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Etymotic Research ER2XR Noise Isolating In Ear Monitors $105 + Delivery (Free with Prime) @ Amazon US

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Sells for $299 locally - very well reviewed IEM from the company that invented IEMs, at its lowest ever price on Amazon. Noise isolation that rivals active noise cancelling headphones - with significantly better sound quality and it can fit in your pocket! The only thing to watch out for is whether you can handle the deep insertion ear tips. Been monitoring the price on these for a few months now - decided to take the plunge!

A few reviews:

  • Crincale - In-Ear Fidelity
    "But the ER2… the ER2 is an anomaly. There is absolutely no point in benchmarking similarly-priced IEMs against it because of how unreasonably high it would set the bar. […] In terms of the metrics that my ranking list focuses on, the ER2 is just so far ahead of the pack and makes some more expensive choices downright obsolete. What a banger by the folks from Etymotic."

  • Audiophiliac / Steve Guttenberg Review
    "These affordable audiophile in-ear headphones banish noise. The ER3 sounds a little better, and the ER4 is still my favorite, but the Etymotic ER2 has its easy listening charms, and it hushes external noise like a champ."

  • Samma3a - Video Review
    "The ER2XR gets my absolute highest recommendation if you have around US$150 or so to spend and you prefer a more natural and slightly warmer than neutral presentation."

  • Precogvision - Video Review
    "If you have US$200, this is probably the best IEM that money can buy"

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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closed Comments

  • +1

    Beat me to it… I had a camelx3 on these for a few weeks, just bought a pair.

    Was kinda tossing up between a new pair of IEMs and a pair of over-ear ANC. I feel like these hit two birds with one stone there: small enough to fit in a pocket, better SQ than basically any ANC headphone, and with huge amounts of passive NC. At $100 seems like a steal.

    • +2

      I think it's the way to go if you care about sound quality. The sound quality of even the best ANC headphones can't come close to what these can deliver.

      In addition to the benefits you mention - you also don't have to deal with pressure related headaches that ANC headphones can trigger, nor having to charge batteries!

      • +3

        Yeah I agree. Not a fan of how the QC35s sound at all, and from the graphs the Sonys should be just as bad if not worse. Airpods Max seem to measure decently, but at 9x the price :0 and with all the quirks and foibles of an Apple product (e.g. no power button)

        True about pressure and battery charge. So many benefits!

        • +2

          Apple Airpods Max also have the condensation issue which is reported by some as affecting the functionality of the product (e.g. ear detection problems), and may affect the long term reliability.

  • +2

    I like them; already have it for 3 months now

  • +2

    got a pair of this brand a while back, were phenomenal for protecting my ears on my loud motorcycle. worth it even as a uni kid when the price was extremely steep

      • +1

        actually they were the headphones, i used them for audio directions from my gmaps

    • +1

      These look like they would stick out onto the helmet and press more into the ear?

      Trying to decide this or pair of shure wireless SE215s

      EDIT: never mind - looks like these goes deep into the ear so might be more suited!

      • +1

        The SE215s will lie more or less flush with your ear - the Etymotics will likely stick out a bit. Check out some of the video reviews to see what it looks like when worn.

    • +3

      Won’t you have trouble hearing emergency vehicles?

      • And horns?

        • +9

          Nah, you will definitely hear Horns… and other Brass / Wind instruments with these, most definitely!

      • Nope? All good for me they're not thaat noise isolating, just dampen everything. Could still hear traffic and most definitely emergency vehicles/horns (not that I come across them that often)

      • -4

        That's why they have flashing lights, as for horns. Pay attention on the road and people shouldn't need to use horns

  • +1

    Anyone have any experience with these vs the Earmolds in ear monitors? (https://www.earmold.com.au/)

    • +1

      I've had a lower end version of the Etymotic's and got what they call custom fit ear pieces (think I got a subsided price looking at current prices or maybe it has just gone up)

      Worked a treat and def made them what they should sound like

      https://www.etymotic.com/consumer/custom-fit/
      https://pacificears.com.au/product/etymotic-custom-fit/ (not who I used but first google hit for Aus)

    • I've got a pair of the Earmolds without music added. They are really good. Don't have these though. Earmolds comfortable and dampen noise well.

  • +9

    For anyone who's new to etymotics, and thinking of taking the plunge:
    The tips you use are very important for getting a good seal, meaning good comfort + noise isolation + sound quality. People new to etymotics will typically complain of "tinny" sound lacking bass because they didn't get a good seal.

    The earphones come with basically two types of tips.
    1. The triple flanged type which are shown in the picture. They're long lasting and can give you an extremely good seal, but I personally find them uncomfortable.
    2. A pair of memory foam tips which I found absolutely trash because they fall apart within about a week.

    If you have the same kind of experience as me with the free tips, I'd recommend getting some 3rd party memory foam tips. The expensive brand name ones are Comply (the size for etymotic is T100) but you can get cheap ones from ebay.

    • +1

      I use MandarinEs on my SE846s after trying basicay everything, they're silicone tips filled with memory foam so best of both worlds. The Shures sit quite flat so not sure if they'll work as well here

  • +3

    I had no idea they made earbuds in this shape! Got same shaped earplugs for plane travel and they block out a lot and help with altitude pressure too.

    Really tempted to pick up a pair of these but $105 isn't a drop in the ocean..

    • +1

      True, though if you are even half-interested then this is a good price. I have paid way more in the past (different model) and they are worth it.

  • +1

    I already have Andromeda’s and I’m still tempted by this - great price!

    • Por que no los dos?! Andromedas for critical listening, Etys for isolation :)

  • How does ER2XR compare to er3se

    • Saw that too… the XRs are v shaped from what i read compared to more neutral SEs
      But no crinacle reviews…

      • +2

        Don't really need his review. Afaik the er3 models are just er4s with the drivers made in Asia rather than the US. They measure almost identically. The er2s use dynamic drivers but are tuned to a very similar FR, with maybe a tiny bit more bass.

        The XR variants generally don't look v shaped from the graphs to me at least, more like mostly neutral with some mid and subbass emphasis.

        SE variants just cut the (mild) subbass boost of the XRs.

        For normal listening I'd go for an XR model, and since the er2/3/4 measure very closely - and Crinacle said they're difficult to hear apart - I would save the money and buy the er2xr. Which is exactly what I did.

  • I always wanted to try a set of these but seem to have had many other brands/models instead.

    I seriously can't imagine my ear canal being deep enough to accommodate the triple flanges. Will I be missing out on much using just the memory foams (which is my general preference anyway)

    Thanks

    • Will I be missing out on much using just the memory foams

      Nope, sound and isolation should be pretty much the same provided you're getting a good seal — which is true of all tips. Only problem with foam tips is they need regular replacement, and can be expensive.

    • I had to get used to Comply tips on some of my other earphones, but once you do, they're pretty great.

  • +1

    This doesn't have a microphone for calls does it?

    • No, cable is changeable so idk if one can be added

  • +3

    Not a good idea to wear these when crossing the road

    • …or on a pushbike

  • +2

    Can anyone confirm if this comes with remote and microphone. I could not find this info. The advertising photos and videos show something like a remote and mic, but the product info does not mention it. Thank you.

    • +1

      Nope, this package does not have either a remote or microphone, I don't know if you can get a Etymotics cable with microphone to be honest.

      • There seem to be a few options out there, but can't vouch for any of them personally.

      • +1

        My first set of Etymotics (HF3 I think) had a mic and remote and it worked well, for a couple of years. I’d wear them while drumming so perhaps the sweat killed the remote part. Still work as headphones though.

    • You can buy an MMCX cable with in-line mic for $28 from Amazon

      • +2

        Note these won't work, as Etymotic use a proprietary version of the MMCX connector.

  • Just bought some. Not sure if I'll ever really use them over my Sony XM3 earbuds but we'll see. Anyone know if they drive fine with a smartphone? Or if they benefit from a headphone DAC?

    • Most people should be able to drive them to comfortable volumes directly off a smartphone. That said, they'll likely benefit from the extra juice that something like a Fiio BTR3k or the BTR5 can provide. I'd recommend waiting till you get them before deciding if you need to get a DAC/Amp though.

      • Oh I already have an HRT Microstreamer, was just wondering if people had already tried

        • If it's a DAC, then it would be a question of your source rather than the earphone right?

          High Res Audio > Poor source > IEM = Bad sound

          High Res Audio > Good source > IEM = Good sound

          High Res Audio > Poor source > DAC > IEM = Good sound

  • How does this sound compare to the Sony WF-1000XM3 in ears? Don't know much about this brand but interested

    • I haven't listened to them yet, but based on the reviews they should sound considerably better and isolate just as well.

      That said, even budget wired earphones like the BLON BL03 (that can be had for as low as A$35 delivered) will likely sound better than any TWS earphone due to the limits of wireless and active noise cancelling technology. The BLONs won't isolate as well as the Etymotics or the Sonys though.

    • These are cheaper than the Sony.

      • +2

        That doesn't really answer the question "How does this sound compare".

    • I've had my fair share of earphones and the Sony are the best wireless ones I've had. For convenience, they can't be beat.

      That said, if you can put up with a dangling wire then wired options usually give you a fuller and more natural sound. Is it worth the extra 10-20% audio quality? I usually value the convenience factor higher.

      • +3

        I haven't heard the Sony XM3s - are they only 10-20% behind wired IEMs? I personally find even sub-$50 IEMS to be considerably better sounding than Sony's and Bose's top of the line ANC headphones - so quite surprised if the TWS earphones are only 10-20% behind.

        • the TWS market is far different to the headphone market.

          i've owned every fotm chifi iem and airpods pro/xm3 blows them out of the water.

          • @maybe a bot: Very interesting - will have to give the XM3s a listen sometime.

            • +1

              @poppingtags: Galaxy buds plus is also pretty good, I prefer them over the moon drop starfields

              • @Aileri: Seems like Samsung's acquisition of AKG and Harman Kardon are paying off. Looking forward to trying out their upcoming Galaxy Bud Pros.

        • +1

          In comparison with my cheap dunu-titan 1 (3 or 5), Sony xm3s are so far behind I can't even describe. Have no idea why people says that Sony's sound quality is anywhere close to "good". Noise cancelling is amazing, true. But sounds quality is simply terrible. I couldn't listen to them as they were awful so just gave them to a friend as a nice Christmas present. Maybe it's just a personal preference though.

    • +4

      I got both WF 1000XM3 and ER4XR.

      If you are on the move and out and about stick with the Sony with the adjustable noise cancellation you will be far safer on the road.

      Currently I am driving the ER4XR with a Qudelix 5k unbalanced. I cannot be bothered to fork out another 100 USD for a balanced cable.

      If you are listening to classical, jazz, lounge/relaxation etc type of music Etys are great, they are very much neutral sounding without overbearing bass. If you are a bass head and/or listening to RnB, pop stick with the Sonys.

      I use my ER4 (yes it's not ER2 but quite similar) to relax before bed listening to chill music/relaxation etc.

      But if you have a crap source ie laptop headphone jack you will hear the harshness that comes from it and you will think they are bad headphones.

      Just be aware in ear isn't for everyone, they do insert quite deep and you really have to clean the flanges from earwax from time to time as well as replacing the filter. If you have waxy ears stay away. Once you get a good seal you basically won't really hear much of your environment. I am just running the standard tri flange tips, foam tips do give warmer sound.

      Make sure your music source is at least 320 kbps mp3 or better or there is no point going with etys.

      • Are ER4XR newer/better than ER2XR?

        I used to have older Etymotics and loved them. I think convenience factor of XM3 can't be beat so I stick with my Sonys.

        • +1

          The ER4XR is an older, higher-end model - that said, quite a few reviewers seem to prefer the ER2XR for their dynamic drivers (as opposed to the Balanced Armature drivers used in the rest of the ER series). Dynamic drivers tend to sound fuller and more lively, balanced armature drivers are relatively more clinical and analytical sounding.

    • +1

      Have both of them. Etys sound much better in my opinion. If I were to sum it up, they have more clarity. Passive noise isolation is better than Sony's, but with ANC the Sony's do a better job overall.

      Etys are less comfortable, and cables can't be looped over ear.

      • but no microphone right guys? so cannot take calls or anything?

  • Do these come in a wireless / Bluetooth version?
    It is one of these rare times that I wish Apple didn't remove the headphone jack.

    • +1

      Unfortunately, the closest to wireless you'll get with Etymotics is with something like the Fiio BTR series.

    • +2

      You can change the cable so yes but it costs a fair bit for a decent one and it will still be lower quality sound

    • +2

      https://www.etymotic.com/etymotic-etymotion-wireless-bluetoo…

      If you want to go ety branded you can use etymotion - but it is hideously overpriced.

      Personally I'd just get a small dac like Fiio or qudelix.

      Or you can buy it as a package : https://pacificears.com.au/product/etymotic-e2-xr-with-etymo…

      • I regret picking up a portable DAC. Having the cable get jostled out while walking is such a pain. If I can't grab a phone with 3.5mm jack I might just replace my wired IEMs with some TWS ones.

        • You can loop the cable up and around the ear then back down if you are finding it getting jostled out. I personally won't use wired if I am out and about, that's why if you can afford it get different ones for different uses.

          • @azukay: Oh I mean the USB cable between DAC and phone. My phone has a stupidly shallow USB C port for some reason

  • +2

    Great deal for such high end earbuds I paid $197 close to a year ago on Amazon

  • tempting. But i'm not sure i could cope with how they feel. I find ear-canal buds to usually feel uncomfortable.
    Whats the sound stage like with these? Immersive?

    • These are ear canal buds - and getting a good seal is critical to both isolation and sound quality, if you find them to be uncomfortable, I'd maybe avoid these.

      Soundstage is narrow, it's very difficult to produce immersive soundstage in an IEM.

  • i just lost my er4sr on train… This could be an alternative

  • -3

    Ah the Etymotic Ear Rape series~

  • is it possible to get in ears which have a big soundstage? thats my favorite attribute

    • Checkout Z-Reviews Ikko OH10 and the Fiio FH5 reviews. Mind you, they likely still won't have anywhere near the sound stage of a capable pair of open back headphones

  • Must…not…buy…I have the EX800st and hardly use them. These Etymotics are selling for an awesome price!

  • Can anyone comment if these stay in well when used for gym/ running?

    • It wont

  • -4

    Price is in USD…

    • +1

      Incorrect … transaction processed at AUD105.05 (with Prime).

  • +1

    For the ozbargainer who's not a massive audiophile - how would these compare to say the better xiaomi earphones - i.e. the dual/triple driver ones? People always talk about them punching way above their price point

    • +5

      The sub $20 Xiaomi's are remarkable little earphones, but the build quality tends to be pretty sub-par compared to something like the Etymotics here. The Etymotics will sound better - but they likely won't sound five times better, if we're just going by cost as a scale. The Etymotics will have a more refined and balanced sound signature with better detail retrieval - but where they come into their own is noise isolation, the Etymotics will block out external sound better than pretty much any other IEM on the market.

      If these are beyond your budget - and you're after sound quality, I'd recommend checking out the BLON BL03, which can be had for as low as A$35 delivered from AliExpress, Shenzen Audio or Linsoul. The sound quality competes with IEMs that cost ten times as much - and they would give these Etymotics a run for their money. The Etymotics should once again sound more refined and balanced and will definitely isolate sound far better than the BLONs can - but the BLONs offer astounding value for money and is my recommended gateway drug into the world of audiophilia!

      • +1

        Thanks - exactly the answer I was hoping for - very helpful!

  • Similar to previous comment - I am after earphones primarily for noise isolation/cancellation with the ability to function also as earphones for music, I am not all discerning audio-quality wise so don't care much about sound quality. Would I get these or is there some cheaper model that is sufficient for me? I do prefer in-ear vs over-ear because I wear glasses and don't like the pressure of the Sony 1000-XM3 headphones (borrowed from a colleague, can't get a Bose to try). Currently use el cheapo Xiaomi piston earphones which I value for the silicon bud that seals out noise better than the non-silicon type. Had no idea that things such as IEM existed, I had resigned myself to getting some over-ear Sony/Bose (again more for the ANC than the sound) and just dealing with the soreness of wearing over glasses!
    EDIT - am not considering wireless earbuds, I will most certainly lose them.

    • +1

      These are as good as it gets for passive noise isolation from an IEM. As long as you can get a good seal with the eartips, not only will they sound very good - they will block out a LOT of noise, especially when music is played through them (as opposed to when they're idle, where they would still block out quite a bit of noise).

      • Thanks! will umm and ahh for a bit…(never spent so much on earphones coming from Xiaomi $5 pairs :P) Is there a cheaper model of these that sacrifices some sound quality but not the noise isolation, or is ER2 already the entry-level model?

        • +1

          Yeah, I think one of the unfortunate things about audiophilia is how warped the sense of value is for someone standing outside of the hobby - these are considered a bargain by audiophile standards - but they're still quite a lot of money to spend for someone just getting into it, completely understandable to take your time deciding.

          This is about as low as Etymotics will go unfortunately! That said, they have been dropping in price for a while now - while this is their lowest price yet, I wouldn't be surprised if they fall a bit more down the line if you don't mind waiting. They are built really well, come with a solid warranty and have a replaceable cable, so will likely last quite a bit longer than the Xiaomis (which are pretty great for the price as well!).

          • @poppingtags: Hey, sorry for hijacking but do you have any advice on super high end IEMs? Whether should go electrostatic, custom molds or standard stuff?

            I'm currently looking at Sonys/CA andros/Moondrop s8/blessing2. It's a lot of money to drop so I'm kinda trying to spend some time to figure out what I would like best.

            • @POSITIVEVIBESONLY: Hey, unfortunately don't have too much experience with high end IEMs, I've been more into headphones myself. I would strongly recommend trying them before buying though - I know stores like Addicted to Audio used to allow customers to demo IEMs in-store - but that was pre-pandemic.

  • +1

    Heads up if you've already purchased this at a higher price recently it may be possible to get the difference in promo credit if you call up customer service.

  • How do these compare to AirPods Pro regarding insertion? I am not a fan of in-ear and the AirPods Pro are about as in-ear as I would like to go.

    • Definitely not for you then - these go in much deeper than the AirPods Pro.

  • +1

    I've had several sets of Shure SE215 over the years. Currently use a combo of AirPod Pro and QC35II. Interested to give these a go, although after reading the comments I may need to get custom tips.

    Thanks for the heads up!

  • +1

    Incredible price, bought with barely a second thought. Brilliant to use while mowing or other noisy gardening activities about the house.

    Thanks op

  • As a side note, custom mold IEMs are pricey but worth investigating for the best fit and comfort.

    • what custom mold IEMs do you recommend? I'm looking to get something super high end and wondering if I should get custom or top end Sonys/CA andros/Moondrop s8/blessing2.

      • I’m out of the game atm… I have had my UE TripleFi 10 custom reshell into a quad driver for nearly 10 years now. Anyone else had any recent custom IEMs?

        • Damn that deal brings back memories! Took on that deal without an extra driver as I didn't want to alter the original sound. Took the abysmal fit of TF10 to cloud like perfect fit and even slept with them listening to music… lovely times untill I accidentally stepped on them… Missed them so much that I bought another pair of TF10 later down the road for a significant price hike due to shortages and the second one also took on the same fate… Guess it wasn't meant to be with TF10 and I…

          • @bcstyle: Lol, unlucky. I dropped mine once and cracked it… the repairs cost $80. Dropped them again recently and gave one a hairline crack but it’s still holding together well.

  • Have had them for nearly a year and love the sound and isolation but I have had problems with the triflanges getting stuck in my ear even needing to go to the local clinic to get it extracted.

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