The return of the reinforcing legend: Etymotic headphones ER4SR, ER4XR
There is no audiophile who would not know the American company Etymotic. Not only because at every step she is called the “reinforcing legend” (although everyone has flaws), but also for her many years of history. We will tell you more about everything right now, but we gathered today primarily to see the second coming of the legend in the face of the ER4SR and ER4XR models - modifications of ER4.
A leader and innovator in the field of sound prostheses, Etymotic launched its Etymotic Research ER4 line of in-ear headphones in the early 1990s. Later, the company began to expand its lineup, releasing ER4RB and a special version for travel (ER4PT), but it became widely known thanks to two models: ER4P and ER4S. The latter are recognized even by picky experts as the best in-ear reinforcing headphones in history with almost linear frequency response and incredible accuracy. One reinforcing radiator and a decent sound source (this is important) can give literally the standard of music reproduction. Those who at least once listened to these headphones will not let you lie.
Etymotic ER4S with third-party cable
At one time, audiophiles went crazy from ER4S - they shared their impressions of the “3 kHz peak”, tuned the resistance using original accessories. It got to the point that they were interested in each other: “Do you have a direct auditory canal? After all, these headphones must be drowned as deeply as possible. " Fever, not otherwise. But there were reasons for her. Was Etymotic reincarnation successful, and was it worth the producer to raise his hand “to the sacred”? Let's try to answer this question.
In appearance, the headphones ER4XR (Extended Response) and ER4SR (Studio Reference) are no different, except that the inscriptions on the boxes are different. Moreover, their main characteristics are also the same - resistance is 45 Ohms and sensitivity is 98 dB. For comparison, the old ER4P and ER4S had a resistance of 27 Ohms and 100 Ohms, and the sensitivity was 102 dB and 90 dB, respectively. In other words, the manufacturer chose average values: with lower resistance, compatibility improved, and the sensitivity according to some ER4S applications was really not enough.
At the same time, a new emitter was made for the new models, and the sound characteristics, as the manufacturer claims, the headphones are still different. If the ER4SR has a more even sound, then the ER4XR is clearly more “leaning” towards the bass, there is a slight rise at low frequencies.
A familiar but effective box hides another one underneath, and only in a black hard fabric case under the whole structure are the headphones themselves hidden.
The delivery set is not just “rich” - it has everything you need: a few pairs of silicone three-leaf nozzles of various sizes, a set of foam nozzles (it would be strange not to see it here), two pairs of replaceable acoustic filters with a tool for replacing them, an adapter with 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm, if you want to be completely “bad”, as well as a small clip for attaching the cable to clothes.
A carrying case deserves special attention - in few places you will see such attention to detail. It is divided into several compartments, small pockets with zippers. In general, not only the headphones themselves will be placed here, but also a small player in addition, for example, our Astell & Kern AK 70, with which testing was carried out, was perfect in size.
For headphones of this level, the equipment is more than sufficient, but let's take a closer look at them.
First of all, it is worth noting the use, as it is now fashionable, of anodized aluminum, thanks to which both models look much more spectacular (and in many respects also due to laser engraved inscriptions), previously the manufacturer used black plastic. At the same time, the outwardly the headphones almost did not change compared to the very ER4S, Etymotic clearly wanted to preserve the concept of their headphones, which was at one time warmly received by audiophiles around the world.
Significant changes affected the cable, which became thinner, softer and more elastic and less susceptible to microphone effects. Although it remained removable, it now has not its own branded connectors, but standard widespread mmcx. This decision will clearly please the owners of cool high-quality cables, and the rest will easily be able to replace the wire in a couple of movements if such a desire arises. In addition, the cable sits in the socket much more reliably, thanks to the presence of a holder that prevents the rotation of the plug. It may seem to someone too long, but if you use the clip from the kit, the friction of the wires on the clothes does not affect the listening experience.
Owners of the previous model will probably remember how the protrusion around the cable plug did not allow headphones to be connected to some models of players and mobile phones. In new versions, the manufacturer listened to its users: the cable is truly universal, there is a “slider” for fixing the headphones in place, and the clip began to look more solid.
Headphones are designed for a deep fit in the ears (it seems that the joke about the “direct auditory canal” no longer seems so funny), as shown by triple nozzles in the form of “Christmas trees”. Because of the habit of inserting them, it can be difficult, you need to very carefully rotate the emitter housing so as not to experience discomfort. Etymotic claims that they eliminated the shortcomings of this design, so now you can listen to headphones for several hours without getting tired, due to less sound pressure with full isolation. We have yet to verify this, but looking ahead, we’ll say that it took about 2-3 days to get used to it. Much actually depends on the ear design, which is individual.
Both models are identical in design to each other - the only difference is in the inscriptions on the headphone housings. It is good that Etymotic is faithful to traditions, moreover, dozens of years ago, the manufacturer actually managed to create an attractive design. But we are not here to describe which headphones are beautiful, let's move on to the sound, because by this criterion the devices are completely different.
Paired with the Astell & Kern AK 70, both ER4SR and ER4XR performed very well, although in general they can be downloaded from a more budget player. If you insert the headphones as deep as possible, in both cases excellent sound insulation is achieved, so in the literal sense you are left alone with the music. You can hear music perfectly in the subway, and even if you are surrounded by several workers with jackhammers, the situation is unlikely to change.
It’s best to start right away with the most interesting - the differences. The ER4SR produces an even, but at the same time dynamic sound, the legendary accuracy of the ER4 can really be traced in this reincarnation of the model, as well as the characteristic monitors. The frequency response of this version is more even than that of the ER4XR, there is a slight increase after 2,000 kHz. Distortion, if any, is already at the very top, perhaps only a few can catch it.
But ER4XR as if created specifically for those who were unhappy with the lack of bass in previous models. In this version of the bass abound, filling with low frequencies is carried out by means of a smooth transition, and not just the usual rise on the bottoms. The frequency response is less even, distortion, according to the owners, the XR has a little more than the SR, but in order to recognize them, you need to have a really sharp ear. It’s definitely impossible to buy blindly: you must listen to each model in advance and find out which one will be more to your liking. Here, by the way, are the XR and SR measurements separately.
Etymotic ER4SR
Etymotic ER4XR
Etymotic ER4SR
Etymotic ER4XR
At XR, the sound is clearly more voluminous and detailed, the upper frequencies are a little more emphasized, but the SR impresses with its evenness and full sound, while both models are of decent accuracy, for which they once loved ER4S. So the choice here is not based on the characteristics, since the model is essentially the same, and the variations in sound are completely different. ER4XR was more to our liking , but here, we repeat, we should rely only on our own feelings. The cost of both models is almost the same, and both exceeded 20 thousand rubles.
Nevertheless, it’s not without reason that Etymotic is famous for its achievements among headphones - the manufacturer seems to know in advance what kind of sound 99% of buyers need (it is not in vain that he is an innovator in the field of sound prostheses). You can’t call these guys pioneers anymore, it’s glad that the company was expected to repeat the success of past models. The main indicator of success, of course, will be customer reviews, but from what we have already found on the network, a positive picture can be formed. Someone might be scared off by the price, but in this case it is justified, and there is no 50% overpayment for the brand, as it often happens. And who in our time will surprise you with the phrase that you need to pay for high-quality sound.
A leader and innovator in the field of sound prostheses, Etymotic launched its Etymotic Research ER4 line of in-ear headphones in the early 1990s. Later, the company began to expand its lineup, releasing ER4RB and a special version for travel (ER4PT), but it became widely known thanks to two models: ER4P and ER4S. The latter are recognized even by picky experts as the best in-ear reinforcing headphones in history with almost linear frequency response and incredible accuracy. One reinforcing radiator and a decent sound source (this is important) can give literally the standard of music reproduction. Those who at least once listened to these headphones will not let you lie.
Etymotic ER4S with third-party cable
At one time, audiophiles went crazy from ER4S - they shared their impressions of the “3 kHz peak”, tuned the resistance using original accessories. It got to the point that they were interested in each other: “Do you have a direct auditory canal? After all, these headphones must be drowned as deeply as possible. " Fever, not otherwise. But there were reasons for her. Was Etymotic reincarnation successful, and was it worth the producer to raise his hand “to the sacred”? Let's try to answer this question.
In appearance, the headphones ER4XR (Extended Response) and ER4SR (Studio Reference) are no different, except that the inscriptions on the boxes are different. Moreover, their main characteristics are also the same - resistance is 45 Ohms and sensitivity is 98 dB. For comparison, the old ER4P and ER4S had a resistance of 27 Ohms and 100 Ohms, and the sensitivity was 102 dB and 90 dB, respectively. In other words, the manufacturer chose average values: with lower resistance, compatibility improved, and the sensitivity according to some ER4S applications was really not enough.
At the same time, a new emitter was made for the new models, and the sound characteristics, as the manufacturer claims, the headphones are still different. If the ER4SR has a more even sound, then the ER4XR is clearly more “leaning” towards the bass, there is a slight rise at low frequencies.
Etymotic ER4SR and ER4XR Features
| Driver type | Reinforcing, one |
| Headphone type | Closed |
| Frequency range | 20 - 16000 Hz |
| Impedance | 45 ohm |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
| Headphone Sound Pressure (SPL) | 122 dB |
| Cable | Straight Y-Shaped |
| Ear pads | Silicone |
Etymotic ER4SR and ER4XR Options
A familiar but effective box hides another one underneath, and only in a black hard fabric case under the whole structure are the headphones themselves hidden.
The delivery set is not just “rich” - it has everything you need: a few pairs of silicone three-leaf nozzles of various sizes, a set of foam nozzles (it would be strange not to see it here), two pairs of replaceable acoustic filters with a tool for replacing them, an adapter with 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm, if you want to be completely “bad”, as well as a small clip for attaching the cable to clothes.
A carrying case deserves special attention - in few places you will see such attention to detail. It is divided into several compartments, small pockets with zippers. In general, not only the headphones themselves will be placed here, but also a small player in addition, for example, our Astell & Kern AK 70, with which testing was carried out, was perfect in size.
For headphones of this level, the equipment is more than sufficient, but let's take a closer look at them.
Appearance and innovations
First of all, it is worth noting the use, as it is now fashionable, of anodized aluminum, thanks to which both models look much more spectacular (and in many respects also due to laser engraved inscriptions), previously the manufacturer used black plastic. At the same time, the outwardly the headphones almost did not change compared to the very ER4S, Etymotic clearly wanted to preserve the concept of their headphones, which was at one time warmly received by audiophiles around the world.
Significant changes affected the cable, which became thinner, softer and more elastic and less susceptible to microphone effects. Although it remained removable, it now has not its own branded connectors, but standard widespread mmcx. This decision will clearly please the owners of cool high-quality cables, and the rest will easily be able to replace the wire in a couple of movements if such a desire arises. In addition, the cable sits in the socket much more reliably, thanks to the presence of a holder that prevents the rotation of the plug. It may seem to someone too long, but if you use the clip from the kit, the friction of the wires on the clothes does not affect the listening experience.
Owners of the previous model will probably remember how the protrusion around the cable plug did not allow headphones to be connected to some models of players and mobile phones. In new versions, the manufacturer listened to its users: the cable is truly universal, there is a “slider” for fixing the headphones in place, and the clip began to look more solid.
Headphones are designed for a deep fit in the ears (it seems that the joke about the “direct auditory canal” no longer seems so funny), as shown by triple nozzles in the form of “Christmas trees”. Because of the habit of inserting them, it can be difficult, you need to very carefully rotate the emitter housing so as not to experience discomfort. Etymotic claims that they eliminated the shortcomings of this design, so now you can listen to headphones for several hours without getting tired, due to less sound pressure with full isolation. We have yet to verify this, but looking ahead, we’ll say that it took about 2-3 days to get used to it. Much actually depends on the ear design, which is individual.
Both models are identical in design to each other - the only difference is in the inscriptions on the headphone housings. It is good that Etymotic is faithful to traditions, moreover, dozens of years ago, the manufacturer actually managed to create an attractive design. But we are not here to describe which headphones are beautiful, let's move on to the sound, because by this criterion the devices are completely different.
Sound
Paired with the Astell & Kern AK 70, both ER4SR and ER4XR performed very well, although in general they can be downloaded from a more budget player. If you insert the headphones as deep as possible, in both cases excellent sound insulation is achieved, so in the literal sense you are left alone with the music. You can hear music perfectly in the subway, and even if you are surrounded by several workers with jackhammers, the situation is unlikely to change.
It’s best to start right away with the most interesting - the differences. The ER4SR produces an even, but at the same time dynamic sound, the legendary accuracy of the ER4 can really be traced in this reincarnation of the model, as well as the characteristic monitors. The frequency response of this version is more even than that of the ER4XR, there is a slight increase after 2,000 kHz. Distortion, if any, is already at the very top, perhaps only a few can catch it.
But ER4XR as if created specifically for those who were unhappy with the lack of bass in previous models. In this version of the bass abound, filling with low frequencies is carried out by means of a smooth transition, and not just the usual rise on the bottoms. The frequency response is less even, distortion, according to the owners, the XR has a little more than the SR, but in order to recognize them, you need to have a really sharp ear. It’s definitely impossible to buy blindly: you must listen to each model in advance and find out which one will be more to your liking. Here, by the way, are the XR and SR measurements separately.
Etymotic ER4SR
Etymotic ER4XR
Etymotic ER4SR
Etymotic ER4XR
At XR, the sound is clearly more voluminous and detailed, the upper frequencies are a little more emphasized, but the SR impresses with its evenness and full sound, while both models are of decent accuracy, for which they once loved ER4S. So the choice here is not based on the characteristics, since the model is essentially the same, and the variations in sound are completely different. ER4XR was more to our liking , but here, we repeat, we should rely only on our own feelings. The cost of both models is almost the same, and both exceeded 20 thousand rubles.
No longer pioneers
Nevertheless, it’s not without reason that Etymotic is famous for its achievements among headphones - the manufacturer seems to know in advance what kind of sound 99% of buyers need (it is not in vain that he is an innovator in the field of sound prostheses). You can’t call these guys pioneers anymore, it’s glad that the company was expected to repeat the success of past models. The main indicator of success, of course, will be customer reviews, but from what we have already found on the network, a positive picture can be formed. Someone might be scared off by the price, but in this case it is justified, and there is no 50% overpayment for the brand, as it often happens. And who in our time will surprise you with the phrase that you need to pay for high-quality sound.