Drop + Etymotic - ER2XR

Using them rn, lovely sound. Had to eq tho

Which ANC headphones to bring for flights, cafés, and coworking spaces is a hot topic; lots of good offerings out there these days. I’ve been down that road too, but as a frugal "onebag" traveler flying personal item only, after switching to Etymotic ER2XR in-ear monitors, I don’t think I’ll go back to over-ear ANC cans. Here’s why they work so well for travel: * **Isolation that rivals ANC Headphones** \- Deep-insertion seal blocks \~35–40 dB across a wide freq. range. On planes, in cafés, walking down a busy street,...outside sound just disappears.  My wife has regular conference calls in the same room, and I can't hear a darn thing w/ a bit of music playing.  I can't hear the microwave going off 3 feet behind my head, nor the A/C hum, and if the fire alarm goes off, I may be the last out of the building. * **Compact & light** \- They coil up small enough to fit in any pocket like wireless earbuds, unlike bulky ANC headphones and cases. * **Durable & modular** \- Minimal moving parts and electronics.  With filters and cables treated as wear items, they can last 8-10+ years and no batteries to charge or degrade! * **Great sound quality** \- Neutral with a subtle bass lift. I like a V-shaped freq. response, and they respond very well to EQ (I set it once and forget it using Wavelet on Android and EQ software on a laptop). * **Affordable** \- \~$100, cheaper than most ANC headphones while providing similar isolation. * **Low maintenance** \- I wash the eartips with soap every few days and haven't had to replace any filters yet, but it's nice to know they are available.  Just don't get the cable tangled up in a rotary buffer, and you'll be good. ;) * **Comfort can be tuned** \- Deep fit isn’t for everyone, but aftermarket tips or Etymotic’s smaller triple-flange tips help.  I have small ears, and the smaller triple flanges were a game changer. * **Flexible use** \- Works with in-flight entertainment, can pair with a tiny Bluetooth adapter, and optional mic cables are available. * **Backup friendly** \- I keep a cheap set of wireless earbuds for calls and as a lightweight backup, but the ER2XRs do 95% of the heavy lifting. For me, they’ve provided all the isolation of ANC headphones in a package the size of earbuds, with fewer things to charge, break, or degrade.  Something to consider for frugal travelers considering weight, size, and money. Happy listening/travels! 

I enjoy my wired IEMs and find they have a lot of the benefits of ANC headphones, but save me weight and money for my travels.

20 years. It's amazing! I just take the weight hit and carry a cheap pair of wireless earbuds when I need ultimate convenience, but I hear you on the headphone jack. I also carry a tiny Bluetooth adapter to use my Etymotic's wirelessly when the occasion suits me. I probably should have emphasized battery stuff more, but I did say "degrade." 🫣😆

That's a bummer. In that case I'd take the downsides of high end ANC headphones in a heartbeat. Can't mess with our hearing!

It’s hard to find much better than the ER2XR, imo. I’ve been rockin’ the ARTTI T10 this year but the Etys are pretty darn perfect for most anything I want.

IEMs:- Campfire Andro 2020 > Shure se846 > Sennheiser ie800 > Dunu sa6 > Sony mdr ex800 > Sony xba N3 > final a4000 > Sennheiser ie200 > etymotic er2xr > Sennheiser ie600 > Kiwiears Cadenza > Shure se215 > blon bl03 > Moondrop Space travel Headphones:- Audeze LCD2C > AKG K701 > hd600 > hd660s > hd6xx > hd650 > Meze 109 > Koss porta pro > Grado sr225 > Grado sr80

I wouldn't use the ER2XR but I mixed an EP on the ER4SRs on a tour bus once. Obviously I checked it in the studio after the tour was done, but it came out great. In general, using IEMs with a Harman tuning will result in bass-light mixes if you are used to working on nearfield monitors that are anechoic-flat. You will want to use something with much more restrained low end.

It could be because the ER2XR has \*relatively\* recessed mids compared to the ER4s. It has the biggest bass boost of any of Etymotics' IEMs, and pretty sizzly treble too, so it could be that those boosts masked what you needed to hear in the mids (where flutter echo from small rooms typically causes the most problems). I have used the ER4S or 4SR for years as my monitors while working as a boom op or location recordist. They have always given me a very clear picture of what the room is doing to the recorded sound.

SR not XR. The XR has boosted bass, which I wouldn't use for mixing.

Etymotic er2xr. Blocks a ton of noise

Just using apple dongle lol. Makes it pretty convenient to carry around. I think my er2xr survived being through the washing machine 2 times unscathed.

Etymotic ER2XR. These are GOAT material for $100.00 or less. https://preview.redd.it/91ct3lqym4gf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=367531abe6ef57e904fca8d5ab7d8d894458c0c2

If you want some proper noise isolation, the etymotic er2xr paired with a qudelix 5k will block out pretty much anything you throw at it, and will have strong Bluetooth with endless equaliser options. The 5k has a clip too, so you can just attach it to the edge of any clothing. Edit: etymotic does sell a Bluetooth adapter for these earphones too, although it is a little pricier. It removes the need for the bottom half of the cable, so you can clip it to the top of your shirt and the wires just go straight to the earphones out of each end. The fiio utws5 are a set of Bluetooth ear hook adaptors that might also work with these, but the input angle of the etymotic may make it incompatible.

Etymotic ER2XR with the dual flange tips.

Etymotic ER2XR!

Exactly!

For me Etymotic ER2XR with the dual flange tips.

Not on your list but check out the Etymotic ER2XR. $100 new and just perfect to my ears. With the dual flange tips they disappear in my ears after a few minutes.

Etymotic ER2XR with dual flange tips. Like and use them more than my HD600s and Auteur Classics.

Check out the Etymotic ER2XR with the dual flange tips. I love them for the same past times.

Etymotic er2xr. Sounds perfect to my ears.

I'd start with the Etymotic ER2XR with the dual flange tips.

ER2XR has replaceable cables. MMCX.

These are the ones.

Etymotic ER2XR is the classic neutral IEM with a tasteful bass boost. ER2SE will be true neutral.

It adds more bass but it's actually bringing it to the correct amount of bass. The ER2SE is actually anemic in bass by comparison.

Soundstage. Some IEMs just have pretty godawful soundstage, ie Etymotic ER2XR. If an Etymotic ER2xr had fantastic soundstage wouldn't that be a dream. :D But it's mainly soundstage. I should mention that some IEMs that are great for gaming can be HORRIBLE and dogshit for vocals, ie the Supermix 4. I'm sure it's great for gaming. Godawful for vocals. For people who love the Supermix4, you likely don't listen to the same music as I do. It's hecking terrible for music.

I used ER2xr but found it didn't have as much soundstage. But Er4sr have a bit more soundstage then?

So I actually kinda bought a ton of IEMs to answer this question too. I was trying to find something that works for voiceover, for mixing, for critical editing, and for checking how mics sound in reviews. If I had to choose under $300, here’s my categories: * Mixing: Neutral enough to translate well on different setups (HD6xx, speakers, etc.) * Critical editing: Can it expose bad audio or does it hide flaws? * Monitoring: How good it is for hearing your own voice accurately. * Enjoyment: Just how fun it is to listen to. Letshouer Galileo Mixing: Excellent Critical Editing: Excellent Monitoring: Excellent (voice literally sounds just like me when monitoring) Enjoyment: Low Moondrop Blessing 2 / Blessing 3 Mixing: Excellent Critical Editing: Excellent Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: Low (pretty harsh, basically MDR-7506s in IEM form) Zigaat Lush Mixing: Excellent Critical Editing: Below average unless you crank the volume on sibilant spots Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: Good

Etymotic ER2XR / ER4XR Mixing: Below average (soundstage is too 2D) Critical Editing: Excellent Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: Okay Crinacle Daybreak (surprisingly) Mixing: Depends—more “Meta” neutral than Etymotic-style Critical Editing: Excellent (picks up sibilance like crazy, great for catching issues) Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: High Xuan NV (big surprise) Mixing: No, too much bass Critical Editing: Excellent (vocals are super accurate for both male and female) Monitoring: Iffy—low impedance can be weird with interfaces like the MOTU M2 Enjoyment: High Thieaudio Legacy 2 Mixing: Excellent Critical Editing: Excellent Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: Decent Cadenza 4 Mixing: Excellent Critical Editing: Excellent Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: Excellent Orchestra Lite Mixing: Excellent (surprisingly neutral—not bright like Blessing 2/3, not warm like Dusk or Lush) Critical Editing: Excellent Monitoring: Excellent Enjoyment: Excellent Basically the Studio4 but more revealing with sibilance instead of smoothing it out. Hexa I don’t really recommend it—too many fit issues and inconsistent impressions. If you do try it, use wide-bore tips (not narrow). Video explaining why: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x-T8el9fbs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x-T8el9fbs) Hope this helps.

Etymotic ER2XR/ER3XR (extended treble and bass) or Etymotic ER2SE/ER2SE (super neutral) I would pick the XR bc the bass maybe extended but still not overpowering by any means.

I am going by the claims Etymonic listed their site as the difference between the XR vs SE. I own the XR's but do not own or have listened to the SE's. So your point myaybe valid.

Btw the treble and mids to me are crystal clear without being peaky

If you need good noise isolation you should try Etymotics. But get them from Amazon or somewhere in case you need to return, because the deep fit can be problematic depending on your ear canal shape (I found them painful). The ER2XR is slightly above your budget at around $100 IIRC, but it's worth a look. That's their entry level one with more bass (ER2SE is the same but with flat bass). Ignore driver count. That's mostly a marketing tactic by KZ, but their IEMs tend to be a bit shit and they have a pretty sketchy track record with various things (fake drivers, paid-for reviews, etc). Some of their models are supposedly good for the price, but it's hard to recommend them except for complete beginner level stuff to just try out an IEM for under $10. Spending any more than that with KZ is taking a bit of a gamble. That said if you want to just get one that's really cheap to try out, the KZ EDC Pro is usually under $5 and it's actually not bad. It's a balanced, mild v-shape tuning that leans towards a bit bassier. It won't give you the same levels of sound isolation as Etymotics, but it will give you a good idea of what to expect from most typical IEMs, as most of them have about the same levels of noise isolation. It's only Etymotics and some of the other pro-oriented ones (that I have no experience with) which have much higher attenuation specs than typical audiophile IEMs. Pretty much all KZs have slightly grainy treble, which would make them unsuitable for production work, but if you're talking about live mixing then it shouldn't matter much. I don't DJ, but from friends who do, I believe a v-shape signature is what they prefer, so they can track the bass and percussion more easily for beat-matching.

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.

They're the same except the XR has a bass boost. The SE is neutral. Still relevant IEMs in that there isn't any direct competition for what they are. If you want maximum sound isolation and they fit in your ears, there isn't anything that can compete with them.

Ehhh I'm one and done. I got my ety er2xr a few years back and am really happy with them so I haven't gotten anything since. Like any other hobby, some people just enjoy collecting things. This hobby is no different.

For bullet shape don’t forget the Etymotics ER2XR. If the triple flange freaks you out (honest, it will not pierce your brain, has amazing sound isolation, and can be comfortable once you you then a few times, try it at least once) it comes with other tips including foam tips. For a more conventional IEM do look at the Aful Explorer. A well shaped semi custom all resin shell and smaller than average nozzle. It’s physically very comfortable I use Spinfit W1’s on mine, and are a great fit for me, but as always, we have varying ear anatomy so tip fit is variable. Start with the included tips, if they aren’t comfortable or not getting a good seal, then you can worry about trying aftermarket ear tips. The sound itself is warm and lush, with no fatigue over several hour listening sessions.

Maybe the Moondrop Chu 2. Reasonably small, very inexpensive, ~$20 USD, and a pretty balanced, inoffensive sound. It is wired like the IE200 you show, unlike the 2 other BT wireless buds you have photos of. And depending on your situation, if she hates it you’re only out $20 (if you find it on Amazon, in the US you have easy return policies if it’s listed as “shipped by Amazon”, so you’re not even out the $20). Something more upscale and very small would be an Etymotics ER2XR. If she’s super afraid of the triple flange tip (which really won’t puncture her brain) or can’t get used to it, there are other tips included such as foam tips that can be more comfortable. Its small bullet shape is about as good as you can find. There are other bullet ageless IEMs out there, but honestly I don’t remember all of them.

I would suggest getting a single DD IEM for stage, something like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza. Personally, I use the Etymotic ER4SR, but the Etymotic ER2XR would work just as well for $100. Insane isolation with their foam tips, great if you play an instrument where you don't need to move much i.e. keyboard. The reason is because the output impedance of random gear you plug in on stage might mess up the actual tuning of your IEMs. You can read the technical reason here if you want to learn more: https://headphones.com/blogs/features/the-most-important-spec-you-re-not-paying-attention-to-output-impedance-explained-11

I loved these headphones! Until they caused really bad impacted earwax issues in both ears. After that happened the second time, I stopped using them reluctantly.

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. 

I was really hoping that I wouldn't get cancelled for saying this, as dead neutral IEMs are pretty rare these days. Even ER2XR pushes the classification of neutral for me, but included it for the sake of having the complete set. 

I use Etymotic ER2XRs to live mix 4-6 channels of wireless lav mic feeds from presenters, and a couple channels of media playback. We run livestream broadcasts bi-monthly for our industry. I basicall ride a handful of faders for an hour and a half, and the Ety's block out the awful reverb of our untreated studio, and people behind the scenes talking.

Ugh, I know. I got the ER4XR and ER2 XR. I've flirted with the Hexa, Zero Red, S12 Pro and Letshouer S08, but I always keep coming back to Etymotic. It's insane.

Same I use a BTR 5 with the Er2XR.

I’d love to keep using the etys but I got impacted earwax in one ear in 2017 very likely from using etys regularly for years. Ok, might have been because I should have kept ear canal clear and wax free regularly, but imo it’s a real risk with these deep insertion earphones. Also, why not get the er4 variants for max sound quality?

I love these also, except after a few years the rubber coating on them becomes gummed up. Now-a-days I prefer a pair of Pixel Buds just because Bluetooth is so convenient.

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.

er2xr betterer, still one of the best iems.

they actually have bass

Iem ventilation is another factor. I started my iem journey with Etymotoc ER2XR which have absurd sound isolation because of their deep insertion depth and lack of vents. I tried taking my Dusks out for a walk and the vent on the outside made listening to music impossible with a slight breeze. Picked up a pair of Orchestra Lites (all BA set with no vents) and though they aren't as isolating as the ER2XRs they are much better for walks compared to the Dusks.

Depends on your budget The awful magic one, is good for the price The etymotic er2xr also is amazing I love the etymotic Evo, the best vocals is iems I've tried But if you're worried about the deep fit Try the softears studio 4 I've heard they're amazing too

Another good option for those on a budget who can't afford customs (and for those who don't know... you need to add the cost of going to an audiologist to get impressions of your ear canals to the cost of the CIEMs themselves) could be the Etymotics ER2XR or ER2SE. Fit doesn't work for everyone (they fit like triple flange silicone earplugs), but they offer spectacular isolation and a well-managed bass boost in the case of the XR for those who would prefer it.

Something I rarely see recommended here is the etymotic er2xr They’re the only $100+ iem I’ve tried but I love it. It’s especially amazing for me because I usually listen to music on busses or trains on my way to work and the isolation is so nice to have

Yeah it uses deep fit which some people don’t like but I actually quite like it

The dual flange tips are super comfortable for me

I've traveled with these before, but if I want to hear anything at all, they need to be taken out, and taking them out and putting them in is a pain. I'd definitely do it again if I could find a way to make my phone mic turn into a "hear-through" thing for me... So that I could ask for a drink while flying without being totally deaf to the other person, etc Actually.... Are there any accessibility settings I could get to do this for me? Just turn the phone mic into an audio source that goes into the headphones?

Be careful... seems to me there are different opinions about "Neutral with bass boost". I suggest Etymotic too, either ER2XR, ER3XR or ER4XR the bass boost against the SR version is very decent. The differences between this 3 versions are not very much, maybe you can't hear it. 7Hz Timeless, should be very neutral too. Sometimes you can get the Etymotic very sheep, maybe you get the ER4XR for £100. If you use it with the silicon eartips, this IEM goes very deep in the ear.

I second the Etymotic ER2XR. It comes with several sizes for tips and will isolate better than anything that's not a CIEM. On top of that the sound is fantastic, and can EQ decently for your preferences. As mentioned above you can buy aftermarket tips if you find the stock tips uncomfortable. I find that the spinfit cp240 do a great job at providing comfort and isolation. Personally I prefer the stock foam tips for isolation.

Apple Dongle $7 and Etymotic ER4SR $170 CAD. Ety is still the OG IEM experience and like Sennheiser is legend. I sold my ER4SR to a friend and now have the ER2XR and an old HF5 in its place. Both great in their own way but the ER4SR takes the prize for its detail and timbre. For dacs, the Apple Dongle does what it needs so no need to pay more.

Etymotic Research ER2XRs. Decent price, bass response makes it present but not over done, and great detail.

I gwt what you're saying. But the presentation on my ety ER2XRs definitely feels a ton more intimate than my Moondrop Katos. So how does that work ?

I own 2XR and 3XR too. ER3XR is my favourite iem. I find their sound signature quite different. 3XR is about mids with some bass and very gentle treble. 2XR are more neutral with no emphasis on mids, more bass and treble. Compared to 3XR they are V-shaped.

Wdym not detachable? ER4PT 2 pin detachable. ER2XR different connector MMCX detachable.

I forgot one detail: ety MMCX has proprietary notch)

I really liked my Etys with Comply foams or Monster SuperTip foams (I don't think these are a thing anymore). The triple flange were ok but foams pretty much disappeared. I rocked these when I was on a phone with a headphone jack and prior to that on an iPod Classic. Still remember ripping my own CDs to ALAC! Microphonics were definitely an issue, and wax impaction was a problem once for me. Otherwise blissful sound and incredible passive isolation. I'm on Airpods Pro 2 now mostly for the convenience features and ecosystem.

etymotic er2xr :)

Etymotic ER2XR 100%

THIS SO MUCH, etymotics are the goats in their budget tier, i had er4xr and er2xr tonality is unmatchable for me

Out of the stuff you can buy new, Etymotics ER2 would be the best sound-wise. And if you prefer the over-ear style, I don't think I've seen something smaller than Moondrop SSR. I even sleep wearing these

Love those for the isolation but how the hell do you mix with those with no imaging and bad (not good enough for mixing) bass/high end extension?

Etymōtic ER2XR/SE. If you don’t mind the deep insertion fit these have top tier isolation and sound fantastic as well. I can kill airplane noise on a flight while sitting right next to the engine. ANC cant hold a candle to these.