Etymotic ER2SE
Etymotic ER2SE
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MUSIC: Very Good—8.8/10
CALLS: Poor—4.9/10
GAMING: Fair—6.2/10
TV: Good—7.8/10
PODCASTS & AUDIOBOOKS: Good—7.6/10
EXERCISE: Poor—4.2/10
AIR TRAVEL: Fair—6.8/10
NOISE REDUCTION: Excellent—9.1/10
BUILD QUALITY: Excellent—9.0/10
The Etymotic ER2SE earbuds are a wired, closed-back option and are recognized for their excellent overall sound quality, being among the best for music listening. However, they lack built-in controls and score poorly for calls and meetings due to their microphone quality. They're constructed well with a detachable cable and despite not having active noise cancelling, they provide top-tier noise isolation. They are not particularly comfortable for all users and are not suitable for exercise, but if you prioritize superior audio fidelity in a lower midrange price and can handle a fair comfort level, these could be a solid choice. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Evaluation
Pros
- Excellent overall sound quality
- Very good build quality
- Best noise isolation quality
- Detachable cable
Cons
- Comfort rated as fair
- Mic quality rated poor
- Poor built-in controls
- Not suitable for exercise
Ratings by Category
Music:4.7
The Etymotic ER2SE earbuds provide a very good overall sound quality with a closed enclosure type, which helps in isolating sound and creating a more intimate listening experience. They also have good soundstage/imaging that allows music to be heard with a sense of where different instruments are positioned, enhancing the realism of the audio despite not having virtual surround capabilities.
TV & Video:4.3
The Etymotic ER2SE earbuds are appreciated for watching TV and videos due to their wired connection, which typically provides low latency, ensuring that audio and visual content are well-synchronized. Additionally, they deliver very good sound quality, which can enhance the clarity and detail of dialogue and sound effects, making the viewing experience more immersive.
Podcasts & Audiobooks:4.2
This score evaluates the product when used solely to listen to podcasts or audiobooks. It takes into account sound quality and sound signature, to be able to keep voices clear and intelligible. It also considers battery life, when available, and comfort.
Air Travel:3.9
This score evaluates the product for use on airplanes and other similar kinds of travel. It takes into account noise reduction and portability, including case shape, case size, and weight. It also incorporates the battery life of the product, long-haul comfort, noise reduction (both active and passive), and sound quality. We generally consider wireless products to be more suitable for air travel.
Gaming:3.3
The Etymotic ER2SE earbuds are wired, which helps reduce latency for gaming, but their score for soundstage and imaging is only fair, meaning that they may not provide the most precise or expansive spatial audio cues gamers look for. Additionally, the microphone quality is poor, which could be a drawback for gamers who rely on clear communication with teammates.
Full Specs
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Price | $100 | ||
Brand | Etymotic | ||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | ||
Form Factor | Earbuds | ||
Connectivity | Wired | ||
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score  | 8.9/10 | ||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | ||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | ||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | ||
Exercise Score | 4.2/10 | ||
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | No | ||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | ||
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | 9/10 | ||
Comfort score | 6/10 | ||
Size | Small | ||
Weight of single earbud | 4 Grams | ||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | ||
Shopping
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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