Etymotic Research ER2-XR Extended Response - In Ear Noise Isolating IEM Earphones with Detachable Cable

Product Information

Do they protrude too far from the ear to be comfortable to wear underneath noise cancelling headphones?

Of course the big question now remains: how different is the ER2 from their bigger, more expensive brothers? Etymotic’s target frequency response graph represents a “perceptibly flat” frequency response. Our goal is to have a flat frequency response curve when the music notes hit your eardrums. To achieve that, we need to account for the resonance inside the average ear canal, since IEMs bypass the outer ear structure. The result is the need for higher SPL in the 2-5k region (lower treble) for compensating said resonance. That is the reason for the “hump” in that region. Until someone makes a deep insertion IEM that follows the diffuse field target perfectly, these are Unless IEMs/tips are cleaned regularly, any moisture and debris buildup on your IEMs for extensive periods can be potential contamination that can irritate your ears. Next to cleaning your IEMs regularly and your ears with cotton tips, look into using eardrops.Overall, it sounds quite natural and balanced but frequency extensions at both ends, sub-bass and upper-treble, sound a bit too soft. That’s the main reason I rate it 7/10. If ER2XR has a better-perceived frequency extension at both ends I will rate it higher on tonality. Clearly, the 4XR is superior and we can actually see how sheer speed helps in bringing out all the micro details. However, i still think i would reach for the ER2SE more than the 4XR, as the 2SE is also greatly detailed, and they do have the dynamic character which add some body and depth to the sound. In this aspect, the cheaper dynamic Etymotic will score a point against the big daddy ER4s. When i’m listening to my favourite blues or jazz albums i miss absolutely nothing with the 2SE. For this reason i think any owner of ER4s or ER3s should still consider buying the ER2s.

The unboxing experience is simple and practical. Nothing showy or grand here. Aesthetically pleasing. Unforgiving and will slap you with the reality that a soundstage in an iem is all made up inside your head.But at this point you all probably know that I’m no believer in newer being better. In fact, it’s probably closer to a 50/50 tossup under IEF metrics. So while the average layman may assume the EVO to be Etymotic’s best work, you ask (and I answer) the question that no one else dares to ask:

The ER2XR is easily the best value of the three, being more lively than the warmer ER3XR, but more neutral and fun than the thinner ER4XR. Is there a small loss of clarity or detail in the treble when comparing the dynamic driver to the BA versions? I think so, but their exact treble response is not necessarily identical, so some of it may just be FR-related. In any case, I still think the ER2XR is quite detailed for its price. It does not sound grainy, congested or smoothed over, easily out-resolving cheaper IEMs like the Tin T2 and MH755 (I never use these since getting the ER2XR). As another point of reference, none of these IEMs is in the same tier as Stax SR-L500 in terms of detail. Took a while to get used to the fit, although I have used deep fit tips before so I was prepared for the feeling.Very high passive noise isolation (35-42dB) from the deep insertion design. Essential as hearing protection for an on-stage performer. Close to ruler flat impedance (15 ohms) ensures consistent tonality with various audio equipment regardless of the headphone output impedance. How does the level of isolation compare to the Mee Pinnacle PX, with or without triple flange tips? I make this comparison to show that, within the realm of Etymotic’s own lineup, pretty much the only reason to “upgrade” would be for more technical performance. So, does the EVO have better resolution than the ER4? Better imaging? Wider soundstage?

Total harmonic distortion is on the higher side of average THD from all the IEMs that I’ve measured. But on the other end of the spectrum, the budget lineup of Etymotic’s product range had historically been an afterthought in the eyes of the audiophile community. Perhaps the most popular of which would’ve been the HF5, but you’re probably not aware that Etymotic had no less than eight lower entry models, which includes the MC series (MC2, MC3 and MC5), the HF series (HF2, HF3 and HF5), the MK5 series and most out-of-place of all, the “Ety Kids” EK5 which is a volume-limited MK5 (if memory serves me correct). You can find opinions on both sides about which one is better. You should just try one (from a place with a return policy). The ER2SE is ideal for sound engineers, audiophiles, and consumers on a budget, who are looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive while offering accurate audio reproduction.Assortment of eartips: 4 Dual Flange Silicone Pairs: S, M, L, XL. 2 Triple Flange Pairs: Standard and Large. and 2 Foam Pairs: Standard Disclaimer: The measurement results of the engineering quality measurement in this review represent only the pair of IEM that was measured for this review. It doesn’t represent the overall quality control of the factory. There are some improvements to be noted, for instance the in-your-head congested feeling of the ER4s now sound like average IEM imaging instead (it’s an improvement, but it’s not amazing either) and the bass response is a little better as well. Though if you’re looking for proper bass, the ER2 would run circles around the EVO in terms of realism and actual weight. The soundstage is where some may argue that the Etymotic IEMs are somewhat challenged. It’s not that the imaging doesn’t feel accurate. In fact, you’ll hear ample dimension and accuracy in terms of instrument placement, making it a fun listen. However, in terms of size, it just conveys very intimate feel rather particularly vast or grand stage.