Etymotic ER-4P

The earphone and audiology gurus over at Etymotic Research have performed some loving sonic voodoo to resurrect the ER-4P, a low-impedance, highly-efficient version of the ER-4S model. Ostensibly similar to the ER-4S model, the ER-4P have attracted some serious interest in the ear canal headphone [ECH] world because of Ety's recent enhancement of the bass response and because of the ER-4P's ability to achieve extremely clean musical dynamics and robust volume levels out of portable players (and other weak-amped audio sources) without the use of any dedicated headphone amplifier. Their acceptably punchy bass response combined with truly excellent treble range extension has proven to be a pleasantly engaging listening experience for many oft-traveling audiophiles who seek neutral transparency in the upper highs. Huge bassheads should probably look elsewhere, however, since the ER-4P bottom-end is tightly extended but perhaps a tad lean for extra-funk types ... So, what does all this mean? If you want to use reference high-performance earphones directly out of portable audio sources like iPods, Mp3 players, and PC/laptop computers sans amplifier without breaking the bank, this could be what you're after!

This low-impedance, single-microdriver earphone is the perfect portable audio player buddy and rates at a highly efficent 27 ohms impedance. The ER-4P's earphone cabling is made out of a softer rubber material than the ER-4S type which very slightly reduces the problematic microphonic cable noise effect (the 'cord just hit me' thump that echoes through your skull) which tends to be a common phenomenon with many in-ear earphones. As far as other features go, the ER-4P look like, are the same size, weigh the same, have the same earpieces/accessories, and come in basically the same package as the venerable ER-4S model. Although not necessary to drive the ER-4P to cleanly dynamic audio performance, the additional clarity, sonic punch, and musical detail resolution provided by a portable head-amp, as well as the soundstage cohesion and openness delivered by our HeadRoom amps' superb crossfeed processor, will further improve upon the sound of these excellent earphones.

Obtaining a good ear canal seal/fit with the Etymotics -- or with ANY in-ear earphone -- is critically important for best sound quality. Please watch the Etymotic Insertion Video to learn more about proper in-ear insertion techniques.