Etymotic Research Isolator ER6I-P Portable Earphone - MobileTechReview.com Comparison Shopping

I owned a pair of Shure e2c before...

Strengths: superior isolation, comfort, sound stage, excellent sound for the buck

Weakness: wires too thin and often tange

I owned a pair of Shure e2c before I purchased the ER-6i. In my opinion, ER-6i is more superior in almost every aspect I can expect in a canal phone. It's hard to get a good seal at the beginning with the ER-6i. I had less problem when I first got the E2C. However, after a short introduction period, I started to appreciate the effort required to put the ER-6i in, since it offers a much better...
Read Full Review

I owned a pair of Shure e2c before I purchased the ER-6i. In my opinion, ER-6i is more superior in almost every aspect I can expect in a canal phone.

It's hard to get a good seal at the beginning with the ER-6i. I had less problem when I first got the E2C. However, after a short introduction period, I started to appreciate the effort required to put the ER-6i in, since it offers a much better isolation than the E2C does. On the other hand, using silicon sleeves coming with E2C, I start to develop pay in my ear, since the E2C's silicon sleeves are harder compaired to the ER-6i triple flange plugs. I can say that I can have the ER-6i in my ear all day without feeling any uncomfort. In fact, after a few minutes, I often forget that the ER-6i is still in my ear. I intended to use ER-6i mainly for the daily commute. However, it has even replaced my Sennheiser HD 280 as the headphone in the office. HD 280 puts some pressure on my head, which was not uncomfortable but noticeable. And it could get very hot and sweaty in the summer with the pleather ear pads of HD280. Fortunately, the in canal design of ER-6i eliminates the problem.

For the sound, ER-6i is quite different from that of the Sennheisers. Compared with both my HD280 and HD600, the sound of ER-6i at the low and high extremes of the frequency spectrum is slightly recessed. However, the ER-6i offers a sound with soft touch and is well suited for extended listening time. The sound image is more warm. The sound stage of ER-6i is much larger than that of the E2C's. It is comparable to that of the Sennheisers. Unlike the E2C, ER-6i gives out a lot of detail in the highs, which is nice since I mainly listen to Classical and Jazz music. The bass does not go as low as the Sennheisers but is well controlled. I'm not a base head so the bass has been pleasant for me. But I would say for those who love a lot of bass, they probably would have to do some EQ to bring up the bass or go with the Shures. In my personal opinion, it's more delightful and less stressful to hear music with more details than base.

The wires are a bit too thin. And therefore, extra caution have to be given since it feels like they could be torn apart by accident. It's also a bit annoying when the noice travels to the headphone when the wires are rubbing my shirts. Collar clip eliminates the problem to some certain extent. I never had such problem with the Shures and E2C has very sturdy wires.

Overall, ER-6i is an excellent pair of headphones.

By liyantim - Jun 19, 2005

Review for Etymotic Er-6

Strengths: Excellent treble and mids. Good solid bass when properly inserted. Very portable, light, and comfortable.

Weakness: Could have more bass presence (when compared to shure e5c which costs around 5x as much).

These are fantastic little ear buds. I use them everyday with my mp3 player, on flights, and even with my computer at home. They are extremely comfortable and I can wear them for hours at a time without discomfort. They have replaced many of my more expensive headphones/earbuds simply for comfort and ease of use. The sound quality is solid and build construction is top notch. Many will complain...
Read Full Review

By bustabuff - Apr 7, 2006

UPDATE: Great Sound in a Small Package

Strengths: Sound quality is superb. Offers very crisp trebles and a very mature bass (great for any contemporary music). I would strongly suggest the ER6-I over the ER6, simply for the enhanced bass.

Weakness: Fanged earpieces can be a bit difficult to get used to. You really have to stick those babies in there to hear the full bass (otherwise it's just tinny treble you're hearing).

UPDATE: After nearly 2 years of use - almost daily for 4-5 hrs/day - the right ear bud blew out. Still a very good product... just don't think it will be the last set of earphones you'll ever buy. Got these a month ago and have been listening to my entire MP3 collection over and over again. Rediscovering notes and musical effects which I never noticed before from even my 5.1 THX certified Altec...
Read Full Review

By nineteen9 - Apr 14, 2005

I got these as noise isolating...

Strengths: Quality of sound reproduction. Noise isolation.

Weakness: A little pricey (ca. $100 on sale). You have to stick these a ways into your ear to get their full benefits. If your ears don't fit the plastic inserts, then you have to use disposable foam ear plugs.

I got these as noise isolating earphones and to replace the earplugs that came with my MP3 player. Note that my MP3 player was not an IPOD -- you can use these with any MP3 player as replacement earphones. The one disconcerting about these ear plugs is that you have to insert them a little ways into your ear canal to get their full benefits. This isn't a major problem -- you get used to after a...
Read Full Review

By Anonymous - Apr 9, 2005

Work Very Well In Extreme Conditions

Strengths: Size, Comfort, Quality of Sound, Price

Weakness: Could use more and better sleeves, Cord tangles easily

I have been using a pair of these (coupled to an IAudio 5) for a few months on my motorcycle journey through South America (www.groovydomain.com) and definately recommend them. My motorcycle is pretty loud and with these I have no problem getting good sound. They could use slightly more bass but for their size and price you can't really complain. I found that the pink foam sleeves they provide...
Read Full Review

By groovyd - Aug 20, 2005