Etymotic ER2XR Review

Etymotic ER2XR—entry-level, ostensibly bass-enhanced dynamic from the venerable O.G. I like the slim, cylindrical form factor of these; build seems durable but unexceptional for the $150 tab. Tips and fit are absolutely critical (triple flanges are optimal) and these will sound anemic and bassless without very deep insertion. I found these surprisingly challenging to drive with my mobile–they required 50+ on my LG as opposed to my usual 40–although amping did not noticeably change the signature. Microphonics from the thin cable are present, but isolation is outstanding; comfort depends on how well you acclimate to the hyper-deep plunge.

Soundwise, the ER2XR presents a neutral-to-slightly warm tonality with a thin note texture and a generally balanced or mildly mid-focused signature. Soundstage has impressive width, with a lot of space between instruments, and instrument placement and stereo imaging is very, very accurate. Complex orchestral passages are sorted out well. However (the “XR” designation notwithstanding), these lack midbass body, which gives them a slight incoherence; like the Vsonic GR07, low end is presented mostly as a sculpted subbass which has good speed and depth, but not much visceral thump. Mids are forward, detailed and very clear; male vocals are pushed to the front of the stage. Treble is highly extended and detailed, with a very transparent, revealing timbre—comparing the high end more traditional DDs like the IT01 is a VCR-to-DVD difference. The ER2XR lacks the energy and richness of comparably-priced hybrids, which may sound less accurate but also less clinical. 

The Etymotic ER2XR accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to present “reference” sound at an accessible price, and as highly resolving as you’ll hear in this class (its closest counterpart probably being the Tin T4). Ultimately, however, these are a pass for me—the recess in the midbass region and overall leanness makes these sound somewhat incomplete, like very good limited-frequency front speakers in need of a subwoofer (for the same price, the Hisenior B5 hits a similar target with a richer tonality).  That said, the Etymotic will have considerable appeal to a certain band of bass-averse listeners who don’t mind the fit.

Non-disclaimer: I bought these