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Author Topic: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements (V2)  (Read 8024 times)

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Marvey

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Etymotic ER-4S Measurements (V2)
« on: August 04, 2012, 04:54:29 AM »

Etymotic ER-4S Measurements

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I actually kind of like these. Tonally they remind me of the AKG K701, but the 701s have this wierd plasticky sound which I could never get over. Also, despite the ER-4S' slight upward tilt, they do not sound cold or clinical, which I feel the 701s can be. Many HF's have applauded the ER-4S for their midrange tone, and I concur. Perhaps the broad 3kHz bump is boosting the harmonics with vocals. The midrange presentation is very similar to some of those full-range horn speakers with rising response.

Deep insertion is a must, but it still did not bring out the bass for me. I had to rely on EQ to boost the bass (including lower mids) to warm things up a little bit. These are an enjoyable listen if you don't mind the FR balance. I think most would prefer something bassier or warmer. I also felt there was a slight peak around 8kHz, which seems to be hinted at in the FR before the cutoff; but we don't see a significant trace of his on the burst decay. In any case, his peak wasn't bothersome.

The ER-4S are very inefficient IEMs, but I found them to sound good and work well without an amp, as opposed to something like the slightly more efficient UERM, which I feel needs an amp for it to open up. Maybe it's because the UERM has a crossover in the way.

Finally, the usual stuff applies: FR gets cutoff around 8-9kHz due to limitations of the coupler (it's just not accurate). Also R channel is moved down 1db on the FR chart to provide better viewing clarity of the individual responses.

Reminder: stuff past 9k is probably inaccurate. Especially the sharp peaks. Those peaks are the effect of the ear canal and the IEM. Personally I don't think they are heard as measured.
« Last Edit: July 26, 2013, 06:53:08 AM by purrin »
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donunus

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2012, 05:09:00 AM »

The er6i was supposedly warmer. I wonder if those were flatter in actual response.
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Marvey

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2012, 05:11:38 AM »

were those discontinued?
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2012, 05:19:03 AM »

If you want to be bored to death there's always the MC5.
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ocswing

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2012, 05:47:17 AM »

I'm curious about this versus the Phonak Audeo 122 or whatever number it is. I've got a pair I can give to you for measurements if you have the time.
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donunus

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #5 on: August 04, 2012, 07:44:31 AM »

were those discontinued?

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx

looks that way. too bad since i've heard those were better than the budget models they have these days
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anetode

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #6 on: August 10, 2012, 09:28:16 PM »

Deep insertion is a must, but it still did not bring out the bass for me. I had to rely on EQ to boost the bass (including lower mids) to warm things up a little bit.

Don't know if you still have these, but try them with a 75 ohm adapter, a la er4p, for a warmer tone.
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Currawong

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #7 on: August 11, 2012, 12:24:46 AM »

Interesting. I've always thought of getting a pair for their reputation. There's also the Fitear F111 which are supposedly a similar single-driver IEM, albeit more expensive.
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ihasmario

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #8 on: August 11, 2012, 02:41:58 AM »

What hrtf?

Any chance of a P measurement?

P is probably my favourite canalphone, and eventually lead me to stax.
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Marvey

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Re: Etymotic ER-4S Measurements
« Reply #9 on: August 11, 2012, 04:06:20 AM »

A "P" is simply 75ohms in series with the "S" correct?
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