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

Product Information

Took a while to get used to the fit, although I have used deep fit tips before so I was prepared for the feeling. The ER2SE offers Etymotic’s renowned passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation. You will hear all the details in the music with lower volume levels that are safer for your hearing. The flat frequency response of the ER2SE will appeal to sound professionals and audiophiles alike. The ER2SE shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single dynamic driver allows for a very accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keep the aluminum body small and slim. Included is a user-replaceable cable. The ER2XR sports a single driver. And like the other Etymotic models, it has detachable MMCX connectors, which is a huge selling point for the company. As we all know, cables are the first thing to break. And if longevity is a concern, then ER2XR is a great option at this price point.

Identical to the ER3 series. Less accessories than the ER4 series but still adequate. Includes both small and large tri-flange clear silicone tips and Comply foam tips. I personally prefer the large silicone ones as this allows me to get a good seal. The ER4 series come with a personally signed copy of the IEM's individually tested frequency response, channel matching, THD, etc, which you don't get with the lower priced ER2 series. If you want, you can resort to a little EQ work to remove some of that upper bass as well as reducing the the upper mids and increasing the treble just a touch. Doing so does give it a noticeably more neutral signature, but I think I really do prefer that slightly warmer tonality it has without any applied EQ.

In the midrange and treble, the ER2XR follow the ER2SEs’ tonality almost exactly, which means that the ER2XR are highly linear and realistic sounding, which I cannot only confirm by listening to music (and performing acoustic measurements) but also when listening to sine sweeps that reveal a very even, linear tonal response without any unevenness, sudden peaks or dips; instead, the ER2XR, just like Etymotic’s other models that I am familiar with (ER-4S, ER4SR, ER4XR, ER3SE, ER3XR, ER2SE), show remarkable upper midrange and treble neutrality and evenness to my ears that is only very rarely achieved by other in-ears, resulting in a highly natural and realistic treble timbre reproduction (which is also the reason why I prefer my ER-4S and the ER4SR over the various other, much more expensive, technically more proficient in-ears that have a more or less neutral sound signature as well, for stationary music listening). Either way, just as with the tuning, in terms of technical qualities, the ER2XR deliver extraordinarily high performance.

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. ER2XR is favored by those who enjoy the extra bass presence and body when listening to their music. The extra bass is done tastefully without turning the ER2XR into a bass heavy IEM. If you’re familiar with any of Etymotic’s in-ear monitors, then the ER2XR will look no different to you. It’s a very similar design to the original ER-4 which was released nearly 30 years ago. So, clearly, this is a tried and tested design which has worked for Etymotic ever since then. Last but least, the fit. Follow the instructions in the manual (no, don't throw it right away, you animals ) and the fit should be perfect with a large majority of ears. The IEM is so small that a deep insertion should be possible for almost everyone. It might feel invasive at the beginning, but for me it was a matter of some hours. Then, the IEM disappears into your ears and you are isolated from the outside. Music is playing so naturally and so clear, without harshness.

Technical Specifications of the ER2xr Earphones

While the ER2XR have got a bass elevation, it is implemented extraordinarily well, as it avoids bleeding into the midrange and instead mostly stays out of it (it starts to climb around 600 Hz and reaches its climax nicely low, in the true sub-bass). I just can't really recommend the ER2XR to anyone who can't handle its two biggest flaws - the fit and the soundstage. If you can manage the fit, and the music you listen to is usually quite simple and does not require a huge soundstage, you'll get a really nice, well tuned IEM with strong, punchy bass. Bass: The bass has a slight lift in the sub-bass region allowing you to really hear the rumble, but without bloating the mid-bass area. The mid-bass has plenty of punch, but it is a tight and controlled response. For those who find the ER2SR to sound a little bass light, the XR should suit your needs, Etymotic have managed to add some presence and body down low without throwing off the balanced overall sound. They have added bass without taking away detail, or control. They are now just a little easier to listen to on a day to day basis, being a little more fun yet retaining that essential Etymotic character. Being a micro-dynamic driver, the bass has a little more texture than the drier sounding balanced armature based ER3 and ER4 series. I really recommend everyone to at least try these and see for themselves how awesome they are. Now I really need get ER4XR for myself.

While far from “wonky” or bad, the Starfield appear to be just somewhat less linear and refined in the treble tuning than the ER2XR. The bass is there (XR set) and pleasingly solid, although a bit light for my personal taste – my primary set is the Sony XBA N3 – but the tonality is excellent. I can put up with having to Eq a bit to get the best sound, but I can’t stand sets like the 1More Triple Driver that just sound “off” tonally and need major work to get sounding close to accurate. Note: When there is no obvious treble peak (T1p) around the 4-5kHz area, SPL at 4400Hz is used as T1p value. The treble on the Dunu sounds especially more forced in comparison, whereas the Etymotic comes across considerably more natural and relaxed, yet it offers an equal amount of detail retrieval. That to me is the very definition of a refined treble response. On tonality, to add a slight bump around the 4.5kHz treble area to improve perceived clarity, and to increase the overall upper treble response to improve perceived transparency and spaciousness.

However, I think a much better option for this kind of tuning in a similar price range are the Galaxy Buds+ from Samsung. Though wireless, these bad boys fit way better, have a similarly punchy, but clean bass and a typical IEM soundstage, rather than ER2's cramped one. The midrange is a toss-up, with Buds+ offering a less shouty experience, at the expense of thinner vocals. The only win for the ER2 is its treble response, which can be a little metalic on the Buds, but I do not think the treble outweighs how much better the Samsung product is at other parts of music. The dynamic driver versions are actually quite nice. They add a more natural tonality to them, with ever so subtle changes in how the ear phones sound in your ear, despite measurements of the ER2 and ER3 Studio Editions being quite similar. The ER2SE does have a slightly warmer sound than the respective ER3 and ER4 siblings, and this does help make the organic sound of the dynamic driver shine a bit. The slight bass boost also gives a little more energy all around, while still being a bit sterile in nature. The ER2XR would not serve me as some of my main in-ears for stationary music listening anyway (in-ears such as the Etymotic ER4SR, my ER-4SR, InEar ProPhile 8, Ultimate Ears Reference Monitors and few others take this spot), as I prefer a flatter, more neutral presentation for that. A nice recommendation, from a trusted source, and they are a great second pair for tonal accuracy and a pleasant easy listening sound. Potential long life with the replaceable cable and driver simplicity, just need to keep the ears super clean because the bore is so tiny.