Etymotic Research ER3XR Extended Response High Performance In-Ear Earphones (Detachable Balanced Armature Drivers, Noise Isolating, High Accuracy, Robust Low Frequencies)

I have used and enjoyed the original ER4 for decades. I didn't need the ER4SR but here I am . The newer Ety's have a more solid feel. The cable is still microphonic, but less so than the original. Soundwise I haven't really done a back and forth comparison. I've owned a handful of other iems over the years and i have always come back the Etymotics. Honest and real.

My first set of ER4s ruined me for compressed audio. I downloaded an A/B test app and identified the compressed audio 80% of the time. I can't perform like that with wireless headphones, no matter how much I love my Airpods. They immediately changed my studio practice for the better. And I ended up selling a ton of the musicians and engineers around me on them for the extreme isolation you can get. They're perfection for side stage monitor mixing. I adore DJing with them. If you need critical listening headphones, get these.

I used the ER3s for years until I broke one, and got the ER4s expecting very little difference because the 3s were already so clear and detailed. The improvement in sound stage and aural space is a welcome surprise. I don't know of any other brand that gets out of the way of the music like these. They add nothing and allow everything.

The bass was stronger in balanced mode than single ended, otherwise I might have gone with the XR. (Some 60s recordings need additional bass boost.)

I have traveled with many expense hifi headphones and earphones for many years. Always desired to hear the true and accurate sound it was meant to be. ER4SR just satisfied me perfectly. Having more bass with ER4XR gives you more warmer filled sound, but the ER4SR's bass is just right enough to listen whole dynamic range balanced to my ear.

Very pleased with my purchase of the ER4SR. The performance with my favorite music - classical, new age, jazz (no rock) has been excellent. No complaints or disappointments. Really debated about getting the ER4XR v ER4SR. Wish I could have listened to the ER4XR to make my choice. Will never know the audio difference. No regrets but just wonder what heightened bass on ER4XR actually sounds like.

I have searched for decades for the most accurate audio reproduction either via headset or IEM. At last...I found the perfect transducer. Fantastic accuracy combined with absolutely amazing detail and coherence. They are amazing. I just wanted to say thank you for making them. They are exactly what I wanted for testing audio equipment and sferic listening. They are just the truth when connected to the source. They are sublime on music as well! Well done and thank you! PS. Sferic listening as I do it uses ELF/VLF antennas in the audio range for listening to various lightning related phenomenon. I design and build my own antennas and having a reference grade IEM to evaluate them is mandatory.

The headphones are perfect, they are what I was expecting and what I needed. Only thing that seems fagile is the cable that is a little bit rigid with some curves but maybe is just my impression, time will tell. Unfortunetly they forgot the 6.3 jack adapter, not a big problem.

It all started when I bought my first pair of Etymotic HF-5's. Walking on the streets of Chicago on cold evenings, I used to listen all the classic rock best of through them discovering new details every time. For years I have always relied on them for my critical listening. I don't even want to call myself an audiophile but it is painfully obvious to me when I can hear all these details so crisp and easy with a better pair of headphones or speakers. Then I bought the er4sr's and my horizon blew up to another level. Close your eyes when you are listening to your favorite high quality recording through the er4sr's and you just can see the band playing live right in front of you, hearing (and seeing through a sense I never knew existed) where each and every band member is and every little detail of sound in each of their instruments. Vocals are so detailed so that you can tell how many voices are there at any time and tell who is who. Listen Beatles, The Blues Brothers, Kansas, ELO, Dire Straits, Eagles, Chicago, America, Supertramp or anything else you like with these headphones and as long as the recording is above a certain level of quality, you will hear a difference!

The box was opened and re-taped. Not what I pay for. No where does it mention this item was refurbished. Will never order from this seller again.