Etymotic Research ER4SR
Precision-matched balanced armature drivers within 1dB channel tolerance and 35-42 dB passive noise isolation deliver a studio-reference frequency response for analytical listening. The anodized aluminum body and detachable braided MMCX cable provide durable build quality, backed by an included signed compliance graph from the US-based tuning engineer. This wired in-ear monitor is best for audio engineers and purist listeners who prioritize absolute accuracy over enhanced bass or wireless convenience.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Etymotic ER4SR is a wired reference monitor with stunning accuracy and noise isolation, but it's a one-trick pony. It scores terribly for calls and connectivity, so it's strictly for critical listening. If you find it at the low end of its price range, it's a niche gem.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredibly accurate, flat sound signature for critical listening. 74th
- Industry-best channel matching within 1dB. 73rd
- Excellent passive noise isolation up to 42dB.
- Detachable braided cables add some durability.
Cons
- Deep insertion fit is not for everyone and can get uncomfortable.
- No mic or inline controls make it useless for calls.
- Wired-only design feels ancient in a wireless world.
- Build quality scores are surprisingly mediocre for the price.
What owners think
The Word on the Street
The proof
Performance
The sound here is all about reference-grade flatness. These balanced armature drivers are matched within 1dB, and you can hear that precision in the imaging and detail retrieval. It's a clinical listen, which is great for engineers but can feel a little dry if you're used to a fun V-shaped tuning. The passive noise isolation is stellar, blocking 35-42dB, which beats a lot of active noise cancelling buds. But the wired connectivity and lack of a mic tank the scores in our database, landing it in the 13th and 14th percentiles respectively. This is a specialist tool, not an all-rounder.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.2 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | balanced armature |
| Freq Min | 20 |
| Freq Max | 16000 |
| Impedance | 45 |
| Sensitivity | 98 |
| Codecs | Etymotic ER4SR Studio Reference Earphone,Black |
vs Competition
Stacked against modern wireless champs like the Sony WF-1000XM6 or the Technics EAH-AZ100, the ER4SR looks like a fossil. Those buds offer ANC, transparency modes, mics, and solid sound in a convenient package. The ER4SR destroys them in raw, uncolored detail and isolation, but it can't make a phone call or survive a workout. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and AirPods Pro 3 are in a different universe for daily usability. This is a single-purpose instrument for your ears.
| Spec | Etymotic Research ER4SR | Technics EAH-AZ100 EAH-AZ100-K | Sony WF-1000XM6 | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0010 | Apple AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | balanced armature | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 28 | 24 | 26 | 18 | 24 |
| Water Resistance | - | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etymotic Research ER4SR | 31.8 | 14.2 | 35 | 56.5 | 48.7 | 73.8 | 13.4 | 73.1 |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 EAH-AZ100-K Compare | 97.4 | 97.5 | 81.4 | 99.1 | 82 | 73.8 | 99.2 | 81.4 |
| Sony WF-1000XM6 Compare | 97.4 | 99.8 | 81.4 | 89.2 | 79.2 | 73.8 | 99.2 | 81.4 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Compare | 97.4 | 97.5 | 98.9 | 93.5 | 76.9 | 94.7 | 99.7 | 90.3 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0010 Compare | 97.4 | 91.9 | 81.4 | 97 | 48.7 | 94.7 | 98.1 | 90.3 |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 Compare | 97.4 | 83.9 | 98.9 | 91.5 | 79.2 | 94.7 | 99.7 | 99.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing is all over the map, with a wild spread from $224 to $4888 across vendors. At the low end, if you can snag these for around $224, you're getting a legitimate reference monitor for a steal. At the high end, you're getting ripped off. The Amazon deal is the one to watch. Just know you're paying purely for sound accuracy and nothing else.
Amazon.co.uk 1 offer From £250
Price History
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Overview
The Etymotic ER4SR is a wired in-ear monitor built for one thing: accuracy. It's the spiritual successor to the legendary ER4S, and Etymotic hasn't messed with the formula much. You still get that deep-insertion design, industry-leading channel matching, and a sound signature that refuses to sugarcoat anything.
Common Questions
Q: Do these need a headphone amplifier?
At 45 ohms, they aren't the hardest to drive, but they scale beautifully with a clean amp. A basic phone dongle will get them loud enough, but a dedicated DAC/amp tightens up the low end noticeably.
Q: Can I use these for making phone calls?
No, there's no microphone or inline remote on the stock cable. You'd need to buy a separate aftermarket cable with a mic, and even then, our call quality score is a dismal 13.5 out of 100.
Q: How is the noise isolation compared to ANC earbuds?
The passive isolation of 35-42dB is phenomenal and actually beats many active noise cancelling earbuds for blocking out constant noise like airplane engines, without any of the pressure or battery drain.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you need a headset for calls or gaming. The mic score is one of the worst we've seen, and there's no inline mic at all. Also, if you can't stand the feeling of earplugs deep in your ear canal, look elsewhere because the fit is aggressively invasive.
Verdict
Buy the ER4SR if you mix audio, master tracks, or just crave the most honest sound possible and don't care about modern features. It's a scalpel, not a Swiss Army knife. For everyone else, the lack of a mic, wireless connectivity, and that invasive fit will be dealbreakers.
