ER3XR Earphones

$199.99

Quick Overview

ER3XR (eXtended Response) is Etymotic’s high-sensitivity in-ear monitor, ideal for portable use.

The high sensitivity and low impedance of the ER3XR means it can be driven by any portable audio player, or directly from your phone or laptop.

The ER3XR offers professional grade sound reproduction with modest bass emphasis at an affordable price.

Description

ER3XR is the highest-sensitivity single driver in-ear monitor. The IEM shells are made of anodized aluminum, CNC machined with extremely tight tolerances. Using a single Balanced Armature (BA) driver allows for extremely accurate IEM without the added complexity of crossovers, and helps keep the aluminum body small and slim. Included is a user-replaceable cable.

Etymotic IEMs are world renowned for their class-leading passive isolation, providing 35-42 dB attenuation (depending on eartips used and the depth of insertion). For comparison, most custom IEMs provide approx. 25-28dB attenuation and foam ear plugs attenuate up to 32 dB.

The ER3XR is ideal for audiophiles and consumers on a budget, who are looking for in-ear monitors that are easy to drive, while offering accurate audio reproduction with more bass than the neutral ER3SE.

Which ER3 is right for you?

Both ER3 models, the ER3SE and ER3XR, use the same high-sensitivity low-impedance Balanced Armature (BA) drivers. That means no amplifier is required to drive the ER3 IEMs properly. The only difference between the 2 models is the tuning of the lower (bass) frequencies. The “Studio Edition” ER3SE is tuned to have a flat frequency response. The “eXtended Response” ER3XR is tuned to be high energy with emphasized bass, adding 1-2dB to the mid-bass and 3-4dB to the sub-bass. The rest of the frequencies are practically identical to the ER3SE.

ER3SE is a great choice for audio creators and musicians on a budget, who require a precise and neutral sound reproduction. ER3SE is also the IEM of choice for prosumers who prefer to listen to their music exactly the way it was recorded.

ER3XR is favored by those who enjoy the extra bass presence and body when listening to their music. The extra bass is done tastefully without turning the ER3XR to a bass heavy IEM.

Frequency response graphs and Etymotic’s target:

Etymotic’s target frequency response graph represents a “perceptibly flat” frequency response. Our goal is to have a flat frequency response curve when the music notes hit your eardrums. To achieve that, we need to account for the resonance inside the average ear canal, since IEMs bypass the outer ear structure. The result is the need for higher SPL in the 2-5k region (lower treble) for compensating said resonance. That is the reason for the “hump” in that region.

Accurate Earphone Reproduction

When tuning in-ear monitors to accurately reproduce a recording of a live performance, our goal is for the sound hitting the eardrums to be identical to that at the original performance. To achieve this, the acoustic properties of the ear must be factored in. The acoustic resonance and horn effects of the ear change a flat audio signal entering the open ear into sound with a (2700 Hz) high-frequency boost, which is the same response heard at the eardrum in a typical ear. That is the reason for the “hump” in the frequency response graph, which assures the eardrums perceive a perfectly flat frequency response for all frequencies.

Additional information

Model

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What's In the Box?

  • In Ear Monitors
  • Detachable 4 ft. cable with 3.5mm gold plated stereo plug
  • Assortment of eartips: 4 Dual Flange Silicone Pairs: S, M, L, XL. 2 Triple Flange Pairs: Standard and Large. and 2 Foam Pairs: Standard
  •  Filter removal tool and replacement filters to protect the BA drivers from ear wax
  • Shirt clip
  • Zippered storage case

Technical Specs

  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
  • Transducers: Single high-performance balanced armature per channel. Accurately matched at 1 KHz.
  • Noise Isolation: 35dB using silicone ear tips, 42dB using foam ear tips
  • Impedance: 22 Ohms @ 1kHz
  • Sensitivity: 102 dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
  • Maximum Output (SPL): 120 dB
  • Cable: Detachable 4 ft cable with MMCX connectors
  • User Replaceable ACCU-Filters: Yes
  • Warranty: 2 Years
  • Custom-Fit Option: Yes

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews
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(17)
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J
John Kim
Saying "I like these earphones.." is a vast understatement

I own many Etymotic IEM models. ER4PT, ER2SE, ER2XR, ER4XR, and this one, ER3XR. They all have similar sound characteristics but each has it's unique personality that can only be heard through repetition. ER3XR is no exception. Though initially, they sound very much alike it's big brother the ER4XR. Lively, accurate, and slight rumble if you push the low end through EQ or the device you're using to drive it. Make no mistake, that signature Balanced Armature can be discerned and it will be very difficult to let go once you get used to the clarity, dynamics, and accuracy. Although I can't really tell the difference between the ER3XR and ER4XR, the only discernible characteristic is the accuracy and balance. Other than that, it's a true and true ER4XR but cost less for those who wants to test drive the ER4 series without diving in right away.

D
Dan Stromberg
These are great

I find these indispensable for my work as a software developer - they're the only thing I've found that keeps me from being too distracted to concentrate in a room full of other people.

The fact that they have good sound is just icing to me.

D
Darron West
The best inear's available

I've been an avid Etymotic user for decades now, having gotten my ER-4's shortly after they were released back in the day. I'm a sound designer and use them for a variety of uses in my work but, they can be un-wieldy as travel headphones here in NYC (due to cable length) Since the HF series with the mic went the way of the dodo I turned to the XR3's which sound amazing with the perfect length cable for portable use. Couldn't love them more. Coupled with the comply ear tips they're just perfect.

G
Gregory Laborde
Fit is paramount for base and clarity

I have had my Etymotic XR4s since 2018, got them to replace ER4s I had had for at least 10 years before that. Back then the XR4s were lower impedance, not necessarily “Bass Boost.” An adapter cable was available to increase the input impedance to bring the XR4s up to the flat response of the ER4s.

Correct fit has always been critically important to getting good sound out of these earphones. I was very dissatisfied with the poor bass, tinny highs, and lack of clarity when I got the XR4s (the ER4s always being excellent). I finally settled on the Comply ear tips for XR4s as giving the outstanding audio performance I expected, at the expense of some isolation (not enough to bother me).

I do the trick of pulling my crusus up and back when inserting the ear tip. I push it in firmly. It takes some getting used to, having something that deep in my ear canal (and getting over the fear of “will I be able to get this thing out or will it be left in there*). If it hurts, something is wrong. You may have to build up tolerance. Start with a rock single. Work up to a symphony. Recently I discovered that my left ear takes a size smaller ear tip than my right. Sounds even better now. Trial and error, patience and perseverance. Eventually it becomes habit.

*- in the EXTREMELY RARE event an ear tip (of any kind) remains behind in your ear canal, a steady-handed son with a pair of needlenose pliers (the dullish kind, not the super thin sharp kind) will make short work of it.

V
Vincent Feng
Great Noise Cancellation and perfect for studying

I do a lot of work in loud places; cafes, library etc. and these are great for blocking out most of the noise.
Nothings perfect but this is pretty close for me. When I get tired of my bose overhead earphones, these are the next best option

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