Recently, my travel Diva earphones broke, making my ER6i my main travel plugs and opened a need for a home set.
Reports of astounding sonics from the higher end and more costly ER4 series are very common, but better prices are now available for the ER4P line.
At the $184 price point and driven by my overwhelming experience with the ER6i, I bought an ER4P. Since I now have two Etymotic models, my comments will focus on contrasting the 4P from the 6i.
Package
The unit arrived in a ~ 5x3x2" hard plastic case with several extra foam and silicon plugs. Everything needed to fit, maintain and keep these plugs safe were included: extra wax filters, a filter replacement tool, a soft carry pouch and a shirt clip. Instructions were as easy as the 6i to follow. The ear pieces themselves are slightly longer than the 6i pieces, but they are slimmer. The entire earphone setup weighs in the ounces and is very unnoticeable when worn.
Cable
Many folks have complained about the "microphonic effect" of the cables [ hearing cable movement in your ears very easily]. The 6i cables are finer than the 4P and transmit microphonics less since they are thinner, but they move more often to make noise. The 4P L and R cables are much stiffer by themselves and both cables are then wrapped together on its lower 2/3rd, creating a stiffer mix. The stiffness lessens the likelihood of it moving but when it does you can hear it well!
I wrote previously how best to route the cables to avoid microphonics: from the side, behind the neck and into the ears from the front. The 4P ambient sound isolation is far greater than the 6i, I'm not sure why. Its especially useful to remove or not mount the shirt clip.
Joggers note: Just the thump of my feet on walking are now more obvious as is my breathing. I'd expect the noises with running would equally be magnified.
ER4 Plug Fitting
Compared to the 6i these plugs feel more solid, are easier to insert and are far more comfortable in ear than the 6i. I've worn the 4P plugs for as long as the 6i without feeling a need to remove them. Jaw movements are not uncomfortable unlike the 6i. The seal is far greater, ambient sounds more deadened. The ear piece have longer thin 'noses' that insert deeper into your ear, putting the edge of the plugs closer to your ear drum.
Sonics
The 6i was a superb experience, but the 4P is astounding. It blows all my prior headphones and earphones away.
The sound is many steps cleaner than the 6i and the imaging so very distinct [i.e., you can hear the distribution of instruments of an orchestra, or note the left-right separation of the bass and treble strings of the piano etc.]
In many solo piano recordings, I feel I am listening from the pianist bench [ I play classical music on a grand, and its a position for sound I know very very well]. There is no loss of frequencies across the audible range, and the dynamics and attacks of music notes "breathes" freely across the whole spectrum.
The only low point with headphones however, is absence of the physical sensation of bass. In live playing on a piano, the bass registers not just in your ears, but you can feel the vibrations on your chest and body. In some recordings of orchestras, tympani strikes are transmitted to your body by speakers. Alas in real live performances, such bass effects never reach the audience since pianists or tympanist rarely sit close to an audience.
Conclusion:
Although expensive, its well worth the retail price of $300+. Its money very well spent. I have never been as satisfied with an earphone in my life.
Luckily discounts to $184 are available. I'd hope the price improves further down without compromising the quality to allow others to enjoy such wonders.
Which to Buy?
If the cost isn't concerning and you listen to music were wide dynamics are expected, e.g. acoustic instruments in classical or jazz, I recommend the 4P very highly, without reservation. Its worth the trouble getting used to inserting it deep into the ear canal.
If cost is a concern, then consider either the 6i or the 6P. The 6i is boosted in certain frequencies. Which to get depends entirely on who has a 'deal'. Otherwise, the 6P is preferred.
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