Etymotic ER-4P MicroPro earphones – POOR BASS?

[bazac]

Etymotic ER-4P MicroPro earphones – POOR BASS?

I want to buy some headphones and I think Etymotic ER-4P MicroPro are a good choice.

I read a lot of good comments about them, but some say that there are few weaknesses:

1. Poor bass
2. Needs a headphones amplifier
3. Microphonic noise

PS. The company says here:

http://www.etymotic.com/pdf/er4-userguide.pdf

"ER-4P (Portable) earphones have enhanced bass and higher sensitivity.

ER-4Ps can be used with portable CD, MP3, DVD and other players without requiring an additional amplifier.

The ER-4P has 10 dB greater sensitivity at high frequencies and 13 dB more at low frequencies than the ER-4S.

The higher sensitivity and enhanced bass of the ER-4P have made it the most popular earphone for most uses."

What do you think?

Should I buy it?

Or should I buy:

1. Shure E3c
2. Etymotic Research ER-6i
3. super.fi 5Pro

Thnx.

[ECA]

your best bet, is to take the device you wish to use, or a portable one, that YOU KNOW, and test the headphones...
Every device is different,
Every headphone is different..

[neuroking]

I have the Etymotic Er-6is, and I reviewed the Shure E2C, E3C and E3G. If you are concerned about price, I would go with the ER-6i. You can find em for $110. Anything lower and I would get the E2C, more money, get the E3G (not the C - poor bass again)

As far as the ER-4P vs S debate, extreme audiophiles will tell you to get the 4S with the custom cord mod. I have heard mixed thigns about the 4P. EIther way, both these are the oldest canalphones you can find still on the market. Without an amp, you won't see any huge differences between the above cans and the 4P or 4S. Hope that helps.