Etymotic Research
Etymotic Research ER4XR
Best in-ear monitors for audiophiles seeking precise, high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Immerse yourself in pure audio with the Etymotic Research ER4XR In-Ear Monitors. Engineered for critical listening, these wired earphones deliver exceptional sound isolation and high-fidelity sound reproduction for audiophiles. The reliable wired connection ensures latency-free audio, making them ideal for portable setups where sound quality is paramount. Designed for discerning listeners, the ER4XR offers an uncompromised auditory experience, highlighting clarity and precision in every note. Enjoy an immersive listening journey with these professional-grade earphones.
$297.81
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
369
/ 6142
#369 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Connectivity Type
Wired
/ Wired
Who it's for
- Listeners prioritizing long-term durability and repairable hardware
- Audiophiles seeking studio-grade accuracy and balanced musical warmth
- Commuters needing total silence in loud, busy environments
Who should skip it
- Active users distracted by cable noise during movement
- Users sensitive to deep-insertion ear canal pressure
- Listeners preferring a wide, spacious, and airy soundstage
Performance breakdown
Sonic Accuracy
Reference-grade tuning delivers surgical precision across the entire frequency spectrum.
Passive Isolation
Deep-insertion design effectively silences the outside world without active electronics.
Build Durability
Industrial-grade housing and detachable cables built for years of professional use.
Fit Comfort
Deep-fit profile provides unmatched stability but requires time for ear adjustment.
Source Sensitivity
High-fidelity drivers reveal every nuance of your high-resolution audio files.
Transient Response
Lightning-fast driver speed captures complex musical attacks with absolute clarity.
Key Specs
Connectivity Type
Wired
Style
In-Ear Monitors
Model Number
B01GW786B4
Noise Cancellation
Passive Noise Isolation
Features
- Professional sound isolating design
- High-fidelity wired audio
- Designed for critical listening
- Extended Response highlights
- Immersive listening experience
- Secure and comfortable in-ear fit
- Durable construction
- Passive noise isolation
What customers say
The Etymotic ER4XR is celebrated for its outstanding audio quality and accurate sound. Users appreciate the clear, reference grade sound and excellent passive noise isolation, creating a personal listening sanctuary. Although the deep insertion fit may take some getting used to, the superior sonic performance is widely considered worth the unique design. This is viewed as a worthwhile investment, offering significant long term value for discerning listeners prioritizing accuracy above all else.
Know before you buy
The 'XR' stands for Extended Response. This model is tuned to provide a slightly boosted bass response compared to the standard ER4SR, offering a warmer, more engaging sound signature while maintaining the brand's signature clarity.
Because these are deep-insertion in-ear monitors, they provide excellent passive isolation that can block out more high-frequency ambient noise than many active noise-canceling headphones. However, they do not use electronics to cancel out low-frequency engine drones or hums.
Comfort is subjective due to the deep-insertion design required for the best sound quality. While they provide a very secure fit, some users may need time to adjust to the sensation of the eartips sitting deep in the ear canal.
The ER4XR has an impedance of 45 ohms, meaning they can be driven by most smartphones or laptops. However, using a high-quality portable DAC or amplifier can help you extract the full detail and dynamic range these monitors are capable of.
Yes, the ER4XR features user-replaceable cables with a reinforced, detachable connector. This design significantly extends the lifespan of the earphones, as you can easily swap out the cable if it wears out over time.
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