- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 71 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Sparkling sound and amazing isolation"
Pros: Clarity & crispness; rich & balanced sound
Cons: Wires a bit clumsy
Summary: Despite outstanding reviews, I had some reservations while waiting for my Etymotic E-6i's to arrive, due to lukewarm reviews from folks who were dissatisfied with the apparent lack of bass and the awkward 'installation' of the headphones.
Fortunately, I have found neither of these things to be true. I chose to use the foam covers, rolled them in my fingers as instructed, and inserted them into my ears just as I would insert foam earplugs. Spun up my tunes and within moments I was floating amidst the clarity and warmth of the notes. Each note seemed to rise, expand, and fade away; each instrument was articulated; the vocals were near-perfect, as if I was there.
It's true that the base is not as resounding as it is with giant over-the-ear headphones, but the balance between bass, midrange, and the higher ends reminds me of the balance between the sun, sky, and wind on a perfect autumn day. Along with the great isolation, the result is sparkling sound and a sense of transcending the ordinary.
I agree with other reviewers: if you are not hearing bass, the earphones are not inserted properly. If you rely upon a huge subwoofer to feel bass, these headphones might not be for you. But if you are looking for a wonderfully enriched experience with your portable player, while not exhausting your savings, these headphones will not disappoint.
- 2 replies to this review
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I bought the ER6i's a month ago. I tried them straight out of the packet and found the sound very "close" and a tad bass light. I then set my Zen Micro on a reasonable volume level and left them for about 24hrs. I gave them another go after the 24 hr run in, they had improved considerably. I would describe the sound as less aggressive and the bass had improved a good deal. I found that for me, the foam earbuds are much more comfortable. They isolate exterior noise spectacularly (like foam earplugs really!!). The London Underground and aircraft, for once, didn't spoil my listening pleasure. The only problem is that you can't hear people talking to you or approaching vehicles ETC. You could easily end up looking stupid infront of people witHout having a clue what's going on! I ride a bike on quiet counrty lanes with these (against the manufacturer's advice). You have to keep your eyes open and not allow yourself to get too distracted by the music! These are the first pair of headphones I've had that don't amplify the wind noise as you ride along, great, I now don't have to deafen myself to combat ambient noise! I have a keen ear and some pretty expensive hifi gear (£3-4k's worth). I enjoy well reproduced music. These little babies DO "cut the mustard". The frequency band is faithfully reproduced and these drivers CAN hit the very low registers with quite some impact. Mid bass performance is fair, which is what some people like bucket loads of, why?). The soundstage can be extremely vivid and I often hear snippets of detail that simply aren't there with lesser products. In-ear headphones take a little getting used to. I think that they feel like "in head" headphones, so comfort is the only compromise. Yes they do tangle up, what a pain! All in though, would I still choose the ER6i's? YOU BET!!
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I am about to purchase either the ER-6i or the ER-4P. I was glad to read comments from a female user, because I think that women perceive sound somewhat differently than do men. I was just thinking that some of the disgruntled comments about lack of bass may have more to do with listening to artificially distorted music for so long rather that listening to music that's truly balanced. I'll weigh in once I can listen to some songs with basslines that are my personal favorites.
Where to buy
Etymotic ER-6i Isolator (white):
$69.32 - $90.22
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$69.32 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$74.70 | Yes |
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$90.22 | Yes |
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