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Etymotic Research Hf5 Portable in-Ear Monitors Blue AUD $147.61/USD $109.89 Delivered @ Massdrop

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Etymotic Research Hf5 Portable in-Ear Monitors Blue AUD $147.61/USD $109.89 Delivered @ Massdrop
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iridiumstem on 17/03/2016 - 03:37 massdrop.com (203 clicks)
Last edited 18/03/2016 - 07:39

USD $1:AUD $1.34 or USD $1:AUD $0.74 was used for rough estimation of AUD.

Specs:

Frequency response: 20 Hz–15 kHz
Accuracy score: 85%
Transducers: High-performance balanced armature drivers
Noise isolation: 35–42 dB
Impedance (at 1 kHz): 16 ohms
Sensitivity (at 1 kHz) SPL at .1 V: 105 dB
Maximum output (SPL): 120 dB
Cable: 4 ft (1.22 m), Kevlar-reinforced with 3.5 mm plug
Weight: 0.39 oz (11 g)

The cheapest one I found local was $199.99 from Minidisc, that said, I am not too sure whether other vendors carry etymotic research in-ear monitors.

Etymotic Research's in-ear monitors are famous for following a certain target frequency that many people consider to be "flat" (slightly modified open ear diffuse-field response). As a result, they are flat and analytical. Also, they are famous for having three flanged earphone tips (which would be what the image would be showing, I assume), which have to inserted fairly deep for proper seal. I've seen mixed opinion on its comfort.

It probably is not for everyone, but that said, I think it's the cheapest available currently.

Also I'd assume people would comment about Accuracy Score, so here is an explanation by them on what it is: http://www.etymotic.com/technology/hwmra

Here is my referral link, if anyone is interested in joining Massdrop:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/etymotic-research-hf5-portable-…

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Referral: random (79)

Referee receives $10 on a new signup with referral link. Referrer receives $10 credit upon the Referee completing a purchase.

Electrical & Electronics Earphones Etymotic Research

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  • mingofmongo on 17/03/2016 - 08:03

    Aah, Etymotic. Such amazing headphones. I've owned two pairs. Sounded amazing. Uncomfortable to wear, but worth it!

  • Unbreakable on 17/03/2016 - 08:11

    Does anybody know how are these compared to qc20?

    • dbun1 on 17/03/2016 - 09:13
      +1

      The QC20 is active noise cancelling, these are passive noise cancelling.
      There are many debates around regarding which is better, but headphones like these are very good as they basically act as ear plugs.

      On long flights though I still prefer my QC15/25s as they are much more comfortable for extended periods. The upside of these though is they are very compact and are easy to sleep with as they just sit in your ear and don't get in the way as much.

      • Lukian on 17/03/2016 - 09:36
        +1

        Why would you want that glorious white noise drone of the engines silenced? Best white noise for sleeping

        • ghostlyvisage on 17/03/2016 - 10:44
          +3

          Sometimes that glorious white noise is interrupted by the wailing of a crying baby :3

  • Maacin on 17/03/2016 - 08:53

    Great headphones

  • CletusDB on 17/03/2016 - 08:54
    +1

    I own a pair and they are awesome, they have a program where you can go to an audiologist and get custom moulds of your ears and they make ear buds to suit which I have done.
    Made them comfortable and improved the sound as well

    • tanabe88gg on 17/03/2016 - 11:52

      This sounds interesting. How much would you say the process cost? Did the moulds fit first go?

      • CletusDB on 17/03/2016 - 17:11
        +2

        Ah I think it was around $150 but might be different now, was awhile ago so don't quote me… Pretty sure I remember paying about $250 all up but it might have been $200 total… I got a good deal via Amazon when the AUD vs USD was better

        They still a plug and playdo type deal into your ear and it sets for 5 mins then they pull that out and send it off to get the buds made. They were sent directly to me
        So yes, perfect fit :)

        As a side note the audiologist was a bit of a audiophile as you might guess and he said that he got some made for his own headphones (different brand) but the cost was quite higher and from memory he said Etymotic subsidise it in a way which could be correct as a think I just paid at the appointment

  • cantstanzya on 17/03/2016 - 09:40
    +4

    deep insertion intensifies

  • Evil-Elmo on 17/03/2016 - 11:10

    I have some and really like the sound. I find them quite comfortable. However, over a couple of years the insulator around the cable broke down. At first it was just around the plug, but now it's all along the cable. Given the price point I was a bit disappointed and haven't repurchased.

    I got some Xiaomi pistons to replace them and, honestly, I really miss the Etymotics. I think the Etymotics are more comfortable, block out more surrounding noise, and sound much better (as you'd probably expect given the price difference).

    • bentan77 on 17/03/2016 - 12:07

      I've had mine for about 5 years, never had a problem with the cable although the rubbery material they used around the ear pieces turned gooey and had to scrape it off.

      • Evil-Elmo on 17/03/2016 - 12:17

        Interesting… I should check how many years I had mine for before this happened (I would guess around 4-5). They did get daily use (twice daily on public transport) so that might have contributed to the situation? How often do you use yours?

        If I can be confident that this is unlikely to happen again then I'd probably repurchase…

        • bentan77 on 17/03/2016 - 14:09

          Used it almost daily for a few years, rarely nowadays. I'm guessing the problem is more like normal wear and tear.

  • RedHab on 17/03/2016 - 11:19

    I have some and they sound great. I suspect they do some sort of analogue dynamic range compression.

  • dan_1337 on 17/03/2016 - 11:42

    Just note that these have a very neutral sound profile, so not for bass junkies.

  • xdirex on 17/03/2016 - 13:02

    Had these for years and absolutely loved them - miss them a lot.

    I'd happily buy them over and over again, although they are pretty old tech these days. Can anyone suggest a more modern IEM with a similar neutral, 'ety' sounding signature?

    • CletusDB on 17/03/2016 - 17:13

      They still reproduce the audio in your desired way… what "tech" do you feel you are missing?

      • xdirex on 17/03/2016 - 18:07

        Ok, poor wording, I agree, and I couldn't care less about gimmicks, Bluetooth, etc.

        From what I gather there are newer IEMs out there with quad balanced armatures which provide a similar neutral, analytic sound signature to the Etys, but with a much improved soundstage (one of the only complaints about the old Ety sound).

        Westone 4R? Hifiman RE1?

        Just looking for others experiences who have loved Etys previously as I have…

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