Turbines come with triple flanges that are MUCH worse than Etymotic's.

[@hoangduong2759]

that's what she said

[@CaveyMoth]

I love my etymotics! Nothing like triple flanges going halfway to your brain for maximum sound isolation. And Etymotic always provides such a neutral sound signature.^^ I love the way you described the sound profile as "water plus." Ingenious!

[@visuallin]

Glad you mentioned the TF10s, after all these years they're still a wonderful pair.

[@James-xm8uu]

I really appreciate this review. This is my most favorite iem purchase so far. Thanks!!

[@syn010110]

so glad you're making videos again! :D I still don't see a reason to change out my IM-70s though lol THEY ARE JUST PERFECT

[@asymptoticspatula]

lachlan, I really like your reviews. I am enjoying your more rational take on audio products, such as your advice to not put too much stock into comparing two frequency response curves without knowing anything about testing parameters, gear used, etc. Very nice perspective which is sadly lacking in a lot of audio product reviews. Thanks. Have you ever tried the PFE 232? I think you would adore them. To me it sounds like a refined GR07. Smoother, less grainy treble and absolutely the best and most comfortable IEM design I've ever tried. It's a shame they're no longer being produced, but they are well worth tracking down.

[@Bori0815]

Hey Lachlan, i really enjoy your reviews and i hope that you continue your good work. I am really looking forward to see your videos for the next few decades ^^ One question, if possible can you make a review about the Astell&Kern Ak T8?

[@xXCrazyxNoobxX]

Wild Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il spotted at 4:16.

[@amoghrathore]

Thank you for comparing these to IM02s. Fantastic review!

[@ninjazzc8927]

The Etymotic er4p reminds me of the original semi-vintage Grado RS1 headphones - Good deep impactful bass, with forward mids and sparkly highs.

[@dawgsledr]

Nice video. Really like the er4s. They are stunning. With 1 ba it's insane. I find the bass is so accurate but they need an amp. I might pull the trigger on the new xr's as it would be cool to hear how the bass is even deeper. Plus no need of an amp. I have the Klipsch x7 which is a single ba as well but is no where clean as the er4s but are still really good. Holy cow Lachlan how can you afford all that gear? I thought I was bad. Lately been selling slot of unused stuff.

[@RaynesX]

Lachlan. I LOVE YOU. In some alternate universe I like to imagine instead of me being British, I am Australian, and we are buddies

[@IamSinistor]

in a different timeline Lachlan is the Austrailian that would be getting me into audio and not Dankpods, hope Lachlan returns someday and pops up in my recommended :)

[@faheemm3529]

Hahahha thumbs up for the icepicking in the brain bit. I'm worried about the same..

[@agius2]

Hi Lachlan, congrats on another great video review! I'm considering the ER4XR (and the ER4S before it) for a long time, but I have my doubts about their comfort. It turns out that my ear canals is quite sensitive (and oddly shaped - each one in their own way nonetheless) :-( I have the Shure SE535 and they have very similar triple-flange tips (at least visually similar - I don't know if Etymotic's ones are made from the same material). Would you say that the feeling of using the SE535 with their triple-flange tips when inserted as deep as possible is comparable to using the ER4XR when inserted not so deep?

[@NavidGowani]

Hey Lachlan, does deep insertion with eartips like these or regular silicone eartips with a sealed iem cause any pain/pressure in your ears? I always have a slight feeling of pressure when I get a perfect seal with silicone tips and feel that it'd hurt bad if they were to get pulled out accidentally. Great video BTW!

[@bleedy13]

Omg Lachlan, Every time I look at your monitor I'm like "OMG HE LIKES THAT BAND TOO?". This time referring to Trevor Something. Funny enough I commented on one of his videos and said "You don't exist" and he responded with "you're right" and his shit disappeared.

[@username65585]

Water does not have a flavor but the various minerals in the water give it a slight flavour.

[@S.G54321]

Hey Lachlan really nice review :), just wondering but know of any places in Melbourne where they sell the ER4XR?

[@Wonginism]

Ahh great video and a barrel of laughs.

[@CrisChen]

I bought this baby because I wanted something "reference". Took me about 3-4 days to get used to it. But.. the return is... amazing sounding. However I feel using this during commuting on rush hours may not be so good, the bass will sound thin because of external factors. That's why I got the GR07 for that.

[@theSUBVERSIVE]

I've been using Etymotic for years because it has one of the best passive noise isolation with pretty good audio, before that I also had one of those with batteries and I thought it was annoying to have to carry an extra weight and length in the cables. Yes, you have to use cable up but that's hardly any issue but I didn't feel weird nor had any fear of people bumping into me. Actually, I think they are pretty comfortable and I even sleep with them on daily basis and so far, they are the only ones I'm able to do so. My model is cheaper than this review unit and I do miss the bass, but I'm not sure it's worth for me to invest that much just for regular use, but if I could, I would.

[@YoutiaoVlogs]

If the tri-flanges cannot fit you, you can cut off the top layer. The first bend in my ear canal is quite near so I can't get a good fit on the tri-flanges.

[@zuyanhe]

The spinfit tip works really well for ER4XR!

[@perthlongboardingsociety321]

Does it sound the same as the triple flanges though? I'm actually completely happy with the triple flanges but would be nice to hear how spinfits do

[@syn010110]

when I still had my er4p the tri-flanges were kicked to the curb immediately and I used medium shure olives forevermore

[@bluematrix5001]

so are those flat in freq response or are bright as most earbuds/headphones? did u try the ER4S?

[@allengee]

I still haven't seen anybody compare these to electrostatics, not even in passing. I am very curious how close they are to that level of clairty or what it might do better or be lacking.

[@yooanto9465]

lachlan , can you make a short early impression : for the Akg N40

[@Corruptness]

I'm a dj suffering w slight tinnitus, would u recommend these considering etymotic are known for protecting hearing?

[@scott8610]

I spy a Tim & Eric album... great job!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

How do these compare to the Ety kids? I got those because I wasn't sure if I'd like the sound or insertion. I stuck Shure olive tips and that seems to make them more comfortable. They still sound a bit thin. Bagpipes seem almost tinny. However, nature sounds and brighter music like traditional country sound great.

[@NM-jn6cp]

Any word on the ER3SE and ER3XR? at 179 bucks with lower impedence?

[@newfnshow031]

This was a great video and these headphones sound amazing but its pretty expensive I think I'm gonna buy the bose soundtrue headphones, I just want something good for acoustics with good instrumental separation and vocal clarity. Hopefully they don't let me down or I'm gonna be pissed I wasted my money.

[@joseguillen9335]

Have you thought about reviewing MEE's Pinnacle P1? I've heard people comparing them to Shure's SE846 earphones and they're only $200!!! I've been thinking about buying a pair as well as a new DAP.

[@shanagins007]

Shout-out to ER4P

[@johnyang799]

If you get used to er4xr, then almost any other earphones will sound like shit. However, apart from etymotic it self. I found klipsch x11 with a 200ohm resistor and the 3 flange eartip sounds pretty close and better in soundstage and imaging.

[@apawstate]

I first got a pair of Etymtic Er 6 Isolator buds probably 15 years ago and was less then impressed and I eventually sold them. Fast forward to now, and I got the ER2XR and I love them. I love them so much, I just splugred and ordered the ER4XR, and I can't wait to get them and compare.

[@patryk2700]

how did they compare ?

[@apawstate]

@@patryk2700 The ER4XR sound clearer and have more pronounced bass than the EX2XR. Definitely worth the extra cost for me. Note that the ER2XR has a dynamic driver, while the ER3XR and ER4XR have a Balanced Armature driver.

[@julianlopez85]

now that you've tried the ath ls200...how would you compare this to them? i'm looking at a similar upgrade as well...currently using ath e40

[@ts4124]

The Bose QC 20, I would like to see your review about them

[@timcook6846]

6:38 too savage for me XD

[@ncf1]

I pressed a little too hard and ended up lodging my fist in my ear. Any tips for relieving me of this unfortunate circumstance is welcome because people on the bus are starting to look at me funny, but I just pretend I'm on the phone all the time, endlessly making up conversations.

[@Zenatrons]

How does it compare to the ER4P-T? It's going for much cheaper on Amazon and I'm not sure which to get. What do you think?

[@CaptainLiones]

i have a er4pt right now and i really couldn't care less for the bass. do you think the er4pt is closer to the SR?

[@FreeD00M]

Hi I owned the ER4XR. Currently thinking about this iem vs the ex1000, how do they compare expecially in bass and detail.

[@immortal4942]

I'm still enjoying my $0 akg that came with my s8 years ago

[@brianli6984]

Would you say the IMO2 is worth it as an upgrade to the Shue SE215?

[@miltonwilliams2399]

I like flange tips just bought some last week they should be here today. I want a pair of these so I can play cod mobile 🤣

[@soundknight]

Bass separation is a good thing

[@awesomenessinstead]

Hey Lachlan, do you know Grado headphones?

[@WideOpenChange]

How does this compare to Sony 7506 in terms of mixing music on the go when you dont have access to a studio?

[@n305]

Hi Lachlan. What is your opinion on the new iPhone? I remember you had issues with iPhone 6 in the past. What did you settle on?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Michał Ciebiada I returned my 6s and later on got an SE

[@david1235102]

How would these compare to the UE 900s? I'm trying to decide between the 2.

[@samyoo1678]

Deep insertion. Holy shit

[@melodology-5383]

Thank you for the review, I would like to ask you... Can the Er4 xr work effeciently and properly with 2017 ipad pro (12.9inch) which has a 3.5mm jack. I see that they have an impedance of 45 ohm and I believe (not sure) that the ipad jack is 1.7 ohm Also would you recommend it next to the shure es 535 Again thank you so much 🌹

[@dumb615]

Hello, do you still have your Sony ex 1000? If you do, would you say these are a downgrade or an upgrade?

[@desaturated6049]

how does this sound compared to the MDR7550?

[@matthewfitch2456]

these are like 173usd now and im still excited to get my hands on a pair

[@thoyo]

Hi Lachlan, have you ever tried the Stax SRS-002 (baby stax)? I'd appreciate any info, especially since you know your IEMs

[@johnyang799]

If you don't care the tonal accuracy and sensitivity to the environment. They are quite good. They have terrible frequency response compared to er4 but not that bad on its own. The electrostatic sound it gives is good. But I prefer er4sr/xr. Another big thumb down is they are painful to wear...Also you need to carry am dedicated amp with you all the time.

[@johnyang799]

Er4s/b s are known as the earphones that are most close to electrostatic headphones. So I highly recommend them.

[@thoyo]

thx for your help! :)

[@nicholas0730]

Hey Lachlan! Where did you get the etymotic er4xr? Great review btw! really informative!

[@lachlanlikesathing]

At Minidisc!

[@nicholas0730]

Have you sold it yet? I'm interested in it :D

[@minhbu95]

Hey! Idk if you still do headphones reviews or not, but have you tried the jays q-jays? If yes then how do they compare to this one?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Nope sorry I haven’t! Jays is harder to find in australia!

[@minhbu95]

@@lachlanlikesathing Etymotic XR and SR is hard for me to find in Vietnam also lol.

[@Steampunk915]

have you ever had an eartip stuck in your ear?, Well once I got one stuck into my ear for about 5 hours or so and I was sleeping at that time

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Wahyuddin Wahab eew I'm glad you were asleep for it lol

[@H.KH44N]

What's your reddit subreddit? I'd love to get on there.

[@TheLostrocks]

Lachlan, you NEED to listen to the Heaven 6 from Final Audio

[@TheFoCuSeDi]

4:17 Kim Jong-il???

[@TaylorWall]

Mushroom tips are the most comfortable. Always wear them over the ear. The bass (etymotic target bass response) is flat, which isn't an opinion. It sounds weak compared to others because many earphones and headphones have boosted bass.

[@johnyang799]

i received er4xr today. I have to say! The bass is twice as much as old er4s! I have to add a serial resistor to add some treble to compensate. It is tooooo much. However I would consider it to be more similar to studio monitors. The bass is just kicking kicking. If I choose twice I choose sr. xr is too bassy for me.

[@kaori-3882]

11:56 Which one is he saying along the etymotic for reference?

[@dangerale]

Hey mate. How would you compare these against the TripleFi pro 10's? I had a pair but the capsules have broken off and now I'm looking for a new pair of IEM's.

[@odkKoma]

Not comparable. The XR is very far from the sub- and mid-bass sensation that the TF10 are. The earphones that get closest IMO are the Fischer Amps FA-3E XB and 4E XB.

[@gogigp]

Hi, did you try Cardas A8?

[@vinwevi]

The puns. Oh god the puns

[@miffachan123]

How are these compared to final audio e3k?

[@miltonwilliams2399]

Could you compare them to the shoure tapers

[@youllgetnoinfoaboutmytwitt5689]

do you need a external dac or amp with these? I wanted to use them with only my phone and was wondering if they'd still sound good. did you try them with your phone and if so, how did they sound ?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I basically use them 50% of the time with my phone and they are fine, but depending on the output impedence of whatever device you are using, they may sound different.

[@youllgetnoinfoaboutmytwitt5689]

lachlanlikesathing thanks for the reply, do a review of the audiofly iems or the shure se535 , I think I'm asking too much phahaha

[@maomao180]

Comparison between ER4XR and GR07, Carbo Tenore?

[@majedalamine4404]

how does this compares to the IE800. i have a feeling you are saying at half the price you get similar clarity and bass feel?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+majed al amine the IE800 is much warmer and bassier, so it's like a similiar comparison to the Z5

[@johnyang799]

I use the clip. If you get used to it, you will never go back.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+John Yang lol I went back

[@johnyang799]

Hmm. I assume that you ain't get used to it. :D. The weight of the cable still bothers me no matter how I wear it.

[@johnyang799]

well. The hump is in the high frequency.

[@davidgu3555]

Do a review of Final Audio F4100!

[@OS-bs9ky]

how are they compare to Klipsch 10 ?

[@nicholashay5485]

Hey Lachlan, do you have a recommendation for a earphone under $70-80 with a slightly warmer sound signature, good build quality, and is practical for use outside the house?

[@CaveyMoth]

May I suggest the VSonic VSD3S? It ticks all the boxes.

[@nicholashay5485]

CaveManta I got a pair of those after they stopped making ones with replaceable cables and they gave out after 5 months

[@CaveyMoth]

Nicholas Hay They got rid of the replaceable cables? That sucks, because the removable cable was a fantastic feature.

[@nicholashay5485]

CaveManta I agree, any other suggestions?

[@CaveyMoth]

Sadly, that's all I've got. I've also tried the Etymotic MC5 and Hifiman RE-400, but they're lean sounding. Maybe the MEElectronics A151? Nah it's a bit grainy in the highs. Perhaps this massive list of IEMs will help! theheadphonelist.com/headphone-list/

[@FrankyboyLegend]

What's with the North Korean posters?

[@Himanshu-hq8og]

whats wrong with it

[@888fluffy]

uh he doesn't sound north korean, sounds more aussie to me.

[@yurisirotin7706]

@@Himanshu-hq8og Uhm, sure, why not? Maybe also add a Hitler poster to it when you're at it.

[@Immortal__]

@@888fluffy You are disgustingly politically correct.

[@chintoki]

Because North Korea is best Korea.

[@adamnelson8572]

Welp, I'm KZbin famous now. I guess I can halt my pursuit. I want to try these when I'm at Minidisc. I really hope I hate them since I have no money to spend. My wallet cannot spare the temptation. Unless I can have them as a parting gift? 🎁

[@ayushdesai5290]

please do a review of Audio Technica S700bt

[@ozdemirsalik]

It's not a custom driver, it's a Knowles RAB-32257.

[@Fromheaven007]

Thats what is inside?

[@Tiger24kicks]

I have those iem and they are ok

[@johnyang799]

try comply ts100 small. Specifically ts100 and small. try that. still deep insertion.

[@JohnSmithExtra]

I have the MC5, First buy for use on a Motorcycle that's loud. I like the MC5 because of it's noise isolation. I would like to have better fidelity. Is this the model you recommend for 350, or do you think there is another one that could be cheaper and do almost the same?

[@Yanrikokrisna]

try the etymotic hf5 for the cheaper one

[@JohnSmithExtra]

Got it in the mail today, I can hear the difference between the MC5 and HF5. I can't imagine how much better the ER4SR would be. haha Do you do Car Audio review? I'm curious as to what you think of Bang Olufsen vs Mark Levinson vs, Burmester, etc.

[@soundknight]

Water has a flavour in Australia. Tasmania - sweet tasting parts of Victoria taste sweet too (Countryside) Darwin is very good but depends where you are, Sydney is OK at times Brisbane is pretty much the average Adelaide terrible and dirty Winton is like Eggs. Haven't been West yet.

[@johnyang799]

And you may wear these even deeper. This is still shallow... gently pull down earlobe. And insert with another hand.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+John Yang oh bb

[@johnyang799]

Yeah.

[@CaveyMoth]

I always do the "pull up on the auricle with the opposite hand and open your mouth during insertion" method, and it gets my Etymotic MC5 in nice and deep. Only issue is that it's really awkward to do in confined spaces like airplane seats. The person(s) next to you freak(s) out. =P

[@johnyang799]

From my experience, the earlobe is better and help me insert deeper. Also it can be done within one hand. Use thumb and the middle pull down the earlobe and use index finger to push in the earphones. It works so well. Hope you like this method.

[@CaveyMoth]

John Yang Thanks for the help! I'm going to try that during my flight today. It sounds much easier than the process I've been doing.

[@SchrodingersQuark]

How they compare to Gr07 Be?

[@eiffelwong1]

do you need some portable amp to get the full potential of this headphone? I am currently using er4p and iphone 5 combo, and wanting an upgrade. but fearing my phone can't get the power to drive this earphone :P

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+eiffelwong1 your ip5 should be pretty dandy! Why are you concerned?

[@eiffelwong1]

haha, thanks, Etymotic have one less pair of er4xr in stock.

[@johnyang799]

You always need expensive dac and amp to get full potential of any headphones earphones. But I think your cellphone is good enough to enjoy.

[@429077303]

I was using the ER4S and iphone 5S for ages and it was a really satisfying portable pairing. Don't think you'll have issues with the new etys which are more sensitive than the ER4S

[@johnyang799]

exactly

[@johnyang799]

They add 6db not 3-4 db. 6 db is about twice.

[@James-xm8uu]

I'm so glad I was able to correct my name in time for this review LOL. I saw that I was using my fake facebook name on accident and it showed up on one of the reviews HAHA

[@doncortezwilder460]

"Water+" hahaha

[@johnhallkenney]

Nice analogy and description Lachlan using water as a reference. This is my first time viewing, but won't be my last

[@SummersSnaps]

I'd just like to clarify something here, something that I think Lachlan is missing. How much is the ER4XR 'tech' responsible for Lachlan's opinions of the earphone vs the simple fact he's actually trying an IEM with tripleflange/deep insertion properly? I am 38yrs old, my first IEM was the er6's with triple flange, bought when I was in my early twenties. Yes it was uncomfortable at first, but after persevering with it I learned that actually no other method really worked for me. Any single 'flange' tip, or just standard or whatever just don't push the sound properly into the ear, much like how Lachlan comments on the ER4XR's comply foam tips, they just don't do it for me. Far too much bass leakage etc. Since that experience I have bought dozens of IEMs over the year and feel pretty comfortable talking about this area. Each and every one of those IEMs I have bought (from Soundmagic E10's up to my current favorite the PFE 232's) have been listened to with triple flange tips. It gets to the point now that if I buy a new pair of IEMs without triple flange tips then I pretty much leave the stock tips completely unused (better for reselling as well). This often means visiting ebay, researching what type of flange tip will fit the IEM correctly, stalk size/diameter etc (for example my Yamaha EPH100's use very different sized triple flange tips to my PFE 232's), because often when you buy IEMs they don't come with triple flange at all. I can understand why. There is a HUGE difference in comfort between sticking in a stock standard eartip on an IEM vs a triple flange. The triple flange can HURT, and can be uncomfortable for many days/attempts at getting used to. Manufacturers would rather not 'dissuade' their customers from that potential unpleasant experience, and instead compromise on sound quality over comfort. Etymotic are just hardcore. When using triple flange on ANY IEM, my experience has been In every single one of those instances that the sound is vastly improved, bass deeper, tighter, noise isolation better, there basically isn't a single draw back of triple flange vs non triple (hey it even toughens you up!). I have yet to be knocked on the ear wearing them, and once you have used and built up the ear canal to being used to them being there you can wear them for stupidly long lengths of time nonstop unaware of even their presence. But that kinda tolerance can take years. If you also exercise like I do then triple flange are best for joggers, less change of falling out. In short, listening to lachlan here talking about these IEMs I can't help feeling he's talking actually about the pros of triple flange vs what the actual IEMs are indeed responsible for. Or to put it another way, it's hard to judge what he's saying here because of his relative triple flange virginity lol. I would urge Lachlan to go back over his older IEMs, seek down triple flange tips and reassess, see and how he feels about them now with triple flange on vs before, then go back and have a think about the ER4XR's again. Perhaps many viewers here could save themselves a considerable fortune by NOT buying the ER4XR's and instead just hunting down the right triple flange for their current favourite IEM. The real difference in Lachlan is that with the ER4XR's you don't get the option to pussy out, you kinda really do have use the tripleflange tips (because the complies are a joke lol). Many of you may have tried a triple flange in the past but had the option to reach for the more comfortable tip so missed out on what could have been. Take my advice, when the triple flange tips arrive from ebay, throw yer existing tips away! You won't thank me that month but eventually you will :) And yes, you absolutely must go behind-ear with triple flange for best results.

[@johnyang799]

You can still use comply foam for deep insertion. Better with ts100(small) or weston true fit foam (green small short one) They are very comfortable. You still have to insert deep. I had the same problem/situation as yours. This is the only stable kind of insertion or wearing for me.

[@johnyang799]

Well I have been using er4b and hf5 for more than a year now. And triple flange is not going to fit anymore (need constant adjustment and finally shit change the tip)...

[@johnyang799]

I have experienced white 3 flange from shure, yellow foam from shure, black foam from shure, comply t100, ts100, tsx100(small and mid), westone truefit foam greeny small, and of course grey/lightgreen 3 flange and dark grey/blue 3 flange and mushroom tip and grey foam.

[@albocaj5975]

Yeah, I had to buy cheap crap etys just so I can use the triple flange tips on my Shures lol

[@minhbu95]

But does flipping the driver around to put the iem in your ears affect the sound in any way?

[@joelstatosky1817]

The main thing that people don't like about these is. 1. When listening to music that isn't made that great, they sound a bit 2d 2. There ears feel like they are being used in a way they shouldn't

[@sheng2435]

I'm still feeling skeptical about paying that much for a single BA iem. Considering I used to use the Sony XBA-1.

[@johnyang799]

They are way better. And you will never regret. Imo they blow the doors out of most multiple driver iems.

[@johnyang799]

I recommend xr if you not familiar with etymotic.

[@sheng2435]

I'll definitely give it a try if I have the chance. I do enjoy a sound signature that has loads of clarity, that's why I'm using the Sony XBA-300 now.

[@larethio9710]

Wei Sheng Tan I've owned both the xba 1 and er-4s. IMO the er-4s is the best implementation of a single balanced armature ever made. there's a "oneness" in the sound that reminds you that more drivers can have more issues. it is very razor sharp and very neutral. xba 1 just doesn't compare. I mean the xba 1 is a GREAT value for its new low price though.

[@Npcubed33]

How do these compare to, say, the Sennheiser ie80's which are about a $100 less expensive?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Npcubed33 I haven't compared them side by side, but the IE80 should be a fair bit warmer and bassier

[@Npcubed33]

+lachlanlikesathing Thanks that actually helps me out quite a bit. In the review you talked about "brassy" mids, do you think that could compliment bands like Streetlight Manifesto, where there is a strong horns/rythm section?

[@johnyang799]

ie80 sounds like shit. Senheiser is not good at earphones this is true. So forget about senheiser when you choose earphones.

[@Npcubed33]

***** I'm sorry to keep bothering you, I'm heavily considering purchasing the er4xr's but there is one question I cannot find the answer too anywhere that I would really like to have answered before I pull the trigger. You mentioned in the review that the connection between the cable and the iem's is the mmcx standard, but you also said it was keyed. Does this mean that standard mmcx aftermarket cables will not work with the Ety's. I'm heavily considering ordering a lighter cable with the iems to help relieve the inner ear canal strain that you and linus from linustechtips mentioned in your reviews. I just don't see myself wearing around the shirt clip.

[@j_moonchild]

You are wrong. XR doesn't just add bass, it reduces highs 5 to 6 decibels -which is exactly what was your negative point. Suggestion: why don't you just train your ear? Get the SR version AND you can actually hear the bass better, than from XR (among everything else). Resetting your hearing is very easy and very rewarding. Just buy that SR version model and listen only that for about a week. Some basshead said it took him three weeks. Do not listen even on your car stereo let alone home stereos, or cut down the lows completely.. After that, you will start to hear bass from even the weirdest sources... Elevator speakers, cellphones, tv-sets etc. Then, you start to hear EVERYTHING, around you with or with headphones or speakers. Positioning and separation becomes accurate.