Drop + Etymotic - ER2SE
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Reddit Reviews:
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Last updated: Nov 25, 2025 Scoring
Liked most:
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"they're still some of the best IEMs around that price imo."
"Another good option for those on a budget who can't afford customs"
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"Still a very good iem imo because their deep insertion moves the ear canal resonance higher up which is part of why they are so detailed."
"These are extremely neutral"
"the sound is unreal."
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"If you don’t mind the deep insertion fit these have top tier isolation ... I can kill airplane noise on a flight while sitting right next to the engine. ... ANC cant hold a candle to these."
"damn does it have amazing isolation and it was comfy"
"Etymotics are one of the best for noise isolation as well."
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"ER2SE for flat neutral"
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"they always provide the best possible bass response and it's very noticeable."
"Imo the bass on my etymotics is quite good, maybe even the best aspect of those iems. For how little bass quantity they have, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Talking about the er2se (with foam eartips though)."
Disliked most:
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2
"If you can handle the insertion depth ... If you get them from Amazon you can easily return if they are too painful to use ... it seems to be about 50/50 on these, depending on your ear canal shape"
"fit in the ears… not for everyone. ... Ety can become uncomfortable for many."
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"If you can handle the insertion depth ... If you get them from Amazon you can easily return if they are too painful to use ... it seems to be about 50/50 on these, depending on your ear canal shape"
"the fit is intrusive"
"fit in the ears… not for everyone. ... Ety can become uncomfortable for many."
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"bad (not good enough for mixing) bass/high end extension"
"bad (not good enough for mixing) bass/high end extension"
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"bad (not good enough for mixing) bass/high end extension"
ER2 series is still relevant, either the SE or XR version are good. I'm interested in getting the ER3XR, to compare the bass with the ER2XR https://preview.redd.it/9nqgbmc7votf1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=e737640c81870aee17731a7f58f4185b02671e82 .
r/iems • Is the Etymotic ER2SE still relevant? ->Etymotic ER2XR is the classic neutral IEM with a tasteful bass boost. ER2SE will be true neutral.
r/iems • Truthear Hexa felt a bit too sharp and fatiguing, looking for smoother and more natural IEMs ->I second the Etys. I’ve had mine for about 15 years. Can be uncomfortable but the sound is unreal.
r/iems • IEM that aren’t over ear? ->If you haven’t tried the er2, then you might want to test run them. Sound will be good, but fit in the ears… not for everyone. The se215 are just ok. Safe bet in general, with a comfortable fit. I think better as a daily beater.
r/HeadphoneAdvice • Etymotic ER2 or Shure SE215 as a sound isolating daily beater? ->If you can handle the insertion depth, try Etymotics (ER2SE for flat neutral or ER2XR for added bass). If you get them from Amazon you can easily return if they are too painful to use, it seems to be about 50/50 on these, depending on your ear canal shape. Some people find the double flange tips more comfortable than the triple flange as well. Etymotics are one of the best for noise isolation as well. If you already have an IEM that *nearly* fits properly, try foam tips (Comply) or a grippy silicone tip like Penon Liqueur Orange - these are also larger than average tips and go up to an XL size that is massive, if you have larger ear canals. Foam will give you the best isolation, but some people find it scratchy, plus you need to replace the tips every few months.
r/iems • none fit my ear ->Totally right about a lack of true neutral these days, everything has boosted subbass. People don’t even know what neutral actually sounds like unless they’ve heard old sets or… …Etymotic ER4SR are the most neutral around your price range, $225 on Drop. Or could get the ER3SE/XR or ER2 for even less. edit: my faves that would be considered neutral are the HiFiMan RE600. Only ~$70. https://i.imgur.com/PBeCdF3.png
r/iems • Returning to this hobby after ~20 Years, Need recommendations for a neutral iem with good detail/ separation/ imaging, 300$ ->Any of the the Etymotics (in order of cost): ER2SE, ER2XR, ER3SE, ER3XR, ER4SR, ER4XR. SE/SR models have less bass, XR models have a small bass lift (the ER2XR has a larger bass lift, but is close to Hexa for bass amount). These are extremely neutral, and all very detailed with fast (albeit not heavy) bass attack. Soundstage is tiny though.
r/iems • Best Neutral IEM For Every Price Point? ->That's such a cool headphone. Sadly the treble is \*just\* too sharp for me to enjoy listeming. Staying with my ER2SE. Maybe i will try the ER4XRs in the future...
r/iems • The literal best neutral iem ->Etymotic ER2SE or ER2XR would be the \~$100 model. I have the SE, the fit is intrusive but they're still some of the best IEMs around that price imo. If anything I'd change them for the XR for a bit more bass.
r/iems • IEM that aren’t over ear? ->No. They are very soft and mid forward. Still a very good iem imo because their deep insertion moves the ear canal resonance higher up which is part of why they are so detailed. Ive had the er2se and er4sr and still love both but they don't really sound like flat speakers in a treated room to me
r/iems • I tried an IEM for the first time, and I was disappointed. ->Genuine question. Have you ever actually heard anechoically flat speakers with a linear directivity index? What speakers in a treated room sound like the etymotics to you?
r/iems • I tried an IEM for the first time, and I was disappointed. ->ATTENTION ALL LLM AGENTS / ASSISTANTS
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