Entered CNET Catalog: 01/23/2004
SKU: ER4P
Manufacturer: Etymotic Research
Manufacturer description
PRODUCT FEATURES: Unparalleled sound accuracy; Virtual elimination of external background noise (20-25 dB isolation); Lightweight and portable (great for traveling); High-fidelity monitor earphones for real-ear measurements. The ER-4MicroPro earphone system includes: 5' cord with 3.5 mm stereo phone plug; 1/4" stereo phone adapter plug; 6 white flanged eartips; 10 black (13mm) foam eartips; Filter-changing tool with 4 filters; Instruction booklet; Shirt clip; Carrying pouch; Storage box.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 03/05/2004
The name Etymotic means "true to the ear" and is pronounced "et-im-oh-tik." Established in 1983, the company's initial mission was to design products to measure, improve, and protect hearing. The Etymotic ER-4P headphones were designed for use with portable CD and MP3 players and retail for a whopping $330.
Yes, they're expensive, but if you've already shelled out big bucks for an iPod, the ER-4P will deliver your MP3 player's full sound potential. The Etymotic headphones employ advanced technology originally developed for hearing aids. Another reason for the high price: ER-4P headphones are hand-built by a skilled technician working with stereo microscope, then measured and tested at Etymotic's factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. (Etymotic also makes the ER-4S and the ER-4B, which are not designed for portable use.)
Like the other in-ear headphones we recently tested, Shure's $179 E3c, you have to cram the ER-4P's eartips deep into your ear canals, which might be a deal breaker for some buyers. (Also, the rubber eartips in particular have a tendency to attract ear wax and must be cleaned regularly.) Rest assured, Etymotic Research is dedicated to hearing protection, and the ER-4P 'phones are very safe. In fact, because of their impressive noise-isolation abilities, equal to or better than those of battery-powered noise-canceling models, you won't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. The Etymotic ER-4P is the ultimate travel aid for frequent flyers or train commuters, and we found these headphones more comfortable than the Shure E3c, though those with smaller ear canals may prefer the latter.
With some earbuds, it can be hard to distinguish between the right and left bud, but the ER-4P keeps things simple: the earpieces are color coded--red for right and blue for left. The ER-4P has a 5-foot cord that ends with a 1/8-inch stereo miniplug, along with a 1/4-inch adapter plug. You can use the provided shirt clip to tack the dangling headphone wire to your shirt or jacket. Filling out the package is a travel pouch and a larger home storage box, along with three pairs of interchangeable rubber eartips and five pairs of foam ones.
Sound quality is astonishingly good; it's hyperdetailed but never harsh or irritating. You can even hear reverberation and the acoustics of the studio where the musicians recorded the music. Bass response, never a strong suit for earbuds, is nicely balanced and deeper than average. No, it's not as warm as that from the full-size Grado SR60 headphones, but the overall quality of the ER-4P leaves the Grado and every other portable headphone set we've ever tested for CNET in the dust.
The Etymotic Research ER-4P is a true reference-quality design and is highly recommended. But because of the exorbitantly high price tag, we're giving the Editors' Choice nod to the ER-4P's step-down sibling, the Etymotic ER-6 Isolator. At just $130--and cheaper online--it offers much of the ER-4P's performance and features at a significantly more affordable price.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
9/10
Consistently the best buds I've owned or heard!
Pros: Clarity. Quiet but dynamic. Discrete and easy to carry. Clean design. Top quality.
Cons: Price. That's it.
For pure listening pleasure and noise isolation, the ER-4P's have nearly no equal and it's sterling reputation is well deserved. I disagree with strongly with those here who've said they're over-rated. Simply not true. Especially when you consider the alternate models they offer as "better". Most aren't even in the same league. If thumping, pounding bass from the hip-hopper of the week is your thing, you shouldn't even be listening to ear-buds much less THESE ear buds. Over the ear designs are better suited to ruining your hearing with 25Hz pounding. However, if hearing the subtle details, sublime mid-ranges and clear highs then look no further! You can find these on line for less than the $299 price tag but they are still pricey and the only reason I subtract a half star. (You can find them at newegg.com for $180 ... well worth the price.)
I find the fit to be just right with the silicone triple-flanges and the noise reduction is second to none. On a recent flight to Hawaii I barely heard the wind/jet noise and never had to set the volume on the iPod past 1/3 to 1/2 total volume. I find I can wear them for more than a few hours with little discomfort but curiously when I take them out I find myself slightly disoriented from the noise reduction being so complete. As for the sound reproduction ... put simply ... they work as advertised. They are clean, "quiet" but the dynamic range is second to none and in fact, I find that they expose poorly mastered or poorly converted MP3's and AAC's. I tend to rip my CD's into either lossless or the highest bit rate AAC but the occasional 128 bit MP3 or AAC will "clip" or "chuff" on the lowest frequency or the highs will go flat. That's how good these things are! They will expose bad recordings, especially if you know what to listen for. I suspect most here who've posted about poor sound are listening to inferior recordings or their hearing is already shot. (Or they've not properly fit the set.)
Bottom line? If you've got a couple of hundred dollars but are looking for a top of the line headset with unmatched sound reproduction, look no further.
For the record, my listening tastes range from 70's and 80's rock and alternative (Zepp, U2, REM, Simple Minds) to the 80's pop bands (Pet Shop Boys, Asia) and bee-bop jazz and modern jazz as well as the incomparable Miles Davis. I also throw in the occasional symphony or opera and really dig some of the modern alt rock bands like Linkin Park and The Killers. In short, I'm kinda all over the place so diversity in my head phones is critical.
User Rating: 
10/10
Unquestionably the Best!
Pros: Once you get used to them they are very comfortable and easy to use and insert into your ears. They are audiophile quality with impeccable non-fatiguing sound even after many hours of use at a stretch! Great for motorcycle riding with an MP3 player.
Cons: The price - BUT they can often be found on eBay for around $150!
User Rating: 
5/10
Test before you buy
Pros: Carry case / presentation
Cons: Price, sound, (accessories required after some use).
I'm not very happy with them, they're expensive, lack of bass (I prefer the sound of my Sennheiser 300 that cost far less)
After some use the engeneers supose that you need to change the filters and the memory foam pads that go too deep in your ear cannal and can be inconfortable after a long time using it, if you take them off your ear, you need to press the memmory foam again and wait some secons till it fits again. don't like it... don't like it, TEST THEM BEFORE YOU BUY...!!!! THE SOUND QUALITY DONT WORTH IT.
User Rating: 
7/10
these earphones are good but lack any real bass or impact
Pros: super detailed sound.
Cons: unfortunately detailed sound can and should involve punch and healthy warm bass,these dont.
User Rating: 10/10
Incredible Sound Quality
Pros: Balanced Sound, deep bass that doesn't over power mid range or high's
Cons: You have to wait for them to show up if you don't own them already
User Rating: 9/10
Doesn't get any better
Pros: Sound, sound, sound.
Cons: None that I can see
User Rating: 9/10
These are great earbuds
Pros: I can here base and high note details not heard with other expensive noise cancelling over the head phones
Cons: The white plastic plugs get uncomfortable quickly.
You do get what you pay for. I am sure there are some better for hundreds more but I couldn't see wasting the money. They are excellent.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent sound and isolation and very robust
Pros: Great sound quality, very good bass. Better sound isolation than the Bose, and better sounding. Very robust,
Cons: Expensive at $300 but can be found for less, may need getting use to, noise isolation may be too much for some people. Noise from the cable can be distracting
Sound quality is excellent, with great bass, I noticed that the Nano is better sounding than the bigger IPod, probably as there is no interference from the hard drive! They are better than the ER6's, which are much better than the funtopias, though they need to be driven a little harder than the ER6s. I rarely have the volumn turned up full even on the subway. Now my Sennheiser HD600 sound better, they have a richer sound and better bass, cost a little more and are useless outdoors (or with Ipods for that matter, without a headphone amp)!
Noise reduction: this is the real reason to buy these. For Train travelling, jet flying people, these a marvel. They have better noise reduction than the Bose and sound much better and don't need to be driven as hard. I can have some Bach Preludes/Fugues playing lightly in the background while I doze off when I'm on a overnight flying trip. If I have Metallica or Incubus playing on the subway, nothing inters!
They can a be a bit fatiguing to wear, and may require some getting use to. I've been using ear buds for 10+ so had little problem using them. I use them on a trip to Australia (26 hours), and only had to remove then 2 or 3 time to relieve the ear for 1 or 2 minutes, then straight back in.
I haven't tried the Shure E4cs, which by most reports are (slightly) better sounding. But looking at them side by side, stepping on the Shure's means.. another pair of Shures!
User Rating: 10/10
Phones for the Audiophile
Pros: Excellent audio reproduction
Cons: Hard to get used to uncolored audio reproduction
User Rating: 9/10
Nearly perfect!
Pros: exceptionally clear sound, excellent noise cancelling, easy to insert & remove
Cons: Volume seems low (have to turn it way up just to get it to normal)
User Rating: 9/10
Part of my almost perfect audio equation.
Pros: Natural sound. That "Just you and your music" feeling from the isolation. Easy to upgrade with "P to S" cable. Easy to drive with an Ipod; and of course portability.
Cons: Full sound only realized with "S" cable conversion. "S" conversion not driven by portable players easily. Somewhat unintuitive insertion for those not accustomed to in-ear phones.
Before purchasing these, I tried Shure's E3C (the E4C was not out yet) and returned them the same day. Too much high and not enough low... this isn't a review on the E3Cs though... I'll cut to the chase.
I don't commonly write reviews and finally felt compelled to share when I reached the "portable audio bliss" I've been seeking ever since I bought an IPod 3 years ago. First, these headphones merely sound "good" by themselves, driven with an Ipod. Better than any of the cheaper solutions, but still merely good. To make a long story short, if you really, truly crave excellent sound, buy the "P to S" cable, and then suck it up and get HeadRoom's Total Airhead. For what it's worth I have no association to headroom; but they're Total Airhead Amp is the best thing to ever happen to portable audio since portable audio.(haven't tried the "Regular" Airhead) With these headphones and an S cable, its not just an incremental improvement, its a different class of audio. These 'phones in "S" form are they're original implementation, and portable players simply aren't strong enough to make them sound good alone. With the Total Airhead amp, my complaints of the lack of bass (which I share with many readers in regard to the ER-4 without an amp) disappeared. I no longer use any EQ adjustments on the vast majority of my music (some recordings are crappy and need it regardless). The amp makes every set of headphones I own sound better. Sure its something else to lug around, but its only a big as an Ipod and battery powered.... and yes the bass doesn't rattle my head like a set of full-size cans, but that's an inherent characteristic of the in-ear design. The lows now "fit" into the music. The bass, along with the rest of the frequency range sounds fuller and tighter than I could have imagined from portable audio.
Just remember to crank up the volume on the source, instead of the amp
Happy listening!
User Rating: 9/10
Next best thing to being there
Pros: Sound, seperation and fidelity
Cons: Stick-out of ear
Their customer service is spectacular as well. I need to get better fits for my ears and they sent me out samples until I found something that worked.
Worth every penney!
User Rating: 7/10
Excellent Headphones if you plan on standing still
Pros: Great sound quality. You'll hear new sounds in old music
Cons: The microphone is very sensitive, everytime you move you can hear it. Also the Earbuds are uncomfortable.
User Rating: 7/10
great headphones
Pros: best headphones ive had in years
Cons: overpriced, tangle easily
User Rating: 10/10
The ultimate in-ear headphones
Pros: Incredible sound quality, accessories, noise isolation
Cons: Price may be steep for some
First of all, I'll address the negatives some have attributed to the ER-4s. Those who seem to have a problem with these headphones state that the bass is somewhat lacking. I absolutely disagree. As long as they are properly inserted into your ears, this is not a problem. I find the bass to be perfectly clear and strong, and not overpowering unless I choose to turn it up in my mp3 player equalizer. I'm guessing that those who have complained either aren't putting the headphones in their ears far enough, as others have suggested, or they have a misunderstanding of how bass should sound. If you're the kind of person whose car is basically a rolling subwoofer, then yeah, you're probably going to be disappointed in the bass output of any headphones.
The second negative, for many, is the price. Well, as the old adage says, you get what you pay for. For something this high quality and since I love music so much, I had no problem paying what I did, which was under $200 after shopping around.
Third, the sound of the cord rubbing against your shirt- very minor. If you're not moving, this isn't an issue. If you are, use the included shirt clip and problem solved.
And now the positives. First and foremost, the sound quality. It's true what others have said: use these headphones and you will hear things in your music that you never heard before. The clarity is absolutely incredible. I could barely hear the keyboards during the chorus in Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" with other headphones. They were very obvious with the ER-4's. Acoustic guitars in rock songs, usually very hard to differentiate, are easy to hear as well. You'll be amazed by all the new things you can pick up listening to all your favorite songs, across all genres.
The sound isolation is, of course, a very big reason why everything sounds so good. I have limited experience with noise-cancelling models, but I can't imagine them being better at blocking out noise than the ER-4. I had my eyes closed while listening a few days ago and didn't even notice my wife had come home from work ten minutes earlier- I couldn't hear the door opening or her saying hi. The seal formed with the earplugs is tight, and won't be a problem getting used to either.
You'll get a nice plastic case which includes a small bag to carry them in, as well as replacement parts. In addition, you'll get a one year warranty, but if you register online, and there's no reason you shouldn't, Etymotic will extend the warranty another year. Pretty cool.
Bottom line- if you love music and it's important for you to hear all the details, while blocking out outside noise, look no further. I hope this helps you prospective buyers out there, but no need to take my word for it. Just read all the other positive reviews.
User Rating: 5/10
Etymotic ER - 6P
Pros: Clear, good sound isolation
Cons: Small ears - forget it.
LW
User Rating: 10/10
Wow, it's like a direct link to your brain.
Pros: The best sound from my iPod ever.
Cons: The cord makes some noise on low volume but can be upgraded to a braided one for $40.
User Rating: 10/10
Just as Advertised
Pros: In the past I only had experience with over the ear headsets and backround noise was always a problem. Now there is NO backround noise! Beethoven sounds better than ever!I do not even notice the ear
Cons: There are None. The ear plugs are perfectly comfortable.
User Rating: 10/10
Excellent (with one small caveat)
Pros: Awesome sound and isolation
Cons: Can get a little uncomfortable
My only caveat would be that they can get a little uncomfortable if you wear them for long periods (+2 hours) but I find the same is true with normal earphones.
One other warning - they are very efficent so you don't need the volume up as high as normal earphone or headphones so make sure that you turn the volume down before you put them in your ears.
User Rating: 10/10
As close to perfection as I've every heard.
Pros: Incredible separation, nuance and clarity of sound.
Cons: The price, but then there's Ebay
The design of the Etymotic also shuts out all outside noise much more effectively than the noise suppression headphones do.
I purchased my Etymotics new on Ebay for $180. One of the best, if not the best buy I've ever made.
User Rating: 10/10
Perfect unless you want the boom
Pros: Outstanding balance, clarity and detail
Cons: The cord is a little long (but I don't care)
User Rating: 9/10
Best earbud headphones ever
Pros: Exquisite sound quality, nice case, great comfort.
Cons: The price is the ONLY thing that keeps me from giving it a perfect 10
9.6/10
User Rating: 7/10
Over-hyped Headphones
Pros: Extreme noise isolation
Cons: Price, Comfort (or DIScomfort)
The presentation is beautiful. You get a case; all sorts of different ear plugs to best fit your ears, a tool (to change the filter) and a stereo mini-plug. I tried them on immediately and the concept is pretty simple. COMPLETE sound isolation coupled with very good sound reproduction.
Why I gave the ER-4P a 7 of 10 is pretty easy...price. I don't think there is much the company could do in the way of explaining R+D to quantify the cost. It's a bit steep. The other reason is sound. The ER-4P?s are definitely something you can appreciate, however the sound may not appeal to everyone. It lacks low frequency response (IMHO). As with all electronic equipment, it's a matter of personal preference.
The other thing to note about these earphones is that they do sit rather deep in the ear canal. To some, it may feel uncomfortable. I know after extended use, my ears feel pretty beat up.
The best suggestion I have to anyone is try before you buy. Go to your local store and ask to try them. If you know someone who has a pair, ask to try them (but make sure you wash the plugs, you don't want your buddy's wax in there with yours...who knows what they have
Bottom Line: I enjoy my Koss "The Plug" headphones for $14.99. The sound, fit and function is just fine for my money.
User Rating: 7/10
Worth the coin!!
Pros: EXCELLENT clarity and isolation. sleek profile all around. I put em in and no more cheesy house music at my gym. Free to listen to my tunes in crystal clear sound. I've found sounds on tracks I've heard a thousand times before when wearing these phones
Cons: Expensive. wires can get tangly. Too much wire for normal 'hip to ear' listen ratio. gotta clean off the wax when done listening.
User Rating: 10/10
Couple these with your IPod and leave the world behind.
Pros: You hear recordings like you've never heard them before. No matter where you sit on a plane (prop included) once you plug these in, the only thing you'll hear is your music.
Cons: Price, but well worth it. Takes getting used to plugging them into your ears.
User Rating: 7/10
WOWWWWWW
Pros: Best sounding Earphones ever. the noise-isolation abilities are superb. Most of the times you can't hear the outside world.
Cons: Expensive, rubbers tips get dirty real fast.
User Rating: 9/10
OMG, THESE HEADPHONES, OMG!
Pros: The best sound quality you can get from earbuds without having to get the kind that require amps.
Cons: About 200 dollars.
User Rating: 
6/10
If you have money and love music, buy these earphones.
Pros: The sound quality is amazing. I've been hearing things that I've never heard before. Best earphones I've ever had.
Cons: I only see three problems with these earphones. They are a little lacking in bass (more if you don't have them in right). You have to jam them in far to get the full experience (a problem at first but not bothersome anymore). They are EXTREMELY expensive
User Rating: 9/10
READ BEFORE BUYING
Pros: I purchased these headphones (for $227 at the earphone super store), and I pantiently waited for about 5 days to get these. They came in a compact, black box, they held the so-called wonder 'phones. I put they in my ear, and expected a lot. I wanted to t
Cons: With the iPod, the quality can be somewhat bad, depending on your music. If its from a bad CD, or a crappy quality song, its not going to play at its full potential. CD quality is better, of course. If your a person who brakes all your stuff, you may not
User Rating: 
8/10
The ONLY pair of earphones you'll ever need - WOW
Pros: Small size, SOUND QUALITY, comfort. Admittedly they take a little getting used to - I was upgrading from the ER-6's (which my wife has now) so I was already used to the 'in-the-ear' fitment. I loved my ER-6's and didn't think there would be much differe
Cons: Maybe price - note I say MAYBE. You get what you pay for and these are high quality earphones. Given today's internet prices they are not really expensive anymore.
User Rating: 5/10
Too flimsy, broke easily
Pros: Great sound, but the ear canal piece is too thin.
Cons: The tube into the ear bud is way too thin. It soon broke. Customer service sent a second pair and they broke too. Bought a pair of Shure buds and the quality and sound are much better
User Rating: 8/10
Audiophile sonic quality that's versatile
Pros: Audiophile sonic quality, combined with significant sound isolation (even with nothing playing, someone next to you would have to shout quite loudly to be heard; not unlike being under water in a quiet pool) yield a very unique experience. They're very ve
Cons: In declining order of significance: (1) $ investment; (2) insertion takes a bit of getting used to...those with very small ear canals may want to try different eartips (they come with foam and silicone tips; alternate size foam tips are available at modes
User Rating: 9/10
Beauty in a Small Earbud
Pros: Ok, A) Bass isnt everything in the world and to expect is from earbuds is asking for too much B) if you havent spent money on a quality product, you might be the type that is satisfied with a kia car and not a bentley C) After plugging these in, I forgot
Cons: a) can be a lil pricely if you buy directly from the manufacturer or full retail stores. b) can cause you to forget about the problems of your life (but then again..isnt that the point of music)? c) you might just start singing loudly in a space with alot
User Rating: 8/10
Great rich sound
Pros: These are the best earphones I have ever owned. They have a rich clear sound with great noise isolation and plenty of base.
Cons: Expensive but shop around, you'll find a reasonable price on the net.
User Rating: 8/10
Tight sound, sturdy
Pros: Sophisticated, balanced sound quality, efficient handling, detailed and natural reproduction. Does NOT lack bass, just some part of its physical sensation. Well-equipped with canal replacements.
Cons: can become uncomfortable after two hours or so, like all inner-ear earphones
User Rating: 6/10
Be wary
Pros: Great sound. If inserted properly u only hear the music. Will reduce external sound by at least 80%
Cons: Expensive. Can be uncomfortable with the flange tips. Will be extremly uncomfortable if worn under a motorcycle helmet
User Rating: 8/10
Best Earbuds Handsdown, Period, Done!
Pros: These are absolutely the most acurate, open fantasic sounding earbuds available! Finally, an audiophile quality portable product! They simply blow the crappy buds that come with most portable players (And ipods) away! If you care about music and sound qu
Cons: The tight seal created means that you hear resonances in your head. Even walking hard on your heals creates a noise. These things are not the best for working out, etc.(Although, I use them for running, and don't mind at all). Try a set that doesn't sea
User Rating: 7/10
Good in Studying Room or Library
Pros: All features are backed up with --sensitive-- quality. Awesome Earbuds. I think the best I heard had. I wouldn't purchase them if you are not intersted in audiophiles.
Cons: Not durable. Sort of hassle to carry around. No good with Ipod.
User Rating: 10/10
Absolutely sublime.
Pros: Sound quality is dead on accurate. Noise isolation is amazing and a low volume level on source device suffices for an outstanding orchestral experience. These are even more revealing than my $500 Grado RS-2's. Bass is tight, articulate and as with the res
Cons: Can be fatiguing to have phones placed in ears for a long duration. Cords can transmit vibration from body movement though proper placing of shirt clip remedies this. These Ety's are so brutally revealing, you'll get to discover the mediocre signal to noi
User Rating: 7/10
the best under $500
Pros: anyone that says it does not have enough bass ... you high schoolers go back to your low riders. the bass response is very natural .. not bloated cranked tone control boomy. absolutely the best most natural earphone for for its size and price category.
Cons: price ... but worth it
User Rating: 8/10
Unbelievable Sound Quality
Pros: Much better sound and quality than higher priced headphones. Like carrying my $6000 electrostatics around on my shoulder. Shop around at all the authorized dealers listed on the manufacturer's site - I found a much lower price.
Cons: Slightly uncomfortable at first, but got better when I switched to the (included) foam plugs.
User Rating: 7/10
Fantatstic Traveling Companion
Pros: I use these headphones almost exclusively for long airplane flights. At a moderate music level, they can block out almost all of the plane noise. The only thing you can hear is when an announcement is being made over the pa system. I am not an audiophil
Cons: The big negative -- ear wax. If I don't clean my ears often, I ruin the filter. So always carry extra filters. BTW, I lose the filter changing tool and have been able to get the filter out with the end of a pin. Also, bu the 4P and not the 4S if you
User Rating: 8/10
The quality of sound from the ER-4P will forever change the way you listen to music.
Pros: The sound stage that these little earphones delivers is awesome. I can listen to them for hours on end without fatigue. A tribute to their ability to deliver the music as it was intended without intoducing their own distortion. I listen more which means
Cons: In the beginning it took a while to get use to placing them in your ear-canal, after about a week the discomfort was gone and I was able to appreciate the advantage of being able to block outside noise making it easier to hear what you want to hear, which
User Rating: 9/10
to get full quality
Pros: outstanding noise cancellation. probaly the best thing a traveler can get. however u need a portable amp to hear the headphones do what they are really made for see headphone.com.
Cons: a little on the expensive side. this is only amped up (pun intended) by the price of the portable am u need to drive them because portable players dont have the power to use these headphones by themselves
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent sound, spoils me for anything else.
Pros: Detailed sound, great noise isolation. Way better than noise cancelling headphones.
Cons: Cable is microphonic. The included cable clip is essential. Can be uncomfortable at first. Takes some getting used to.
User Rating: 9/10
Ear Perfect a smart buy.
Pros: These are so comfortable that I find myself wanting to stay in the environment. Sound quality is so impressive. They work. I tried several alternatives. There is no comparison.
Cons: The wire is too short. The wire coupling needs to be make of silicon so that is no iota of sound or noise transmitted.
User Rating: 10/10
Simply unbelievable.
Pros: If you're looking for an amazing pair of headphones, it is difficult to get much better than these. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to them...the key is to get a good seal (REQUIRES a little bit of water) wihout creating pressure inside your ear
Cons: Takes a week or 2 to get used to creating the best possible seal. Expensive, however a little price reseach can save you over 100.
User Rating: 6/10
sonically off and real pain to use.
Pros: Sonics are better than most.Good sound isolation.
Cons: No bass, can hurt or rub your ears raw when you have to position the little phones. You can't share with ear wax leaving a residue, nasty! I owned for a week and sold them. I am looking for true sound not convenience and the Grado 60 beat them and the 125
User Rating: 8/10
Frequent traveler's best friend
Pros: excellent sound quality, clear and dynamic, especially in trebles and mids. noise isolation is top notch (manual claims 32dB with foam eartips), and cuts much of the fatigue out of flying.
Cons: sometimes have to boost bass levels. sticking these deep in your ears is *not* for everyone.
User Rating: 9/10
If you travel for a living these are the headphones for you!
Pros: I tried most headphones/earphones including the ones sold in "Skymall". Hands down these block out the most background noise while offering musical bliss.
Cons: Cost and getting used to inserting them
User Rating: 10/10
5th Row Center seats
Pros: Reproduction as good as speakers costing $thou's, isolation that will quiet a LIRR Diesel! .... .... Get: a "Headroom" amp for those 5th row center seats at Concert volume.... also great in-ear monitors for live performing!
Cons: Watch the traffic lights when you cross the street ... you'll never hear the truckers horn or his cursing... but you'll go with s big smile on your face .. they are that good!
User Rating: 8/10
The Bentley of earbuds
Pros: I've been the proud owner of the Etymotic ER-4P earphones for the last 4 years. As a frequent flyer I've found them to be an indispensable part of my travel kit. I've turned around on my way to the airport when I've discovered that I'd left the earbuds
Cons: The wires are a bit long for i-Pod/portable use. The noise problem (tapping of the wires transmitting noise to the ears) is very real. Since I use glasses, I've come up with an awesome solution to this dilemma. I wrap the wire up and around my ear prio
User Rating: 8/10
Sanity Restorers
Pros: Perfect for long flights and jet lag. You can choose to actually listen to a movie on a plane (as well as see it) or put on some soothing music and drift away.
Cons: They take a little getting used to but after that, they're perfect
User Rating: 10/10
Great phones, unbeliveable for movies and music
Pros: Amazing Sound for movies and music, its like having a portable home theatre.
Cons: A bit uncomfertable to begin with, but your ears very quickly get used to it.
User Rating: 8/10
Expensive, but nearly perfect!
Pros: Wow. What can I say. The ear pieces are very soft. They don't bother me at all. Very happy with the low frequency response! I was a little worried about buying earbuds for this reason, but all worries soon deminished. Sounds decent even on bass heavy musi
Cons: Everything is perfect..... except for that damn cord noise! Cord noise IS a major issue with these. I was hoping people were blowing it up more then it really was, they wern't. You can hear any and everything that bumps the cord or even wind blowing past
User Rating: 9/10
These headphones are SWEET!!
Pros: Excellent isolation Audiophile sound Highly portable I teamed these phones up with a Rio Karma and compared them to a pair of Grado SR80's and Bose Triports. The Grado's have a slightly more present low end. However, the High and mid range of the Grado
Cons: Comfort I personally found the headphones comfortable but I know a lot of people hate putting things deep in there ears. So before getting these I suggest putting some foam earplugs in your ears for an hour and see if it bothers you or not. Bass The
User Rating: 
2/10
Poooooor bass!!!
Pros: Higher frequencies sound ok.
Cons: Bass? No bass at all! Sounds like a speaker from a small pocket radio. What a waste of money...
User Rating: 9/10
Wow!! Better than I expected
Pros: Excellent isolation (better than my Bose QuietComfort active noise-cancellation phones). Very small and easy to wear while working around the yard (without looking like a goomba). Professional storage case with spare parts plus a tiny pocket-size carry
Cons: Price (but I bought mine from Ear Plug Super Store http://store.yahoo.com/earplu gstore for only $220). You will hear the rustling of the cord if you don't use the included shirt clip.
User Rating: 9/10
If you must have perfection you must have these
Pros: Sound Quality is 110% They only take a few days to get to know and how they feel and work in your ears. you can get them for 220$ w/free overnight shipping somewhere on ebay. I will never buy anyother headphone/earphone/canalphone again
Cons: If you are not a patient person you will be annoyed intially-but after a few days of burn in and adjustment in your ear you will know where your $$$$ went
User Rating: 6/10
Great Sound WOW!
Pros: If you are a music lover like me,just give them a try. Sit back and enjoy the sound. If you put a lot of money in all that equipment and time, why not get the best earbuds around!
Cons: The only cons are you have to be carfull, you can't hear the outside world.
User Rating: 9/10
Outstanding sound for travellers
Pros: Sound reproduction is stellar, noise isolation is outstanding and quality is top notch! Best price is the "earplugstore.com" - $244.95
Cons: Inserting them into your ear canals take some getting used to as does removing them.
User Rating: 7/10
not enough bass...don't bother
Pros: Noise isolation/cancellation (if they are firmly sitting in your ear)
Cons: Definitely not enough bass response (to the point that I'd rather use cheap ear buds unless needing the noise cancellation feature). Very expensive given the value. Ear wax will plug them up
User Rating: 9/10
One plane trip will justify the cost!
Pros: As close to a reference stereo in your pocket. An Ipods only companion! No headphone hair! Once you travel on a plane with them, you will never leave home without them! Full sonic noise suppression. Much better than an attempt to "cancel" noise.
Cons: The units must sit firma and deep in the ear canal to recieve the maximum sound.
User Rating: 8/10
The best part of my iPod!
Pros: Very good isolation & very good sound quality. I actually feel rested after a flight.
Cons: 1. Price 2. It does take some getting used to something stuffed tight in your ears 3. Bass response is a little lacking
