gallionetech
Active Member
- Thread Starter
- #41
I hear that the newer Etymotics have a different tuning to the one I used to own. Mine was an ER4P which I bought about 15 years ago. It was thin sounding and lacked bass, even when a proper seal was achieved.
I would also second your recommendation for proper foam tips which fit. Getting a good fit on an IEM is even more important than its published frequency response or any other criteria! This is because failing to seal your ear canal will result in a FR which is all over the place, not to mention sound leakage and the likelihood it will fall out. Also, there is no guarantee that published IEM freq response will match how they will perform in your ears and with your auditory canal.
This is my approach when buying IEM's:
- Because you will be tuning the frequency response to your liking, a starting FR which approximates your goal is important, but not as important as low distortion. Published specs gets you into the ballpark, but you must listen and try them on before buying. Try on as many IEM's as possible, or if not - buy from a seller who accepts returns.
- Higher sensitivity IEM's as a rule are more versatile
- The first thing you should buy after your IEM are a pair of COMPLY foam tips - check if your IEM is compatible on their website. These provide the best fit in my experience.
- Cables with these features are important: (1) detachable because the most common point of failure is from the solder joint which attaches it to the IEM, (2) non-microphonic, (3) correct connector - you can sometimes get more volume from balanced connectors (depending on your DAP) which might help if your IEM's are low sensitivity, (4) stiffness - I find softer cables easier to tangle itself into a spaghetti like mess which is annoying when you pull it out of its case, and (5) if the IEM is heavy, an ear loop helps it stay secure.
Thanks for this! I went with the Monarch MKII's from Headphones.com so if I don't like them I can return or exchange them within a year period.
Will try out those tips, thanks!