Review of Etymotic ER-4 headphones - a quarter of a century on the IEM market

As with any other technology, the world of headphones has its own legends, who have won worldwide recognition and sold in large quantities (or, conversely, remain a one-off and rare phenomenon). There are exaggerated legends, made up of advertising, such as Beats, and there are also those who really deserve all their popularity. Today I will talk about perhaps the most famous in-ear monitors - Etymotic ER-4.

Somehow, I often write a similar introduction lately, but the company Etymotic Research began with the manufacture of devices for hearing aids and audiometry. Founded in 1983, already in 1984 the company introduced the first in-ear headphones, being in fact the inventor of such a form factor. ER models with indices from 1 to 3 were intended for audiometry and laboratory hearing research; listening to music in them was a controversial pleasure, but in 1991 everything changed, the Etymotic ER-4 was introduced, which became the standard IEM for many years.

The first Etymotic ER-4 were without a letter index, but they correspond to the current ER-4B, they were intended primarily for listening to speech (the letter B in the index is from the word binaural), but for other music they had a bit too much high frequency. The ER-4S model (from the word stereo) was designed to correct this, and it was destined to become the standard of the line. Later, as the popularity of portable audio devices grew, Etymotic released the ER-4P (“portable”) model, which featured less HF and lower impedance. Fans of the brand usually consider the P version to be "non-canonical", although in fact you can have both versions at once.

One of the interesting features of the ER-4 is that the P and S models are easily converted into each other, the only difference being the resistors installed in the cable, so that by simply changing the latter you can tune their sound. Etymotic even offer a 75Ω adapter that allows you to turn the P version into an S. Since the “branded” adapter is very expensive, the market is full of solutions from folk craftsmen, and on eBay you can find many options at very modest prices. Unfortunately, version B cannot be modified in this way, since it also uses capacitors installed in the headphone housings themselves.

During development, the appearance also underwent changes. The very first modifications were distinguished by colored plugs of a replaceable cable, and their complete wire was straight. Then the cable was made twisted to combat the microphone effect, and modern modifications are already available in completely black color. By the way, these are the only changes that the model has undergone. Just think about it, the headphones have been in production for 24 years, next year they will celebrate their quarter-century anniversary, and all that has changed in them is the cable. At the same time, they remain relevant even in our age of multi-drivers, hybrids, three-dimensional printing, nanopolymer membranes and other high-tech achievements.

The Etymotic ER-4 has had a retail price of $300 for many years. In 1991, this was a huge sum, which mainly professionals working with sound and even notorious music lovers could afford to part with. Nowadays, this is quite an average price for good headphones. For example, here you can buy the ER-4PT model (P-version with an adapter to convert to the S version) for only 17,000 rubles.

For whom

This motorcycle is probably suitable for those who do not need high speed at all, but are attracted by something sporty in the exterior of the bike. If you like modern, stylish two-wheeled motorcycles, but only need to get around the city, there can hardly be a better option than this naked bike.

The main advantages of the Kawasaki EP-4 are:

• stylish appearance to match its class;
• good data, making him one of the fastest in the class;
• balance of elements and ride comfort.

The Kawasaki ER-4 is the embodiment of design genius, because there is not a single detail in the exterior of the car that one could find fault with. You can hardly find a better bike if you want to ride a beautiful and powerful motorcycle in the city.

Packaging and delivery

I got my pair of Etymotic straight from the secondary market, so the box design and packaging have lost a little of their newness, but overall the packaging of the ER-4 is just great. They are sold in a plastic box with a cardboard “dust jacket” on top. Inside the box there is an insert in which all the accessories are neatly arranged in the slots. In addition to the headphones themselves, you will receive:

• zippered case for transportation
• two pairs of large three-flange nozzles
• a pair of small three-flange nozzles
• two pairs of cylindrical foam nozzles
• two pairs of mushroom-shaped foam tips
• adapter to 6.3 mm
• clothespin for attaching the cable to clothing
• filter changing tool and replacement filters themselves
• instructions

As you can see, the package included is gorgeous, although the attachments are very non-standard. All of them are aimed at providing maximum music quality and high sound insulation.

Specifications

In terms of its technical parameters, the motorcycle is ahead of many representatives of its class. It's capable of delivering the power and speed of a sports bike rather than a naked bike like this.

The model is also good because all the components fit perfectly together and there is no disharmony between them. A moderately powerful engine, a well-chosen transmission, appropriate brakes and chassis - the EP-4 has it all.

History of creation and production

The aircraft was designed by OKB-240 under the leadership of V. G. Ermolaev. it became the development of the passenger aircraft "Steel-7", designed at the Civil Air Fleet Research Institute by aircraft designer R. L. Bartini. One of the few long-range bombers of its time with a diesel aircraft engine ACh-30 designed by A.D. Charomsky[2].

The experimental DB-240 first flew on May 14, 1940.

Serial production began in October 1940.
Er-2 was produced at plants No. 18 in Voronezh and No. 39 in Irkutsk. Production of Er-2 (according to plant data)

Of the 71 aircraft produced in Voronezh in 1941, 7 were made in April, 10 in May, 25 in June and the last 29 in July.
Production in 1945

Price

The Er-2 aircraft (2ACh-30B), produced by plant No. 39, was sold at a price of 875 thousand rubles per product (this is for a glider with equipment without engines, prices for the second quarter of 1945)[3].

Engine

The motorcycle has a fairly powerful engine, which is an in-line, four-stroke, two-cylinder engine. Its working volume is 399 cubic centimeters. The engine shows impressive results both in terms of acceleration of the motorcycle and in terms of maximum speed.

In just 5.5 seconds the bike accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour. The maximum speed of the motorcycle reaches 170 kilometers per hour. This is a considerable indicator for a car of this class. If the engine were even more powerful, the bike would already be beyond its class, and this could become a serious drawback.

The bike shows such data due to the good two main characteristics of the engine. Its torque at its peak is 37 newton meters. At the same time, the speed is 7500 per minute. The maximum power is 44 horsepower at 9500 rpm.

Was in service

The long-range bomber was in service with the aviation formations of the Red Army and the RKKF of the Armed Forces of the USSR:

• 16th Guards Bomber Aviation Division 326th Bomber Aviation Regiment

Dimensions and weight

The bike's curb weight is 199 kilograms, but if ABS is built into the model, the weight will be 203 kilograms. This is a relatively small difference. Quite weighty, but not too heavy. This is how a city bike should be.

The length of the bike reaches 2100 millimeters. This is the average setting; Both city bikes and cruisers, as well as sports motorcycles, can have this length. Its width is 760 millimeters and its height is 1100 millimeters. The height of the motorcycle at the saddle is 785 millimeters.

The tank capacity reaches 15 liters. The bike consumes only 2.66 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers of road, which means you can ride as much as 500 kilometers without refilling, which is impressive. The dimensions meet the needs of the target audience of this model and the class of motorcycles as a whole.

Design and wearing comfort

The appearance of the ER-4 is very spartan and, by today’s standards, is not striking. The headphones themselves are thin black cylinders, at one end of which there is a thin sound guide, and at the other - sockets for connecting a cable. The internal design of the headphones is as simple as possible, one emitter per channel, plus a filter in the sound guide.

The filters in the ER-4 are replaceable; as they become contaminated with earwax, you can easily replace them using the included tool. You can order new filters on the Etymotic website (traditional craftsmen wash filters using a syringe, but I prefer to just buy new ones, especially since they don’t need to be changed so often).

These headphones were not only the first universal armature IEM, but also the first headphones with a replaceable cable. It uses its own, incompatible connector with two pins of different thicknesses (to eliminate incorrect connections and problems with phase mismatch of emitters). Despite the twisted design, the stock headphone cable makes quite a lot of noise from friction against clothing, and it hardens quite noticeably in the cold, so many people order replacement cables for this model. I also ordered the cable made from Era-in-ear, and am using the ER-4 with their product. With a behind-the-ear fit, the microphone effect is practically absent, and the lightness of the cable adds to the comfort of wearing.

To get the sound that Etymotic engineers intended, the ER-4 must be placed very deep in the ears; these headphones are perhaps the record holders for the depth of seating. The included attachments do not greatly contribute to this process, so these headphones are not suitable for everyone; many simply cannot wear them. If your ears become friends with them, in return you will receive sound insulation that is close to the maximum possible. Complete gray three-flange attachments, commonly called “Christmas trees,” allow you to enjoy the music of the ER-4 anywhere, from a subway train to an airplane turbine. Depending on the attachments, sound insulation ranges from 35 to 42 dB.

On the Internet, I came across advice to use baby oil to soften a three-flange nozzle; you need to carefully apply it to the flanges themselves, trying to avoid getting it on the central tube of the nozzle (it must remain rigid to ensure secure fixation). I didn’t bother with this, after about 3 days either my ears got used to it or the nozzle softened on its own.

Chassis and brakes

The motorcycle has a steel frame, which is made in exactly the same design that is most suitable for a city bike. She is stylish, but at the same time does not look too flashy. The bike does not evoke that reverent feeling that can arise when looking at a retro classic; however, it does not appeal to those emotions that can surge when contemplating a bright sports bike.

The rear suspension is a monoshock absorber with a stroke of 130 millimeters. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with dimensions of 41 millimeters and a stroke of 125 millimeters. This is enough for such a naked bike. It would probably be impossible to find better pendants.

The motorcycle's wheels are alloy, but it's hard to call them sporty. No, these are just stylish modern wheels without a hint of sports or, especially, classics. However, there is an opinion that spoked wheels suit the classics. From this point of view, the EP-4, of course, looks more like a classic bike.

The medium-sized steering wheel allows you to perfectly control the car at different speeds. The handles look very stylish, matching the overall design of the motorcycle. This steering wheel is very comfortable to use.

The rear brakes are represented by a single disc with a diameter of 220 millimeters, as well as a single-piston caliper. The front brakes are two discs, 300 millimeters each, and two-piston calipers.

Sound

The following equipment was used for listening:

• Yulong DA8 as a DAC and amplifier
• CEntrance Mini-M8 as a DAC and amplifier
• Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
• Fidelia as a player
• Fiio X3-2 and QLS QA360 as portable players
• VSonic Gr01 and HiFiMan Re600 as headphones for comparison
• High-resolution recordings in Lossless formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)

Before listening, the headphones were warmed up for 48 hours.

The sound of the ER-4 is very dependent on the tips used, so the sound description below is based on the S (100Ω) version with the large gray tri-flange tips.

In general, the sound of the Etymotic product is unlike anything else. The use of one single balanced armature driver per channel results in absolutely incredible speed and resolution, but the sound is lightweight, especially lacking body in the low frequencies. But the main goal that the developers set for themselves was nevertheless achieved - the naturalness and authenticity of ER-4 has no equal.

The bass is excellent in resolution, speed and definition, if the source allows, it is well controlled and absolutely stays in place. It is more than enough in quantitative terms; the depth also does not leave you wanting more. At the same time, it lacks density and pressure; a small reinforcement driver simply cannot “pump” enough air through a thin sound guide to create the required pressure. The situation with the bass is somewhat reminiscent of the story with the Sennheiser HD-800. To improve the situation, it is recommended to place ER-4 as deeply as possible in the ears.

The mids are as ideal as they can be in headphones of this form factor. Thanks to their excellent resolution and speed, they convey the slightest nuances of the recording with incredible clarity; midrange-oriented tracks sound very lively and natural. The volume is conveyed very well, both in width and height. Tracks with volumetric effects (like the same Yello) amaze the imagination, recordings with a large number of instruments and voluminous rooms will also open up from a new side. The ER-4s are also very good at transmitting vocals, but here you have to make sure that the recordings are of high quality.

The upper frequencies are quite smooth, without excessive accents and harshness, although by modern standards the ER-4 are still bright headphones. In recent years, headphone manufacturers have very often “flooded” the high-frequency range to achieve a relaxed and soft sound; this has led to the emergence of a separate movement of high-frequency-phobes who are panicky afraid of any manifestation of the high-frequency range. At the same time, high frequencies are an integral part of the sound, and some recordings just have to have them. For example, the great “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” by Iron Maiden is recorded brightly, and Dickenson’s voice sometimes almost breaks into outright sibilance, and headphones that do not play this out actually cannot cope with the correct transmission of high frequencies.

In general, the ER-4S headphones are frankly monitor headphones, created for lovers of natural and undistorted transmission.

The ER-4P, with a reduced impedance and slightly muffled treble, is less popular among sound lovers, since quantitatively reduced treble leads to a deterioration in sound volume and the headphones lose their naturalness. In addition, the low-frequency range is emphasized, and its lack of physicality becomes more noticeable.