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[Backorder] Etymotic Research ER20XS Earplugs $21.91 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ Amazon US via AU

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About this item

• Includes: 1 pair Standard Fit ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs, neck cord, and carrying case

• Ear tips are interchangeable and replaceable, making them the most cost-effective high-fidelity earplug.

• New, low-profile design fits snugly in the ear without protruding; comfortable to wear under hats, helmets and other headgear.
Reduces the potential for hearing damage from machinery, vehicles, tools, sporting events, concerts.

• Sound QUALITY is good and they're used by professional and amateur musicians.
Hear the difference True high-fidelity makes.
Reduces sound levels evenly so speech and environmental sounds are clear and natural.

They're handy when you're in a noisy environment like music festivals or watching the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The earplugs brings down the sound / noise to a safe level.
The pouch design is nice for access with a quick squeeze
and might be preferable to the hard cases where you have to click open a lid.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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Comments

  • +6

    These are amazing for live music. Greatly increases enjoyment of concerts, and in my experience, results in a cleaner sound than without.

    • +6

      Agreed. I’ve been using them for nearly 15 years.

    • +3

      Had the ER20s for +10 years, might be time to upgrade.

    • +4

      Another vote for them. I have tried almost every kind of reusable earplug on the market and these are far and away the best.

      edit: ive used the ER-20 and the ER20XS for about 10 years each, and tried most other brands here and there.

      • Have you tried Earasers?

        • +2

          Yes. Good for vocalists who want to hear more 'outside' their head than earplugs, or quiet gigs (eg. acoustic duos)

          somewhat difficult to fit and not at all good protection for long periods (more than an hour). they only drop 5dB at best.

          I gave mine to our vocalist, she likes them more than I do.

          • @Laserface: Thanks. I've had some Earasers for a while but might give the etymotics a try.
            Earasers do make plugs with (apparently) up to -31dB reduction. Mine are meant to be -19dB, I think.

      • How long do the tips last and are they reasonable cheap to be replaced?

        • +2

          both pairs I have owned have lasted approx 10yrs each. i have a large collection of silicone tips from buying headphones so i just find some that fit and put them on.

          usually the shank of the silicone tip tears. both times mine have failed it was that, and I needed to pull the tip out of my ear with tweezers.

          no big deal really, 10yrs is pretty good run. I use them at least twice a week for 3-4hrs at a time.

    • I bought these Loops recently, how do they compare?
      https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08TCH6CVB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_…

  • Did a search for "ER20XS" on amazon and saw at least 3 variants at different price points.

    for those in the know, are they all the same earplugs, just with different cases?

    • +1

      Some come with different cases, other SKUs come with different tips. In my experience, this tip is the best, cant comment on this particular case as for my first set I got the kit with multiple tips to see what would work best for my ears.

  • This vs Loop Experience Pro?

    • +2

      These are better.

    • +10

      Loop feels super heavily hyped and I assume get great reviews in a feedback loop of: heavy marketing > person who hasn't used earplugs before discovers earplugs are way better than no earplugs > rates loop highly with no other reference point > loop aggressively markets to more people with this same experience.

      I'm tempted to try them, but I can't help but feel they're more focused on being cool than anything, and at $50+ vs $20-30 for other, known-great options, it's a hard sell for me.

      Etymotics are generally accepted as great and I recommend them, having been through a couple pairs across literally hundreds of gigs. I'm currently using earjobs which are also pretty good, but I think I prefer the Etymotics for their shape and feel, but performance is pretty similar.

      • Loop feels super heavily hyped and I assume get great reviews in a feedback loop of: heavy marketing > person who hasn't used earplugs before discovers earplugs are way better than no earplugs > rates loop highly with no other reference point > loop aggressively markets to more people with this same experience.

        This sounds about right.

        Just looking at a photo of the Loops, seems pretty clear that they don't have any design for frequency range- it's just a solid lump of rubber outside the ear. And this loop of rubber sits against the ear, interfering with sound conduction.

        The Etymotic plugs come with different modules for varying degrees of noise suppression, and Etymotic provide graphs for frequency conduction. And the sound receptor sits free in the air, doesn't get interfered with via skin pressure.

        Haven't tried Loop because they look like marketing, but they really scream out "Dr Dre Beats headphones" (i.e. fashionable and low performance).

        I've used the prior version of the Ety plugs and they were great for sound. I've used Ety IEMs and also custom Ety plugs. The company is much more credible than Loop.

        • My experience with Loop Pro was they're slightly more comfortable than the xmas tree design of the etymotics but they offer little to no protection unless you use the rubber plugs to reduce the noise properly. the sound quality was not as good as the Etymotics but protection was similar.

          They're slightly more discrete, and if you can sleep in them easily (nothing protudes from your ear) if thats a thing you need to do.

          • @Laserface: The most discrete would be custom plugs. I used to wear those all the time and never got a comment. They are very low profile, and people might assume they are hearing aids.

            The great thing about the Etys are that they preserve the sound spectrum- you can still hear everything normally, just quieter. Do the Loops also do this? Cheapo foam or silicone earplugs just make everything sound muffled and muddy.

            • +1

              @rumblytangara: Loops dont sound as good as Etymotics to me, but maybe I am bias after wearing Etymotics for as long as I have. I play in bands, go to gigs 3-4 nights a week and for a 38yo dude my hearing is fine according to my last test.

              • @Laserface: Thanks- my kid has started band and is complaining that the brass section is too loud. I did look into the Loops for her, but from the design had guessed they probably mash up the sound, so she's just using foam plugs which I would think about as effective, and practically free.

                • +2

                  @rumblytangara: the loops are big step up over foam plugs.

                  The Pro have a channel within the ring that acts as a filter and rubber bungs you can install to further reduce noise to a similar level of the Etymotics.

                  • @Laserface: I'll probably get these… kid-specific plus they have a more traditional design that's likely to be better with sound.

                    https://www.flareaudio.com/en-au/products/calmer-kids?varian…

                    • +1

                      @rumblytangara: They are not hearing protection at all. they are a tube that 'smooths out' sound going into your ear.

                      your ear canal evolved over millions of years. it does not need help 'smoothing out' sound.

                      get actual hearing protection.

                      • @Laserface: Hmm… I think you're right. They appear to be open ended tubes. Very weird.

                        I'd thought they were closed.

                        That certainly saved me a lot of hassle with a return.

            • +1

              @rumblytangara: My partner bought me the Loop Switch as a surprise present and I was pretty underwhelmed with the non-linear response when listening to music. They're not bad for sleeping in, as they don't protrude too far out (though I think the dedicated Loop Quiet range are even more compact), but I'm not sure I would recommend them for any kind of accurate sound reproduction.

              It's possible they're a bit of a jack of all trades solution, so maybe the dedicated Engage models would sound better.. but I'd much rather trust the Etymotic brand.. for $20 those are a no-brainer to me.

              That said, I told my partner that I didn't like them that much and when she tried to return them, they actually gave us the product for free, minus shipping, so I guess I can't complain

      • +2

        Chiming in as a semi-pro musician, I bought a pair of Loop Experience Equinox for a performance Sunday, and they did the job really nicely. My tinnitus wasn't agitated, and I got decent feedback balance overall between the band and myself.

        No discomfort from 4 hours use, I think I'll get good use from them.

      • +2

        I'm currently using Loop Experience Plus (although without the extra muting, so I guess you could say just Experience then), and for me they work the best of what I've used recently.

        I can't remember which model Etymotic I've tried previously, but they just didn't work for my ears. They were uncomfortable as I had jam them in to try to get a decent seal (or at least on one ear). And I'm not sure I was all that impressed by the sound either. But then I still haven't found a really good sounding plug, and I'm not going to spend hundreds on a custom fitting set.

        I probably really should dig out all the ones I've got and try to figure out if my memory about them all still stands. And if they were a different model, my opinion about the sound probably doesn't mean as much either. But the biggest thing was the seal and comfort, which I can't see changing that much with the same design.

      • Both NYT 'wirecutter' and Wired (is one name a response to the other?) recently reviewed a range of earplugs, and each rated one Loop branded earplug highly, but Wired specifically liked the sleep version aka Loop Quiet, and rated this Etymotic best for concerts. The Loop Experience got NYT's nod but it's much more expensive so doesn't come close to beating this deal

        • +2

          Long time ago I realised that review articles from places like Wirecutter are totally unreliable. They read well if you have zero knowledge in the area, but they are simplistic AF.

          It's like with Choice reviews in Oz- any time they review a product I have reasonable knowledge on, it's like "what on earth are they talking about, this is dumbed down to the point of uselessness, the factors they are looking at are irrelevant, and the factors that are important are skipped entirely."

          • @rumblytangara: Yeah,, the NYT in particular is like that

            • +1

              @Horacio: Every article I came across (not singling out NYT) also felt like it was part of the marketing and PR machine.

              I really don't have anything against Loop as such, I just can't take most online reviews and articles very seriously. I would take reviews from forum posts (like here, reddit etc) more seriously, as long as it was clear the reviewers had also tried other earplugs before.

              Unfortunately this is seemingly very hard to come by.

  • +5

    been to hundreds of gigs wearing these and strongly recommend

  • +2

    Anyone know if these would be good for children? Or an alternative?

    • I'd like to know too

    • If you can teach them how to insert into their ears.

    • These specific ones will probably be too big for young children's ear canals.
      These are too big for my wife's. She uses smaller the smaller version of a similar product.

      • Thanks.. this is the smallest size I can see (the other is 'Large') although in the US store they have something called 'universal' fit

    • +5

      As someone that's on the middle ground of becoming "old", I can assure you your inner ears will thank you if you use this or equivalent in those environments.

      • -2

        So head banging right next t the stacks is out of the question or on second thought, these'd be perfect for such activity. Thanks.

    • +3

      These are tuned differently to cheap earplugs, they reduce the whole spectrum of sound more evenly. The goal is you still hear everything but it's a safer level, perfect for live music events

    • +4

      So dis plugs are used mainly for live music events so the wearer(s) won't hear (hardly) much of the said events? Ummm… Ohhhkay. See ya. 😏

      Did you not realise that Etymotic makes earplugs specifically for professional musicians?

  • +2

    Been using the previous model of these for years in loud, social environments. Every time I've done a hearing test before starting a mining role, I've been told my hearing is excellent. Highly recommended.

  • +1

    Bought one thank you

  • +1

    edit: i get it now. it doesnt just block sound it reduces it overall - like turning down the volume
    what a world we live in - didn't even know it exists and exactly something I need. I hate loud music and noises - even the tv in my living room can be annoying

    will give this a go. thanks OP

    • Yes, you got it right!
      It turns the volume "down" whilst allowing you
      to listen clearly as well have a conversation with those around.

      I had 3 pairs of the previous model, for the past 20+ years, but I lost them all, so I needed to buy these newer models this morning.

  • Does anyone have suggestions for a very loud and bassy exhaust? Am meaning to put some butyl rubber in at some point but haven't had the time to take off all the trim from the trunk

    Currently using alpine motosafe race

    • Nice segue

    • An additonal midpipe resonator.

      Cherrybomb still make some amazing straight through fiberglass packs.

      Also if your final muffler is a straight through design, a 'dogleg' flows almost identically (as the gas is colder and slower at the end of the pipe) for a significant noise reduction.

      • This. Vibrant resonators are excellent.

  • +2

    For live gigs, 20db is a lot.

    And even the best tuned earplugs cant defeat the fact that is 'more protection, more isolation'.

    I own several brands of concert earplugs and enjoy metal gigs.

    By far, my favorite are these.

    https://pacificears.com.au/product/pacato-16/

    16db is still enough protection for most, and the more natural sound, while subtle, was noticable over the Etymotic.

    • So do you not recommend this one?
      What about for cinemas. The sound there gives me a headache sometimes.
      Also flights - just to help fall asleep
      Or riding a bike. Suppose that’s not really too loud

      • +1

        I dont use them anymore, no. I find 20db to result in far too much 'fingers in the ears' sound profile.

        Nothing wrong with them, I just found better for my tastes.

    • Do these PACATO-16 ever go on sale?
      I would like to try them, if they were discounted.

      • +1

        Never seen it. They cost me less than $50 delivered.

        • Hmm…the company is in QLD,
          and the
          PACS 16 are $32.50 for the pair
          + $19 Express Courier
          + $11 Standard Courier

          The postage prices are high !

          • @whyisave: Yeah they are, and I can't seem to find them elsewhere

    • I have been looking for buds that dont lower the volume too much
      I have loops, and they block too much
      I think these will be good

  • Anyone used these on a motorbike? I use 3m deposable ones now and they do well.

    • Would also like to know this as I think I'm becoming deaf from riding my motorcycle

      • Yeah you should at the least wear foam plugs for your daily ride.

    • they make motorcycle/motorsport specific versions of the ER-20XS. they have foam tips I believe.

  • would this be good for people who need to sleep, e.g. for travellers? is it comfortable:?

  • do these make your voice really loud "inside your head"?

    • +1

      No, it doesn't at all. Your own voice is also attenuated.

  • +2

    I tried them, the three flange tips were not comfortable. I can only wear single flange, the ear canal tips never fit for me.

    Recently tried Sony XM5 earbuds and my left ear went numbs for weeks, it felt like I pushed the buds too hard. The XM5 design is worse of all earbuds I have ever owned, I really like Buds FE.

  • How do these compare to Alpine PartyPlugs or MusicSafe?

  • +1

    Are these better than Hearos?

  • +1

    Had a pair of these at Taylor Swift, were a godsend and walked out with no ear ringing. The flange tips do take some getting used to though and not everyone will find them comfortable, especially those with smaller ears

  • +1

    Anyone used this with a lawn mower lol

  • It's very hard to tell from the Amazon listing- anyone know if these come with the multiple sized replacement tips? The standard triple flange tips are far to big for me.

    From the listing, it appears that they don't come with replacements.

  • +1

    it's not only just for hearing protection and db/loudness attenuation .. i use mine more as a portable EQ/Mixer in my own ears to help compensate for noisefloors or ac hum or terrible roomsound (eigentones) or even just horrifically crap soundsystems and sound engineers in general … anything sound related that might detract from the event can often be managed and finessed with a bit of judicial twiddling and repositioning.

  • -1

    are this good for job sites? bring down the grinder noise to HiFi pleasing level?

  • -1

    Save your money instead and get custom-made ear plugs from a hearing and speech centre. I owned a pair of pointy ear plugs similar these but they were uncomfortable and not very effective with loud sound.

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