Etymotic Research HF2 Earphones / Headset (iPhone Compatible) - Black

The best multi-use headphones 2010-07-20

Reviewer: IOKEPA

Was looking for a headset w/ mic for my smartphone, but also wanted some type of noise-cancellation technology built in. Didn't really find what I was looking for but a friend suggest this. Originally this was not in my price range but I am so glad I made the investment. By far, this is the best pair of headphones I have ever owned. Works great with my phone, laptop, mp3 player, and with any other device with a 3.5mm jack for that matter. I was very impressed with the noise isolation that was claimed, almost on par with a pair of active noise canceling headphones that I had lost prior. These headphones are also very comfortable, and not bulky whatsoever. Sound quality was great, and in fact, the person on the other end of my phone calls would remark how clear I sounded. You do get what you pay for.

Etymotic Reserch HF2 Headset 2010-07-09

Reviewer: Retired Deal Searcher

Overall good headphones. They aren't as good with keeping out outside noise as I hoped, but they do a respectable job.

Best sub $200 headphone/mic, as of July 2010 2010-06-28

Reviewer: Mark Taylor

I have owned the following headphones:

Ultimate Ears SuperFi 5vi Noise Isolating Earphones w/ Microphone
--> 2 pair have worn out after less than 1 year of use. I am finally getting a refund from Ultimate Ears.
--> The noise isolation is minimal, and they don't stay in while running
--> The mic is down the cord and people have complained about the rubbing shirt noise

Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphone
--> These used to be my favorite, I destroyed one pair by mistake, and lost another pair.
--> The noise isolation is fantastic, and they stay put while running
--> The mic is an extra $40 - $50 accessory and it also suffers from the rubbing shirt noise (torture for the person on the other end of the call)

Now for the Etymotics
--> There is cord noise, but that is because the noise isolation is fantastic (don't try to eat potato chips while listening to a podcast ;-)).
--> To reduce cord noise while running, simply use the attached clip to secure the cable to the top of your shirt collar. If you route the cable inside your shirt there will be even less noise.
--> The sound reduction is much much better than the Shures.
--> The standout feature is the mic. It is on the cord just below the right ear headphone. It is so easy to answer a call when running, and no shirt noise! With the Shure's and the UE's the mic is on your chest and the answer button is harder to find.

In terms of build quality. The Shure's start to fall apart after about 6 months, just the housing around the headphone. The Ultimate Ears just start to cut out, the connection starts to fail. The Etymotics do not have either of these problems, they sound great, are the best in sound reduction, and the best mic.

HF5s changed my life 2010-06-24

Reviewer: A. Agurok

I was a little skeptical when purchasing high-fidelity earphones because nothing could compare to my over ear headphones (Sony mdr-d333), or so I thought. After putting on the earphones (properly) for the first time I can only compare the sound to the first sip of your favorite beer. The notes (both high and low) are smooth. The sound is dynamic and rich like the perfect balance of malt and hops. There is no artificial bass added to these phones so the sound you hear is what the artist intended. If this is your first pair of expensive earphones I would suggest paying attention to the bite rate (60, 90,120,168,190 ext.) of your songs you will hear a difference with the songs playing back at a higher rate. The sound isolation is INCREDIABLE, like that first sip, when the flavor of the beer makes you forget that you are destined for another night of drinking alone at the bar, the sound isolation will make you forget that you are using no.2 pencils as drum sticks on your office desk. The best part of the hf5 ear phone is the available custom sleeves for only $100(USD). Custom Sleeves means that a mold will be taken of your ear and a custom earpiece will be made that will connect to your hf5s. Custom sleeves provide the most comfortable experience when wearing the earphones for an extended period of time. Here are some of the pros and cons I have found while using these earphones:

Pros:
1. Incredible sound
2. Sound isolation
3. Custom molds are available
4. Size: extremely small and light.
5. 2 year warranty


Cons:
1. Cord is just long enough
2. Time spent getting a proper seal between the ear canal and earphones
3. Not all users may find the earphones comfortable for extended periods of time.
(Both 2 and 3 are fixable by custom molds)
4.



A reviewer rated this item poorly due to claim that noise is transferred from movement through the wire to the headphone. This is true only if the clip and the cord adjuster are not used properly.

Good pair of in ear headphones 2010-06-12

Reviewer: Kent

I find that I have to change the foam every few weeks in order to maintain fit and achieve maximum quality. The sound quality is amazing, except for the lows. As others have mentioned, the bass is lacking in this pair. I originally had a pair of Shure e3c which I found to be overall better than these. Even the Shure case was better. I wanted to try these out because of all the raving reviews. While they are very good earphones, the Shure's may be better.