Etymotic MicroPro ER4P Portable Earphone

Earphones, which are also called in-ear monitors (IEMs), are significantly different than earbuds and headphones. Earphones must be put deep into your ear canal so there is a total seal from the outside world. This also makes them the best noise-reduction listening devices (much more effective than "noise cancelling" headphones, for instance), but they totally preclude conversation or other activities that require you to hear what's going on around you, such as driving a car. When properly inserted, some people experience unpleasant stuffiness or even pain, but most people do just fine with them. Once sealed correctly, earphones allow you to listen to your music at lower volume levels (which is much better for your long-term hearing) and with tremendous detail and rich, full bass. The Etymotics are definitely a "best buy," and nothing else comes close at this price point. These earphones are an order of magnitude better than the earbuds that come with portable players, but they are just as light and transportable. If you haven't tried them, you have no idea how good your iPod or portable CD player can sound! So why did I give these small wonders only 4 stars for sound quality? Because there are even better earphones available from such companies as Shure and Ultimate Ears that cost anywhere from $350 to more than $1100 a pair. The Etymotic ER4Ps are the perfect starting point for someone looking for IEMs that are vastly superior to earbuds. The sound is excellent, you'll learn soon enough if earphones are for you, and because they are so popular, you can resell them for a reasonable price if they don't work out. In fact, they're so good that you may never be tempted to spend more. If you'd like to know more about ear buds, earphones, headphones, headphone cables and headphone amplifiers, I recommend visiting head-fi.org. Happy listening!
 
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This is my 2nd pair - the sound is amazing. I prefer to pring this pair when I travel instead of my Bose headphones. I highly recommend it for your iPod.
 
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Once you hear these - the concept of sound you hear via a headphone changes. I have the Etymotic 6i (those are nice), and had lost these 4p's on a plane flight a while ago. Saving up to get these again because they are that incredible. Clarity and spatial separation is superb. With the convertor to make them a 4s, I was using them for mastering a CD project I had been working on. Definitely you will hear the difference.
 
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I just got these because Buy.com had such a cheap price for them. Cheap is a relative term, but for these head speakers (it would be unfair to call them headphones), it is a bargain. The sound is so crisp and clean, I just love them. I never thought I would want an ipod until I now. They are comfortable, light, and I end up forgetting I have them on.
 
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Computers > Accessories > Headphones