Er-6 Isolator Earphones
ER-6 Isolator Earphones
CW EVALUATION
Home theater on wheels
MOTORCYCLISTS WHO ENJOY LISTENing to music want two things from a set of earphones: Good sound and a reduction in ambient noise.
That’s what you can expect from the ER-6 Isolator Earphones from Etymotic Research. One of the 2,475,612 items in the Aerostich RiderWearHouse catalog, these in-ear audio speakers are said to provide “superior response accuracy” while reducing engine and wind noise by as much as 20 decibels.
Prior to sampling the ER-6s, we’d been using a set of $ 15 Koss earphones, which sounded okay when the volume was cranked up on our Sony Discman but let in too much background noise. Not so the Etymotics. Based on the firm’s $330 ER-4s, the ER-6s feature two-flange, soft-plastic eartips that form a tight seal inside your ear canal, which plays a key role in reducing ambient noise and enhancing bass response. Although we still found ourselves cranking up the volume, sound quality was superb.
DETAILS
Ups A Great sound A Reasonably comfortable A Effective as earplugs
Downs ▼ Not-so-great price ▼ Lapel clip needs more grip ▼ Waxy buildup
There are a few caveats. First, not all wearers found the soft-plastic eartips comfortable (which is why there’s an optional pair of foam ones). Second, it helps to pull down on the 5-foot cord while removing your helmet or you’ll rip the earphones out of your ears. Ouch!
And third, waxy buildup means the filters in each earphone will eventually need to be replaced; a spare set of filters and a special removal tool are included in the small nylon carrying case.
The CW staff has been using two sets of ER-6s for more than a year now, and has dug every minute of it. They may be expensive, but if you want to hear more than the wind in your hair, they’re worth every penny.
