Etymotic Studio Reference Precision Matched In-Ear Earphones

Don't be afraid of picking in between 4SR because it's "Studio Reference". These have great bass and is definitely there on all songs. It's a very clean quick punch bass that has is well defined (unlike the lower end IEMs in which all bass sound the same, the bass here has octaves). Instrument separation is a given as the detailing is phenomenal. Better than even thousand dollar IEMs like Shure SE846 in terms of sound quality. This is Etymotic's flagship model. The ER4 SR. The most accurate diffused neutral tuned IEM (outside electrostatics). Prepare to hear music like water. Clean and detailed. The "ear drilling" might take some people some time to get used to (for me, it was fine right away but I recall when I was younger, the "ear drilling" on the ER4P was definitely too uncomfortable for my taste). It's obvious the pros are as follows: 1. Sound quality. Sound quality. Sound quality. If you want to step up from here, you will have to spend thousands+ on IEMs and even then it's debatable. This is probably the best sound quality you can get out of an IEM under a $1000 in today's market. I hear good things about U12t, Andromeda, etc. but those are so far up the price point that it shows how great this IEM is sound quality wise. 2. Noise isolating. Cause it drills to your ears. 3. You will hear all the details in the piece because it is balanced in a diffused field manner (all frequencies should be able to be heard). The cons though to be aware of: 1. Cable is too long (1 ft longer than others). And the braided part (top) has quite a lot of microphonics which can be pain in the neck if you wear winter jackets. You will need to use the clipper that comes with the IEM in between your jackets when wearing winter jackets or otherwise, your earphone on your ears will feel heavy. 2. If you find drilling to your ears uncomfortable, well.. you should look elsewhere cause comfort matters. 3. If you have a girlfriend or a significant other, it's probably better going for another IEM as this IEM is really hard to share with others. No one wants to touch products that were already drilled into someone else's nasty ears and it's just difficult in general to share 1 plug to another with this type of drilling. 4. Sound stage and imaging can be 2-dimensional. This is what really separates the $thousands+ IEM from here. Not detailing. More of imaging and sound stage. This IEM has a soundstage of in between your two ears (aka head). Don't expect more. 5. If you want the best bass quality, opt for bassy IEM like Shure SE846. The "rumbles" don't exist with this IEM. Other than that, I wholeheartedly recommend Etymotic ER4SR at any price range under $1,000. And if you can't afford it, Etymotic ER2SE.