Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Cobalt)
by Etymotic Research
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Etymotic ResearchFormat: CD-ROM
Platform: Windows
Model: HF5-Cobalt
Color: Cobalt Blue
Product features:
- Super-high accuracy provides a near-perfect listening experience
- 3-flanged earpiece provides up to 35dB of isolation
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 16kHz
- Impedance: 16 Ohms (nominal)
- 4-foot cable
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 16kHz and Impedance: 16 Ohms (nominal)
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Cobalt)
Customer Review: Very Excellent - Worth the Money
Summary: 5 Stars
After spending several months researching headphones, I finally settled on the Etymotic HF5 Earphones. I already owned a pair of Sennheiser 595's, which are some of the best headphones money can buy (in that price range, anyway :), but those headphones utilize an open design, which does provide a wonderful room-like listening experiences and superior sound quality, but also allow a tremendous amount of outside noise to bleed through (which can be good and bad), likewise, bleed a substantial amount of noise to anyone close by; also, while they are extremely comfortable, they are big and bulky--not easily portable, or suitable for many day-to-day activities. As such, I was interested in finding the best quality in-ear headphones that would be comfortable, provide excellent sound reproduction, and also sound isolation through noise reduction--a tall order. I'm happy to say that the Etymotic HF5's have met my needs.
They are not perfect, and, for instance, I would say that the overall sound quality and comfort (in a quiet environment) is still better with my Sennheiser 595's, but they are definitely the best in-ear headphones I have tried, by a landslide. Some care is required for proper insertion into your ears. They have a helpful video on their website showing how to properly insert the various included tips into your ears to ensure a proper seal--which, if you don't have a proper seal, you will be disappointed because the noise isolation will be severely diminished and the bass response drops considerably. Fortunately, after a little bit of practice (learning to pull my upper ear back at the right angle, rather than out away from my head, for instance) I was able to get the default flanged tips to fit fairly comfortably and also provide an exceptional amount of noise isolation. Again, it did take a little practice to insert the tips properly and make a good seal, but, once I had that figured out, I was extremely happy with the quality. Obviously everyone's ears will be different, but I would wager that with a combination of practice putting the tips in, and also making sure to use the best tips for your ears (they provide several options included with the headphones) anyone should be able to wear the headphones reasonably comfortably, and enjoy both a good bass response as well as superior outside noise reduction.
I have experimented with listening to several genres of music, from Jazz, to Rock, to Metal, Classical, and even that stuff Enya does :), and the headphones have performed excellently (for those who care, I've only used a 4th Gen. iPod Touch and my laptop computer so far, but both provide an adequate driver, in my opinion). Highs are crisp and clear, and the midtones and bass are well represented; I would prefer a little more articulation in the bass, but at the same time, I don't find that it detracts too much from the listening experience.
I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for in-ear headphones in this price range. They offer exceptional (though not perfect) sound quality, reasonable comfort, and incredible noise reduction.
I should also note that the cord-noise that is almost inescapable on in-ear headphones is actually not so bad on these; yes, you do hear it occasionally, but by adjusting the cinch on the cord and using the attached clip, the noise is virtually eliminated--even during the times when I do hear it, I don't find it as distracting as it is on most other in-ear headphones.
For what it's worth, I consider myself an audiophile. I've done sound reinforcement for about 6 years and I also play the piano, drums, and guitar, so my opinion is at least educated and based on substantial experience.
Description of Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Cobalt)
Etymotic's 5th Generation of high-fidelity in-ear earphones has finally arrived. The hf5 delivers a near-perfect music experience, even in high surrounding noise conditions. Like Etymotic's earlier generations of in-ear earphones, the hf5 is built on superior noise isolation, so you experience total sound immersion when listening to your music. The hf5 is compatible with all iPod models and music players that accept a 3.5 mm plug. Included in the package: In-ear earphones; assorted eartips for your comfort; filter changing tool with filters; carrying pouch.Digital Cameras and Photo Categories
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