Replace Etymotic filters, or try something else?

[MadMax96]

So I need some filters for my Etymotic ER6 headphones - and the only way to get them (apparently) is online and then pay like another 33% of the cost of them in shipping.  I noticed their headquarters is only 15 mins or so from my office in the Chicago burbs, but I can't find anywhere on their site that they allow you to pick up orders there.

Best Buy is listed as a local reseller, but I don't think they sell any parts/accessories.

The headphones work well for me and I'm happy with the sound, but the filter replacement is just annoying.  I tried to pop them out to attempt to clean them but wrecked them in the process.  So now the headphones work, but have almost no bass.

Just wondering if there is any worthwhile replacements out there for hopefully a little less $$ and fit similar.  I really like how low profile these things are.  Or should I just cough up the coin for the dumb filters and be done?

[MK96xj]

I get my replacements through Amazon. I usually order them when I am getting something else as shipping is usually free over $25.

[kay-jay]

I recently got 6 pairs of replacement filters for around $17 (shipped) from Earplug Superstore. I thought that was a pretty good deal.

[MadMax96]

I get my replacements through Amazon. I usually order them when I am getting something else as shipping is usually free over $25.

Link?  Amazon doesn't seem to have Etymotic filters at all currently.  I just placed an Amazon order on Sunday and couldn't find the bastages!

kay-jay - thanks for the suggestion - I'll look there.  

[kay-jay]

My mistake ... I meant 6 filters ... 3 pair.

[HipGnosis]

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/eteaac.html

[swimmer]

It's kind of a pain to pay/deal with filter replacement but I am so impressed with the durability of these head phones.  I only use mine when riding when I am going to on a trip somewhere which hasn't happened in a while but I run with these on and use them at the gym.  Mine have been so full of sweat so many times and inadvertently yanked out of my ears by the chord so many times and nothing has been damaged.  I left these in some shorts and they ended up going through my washing machine.  No problem.

I bought the filter and tool straight from the etymotic.  They arrived fast.

[RBEmerson]

I found mine or eBay for so little I can't even recall the price.  I did spare three-flange tips at the same time.  The parts were in Ety bags and looked to be 100%.  And work that way, too.  

[Cablebandit]

I got tired of the filters getting clogged so I just use them without the filter.  It works great.  No more losing sound for no apparent reason.

[MK96xj]

Link?  Amazon doesn't seem to have Etymotic filters at all currently.  I just placed an Amazon order on Sunday and couldn't find the bastages!

kay-jay - thanks for the suggestion - I'll look there.  

Here you go:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=B0015WNZD6

[MadMax96]

Here you go:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=B0015WNZD6

Those are for foam eartips, not filters.  

[MadMax96]

It's kind of a pain to pay/deal with filter replacement but I am so impressed with the durability of these head phones.  I only use mine when riding when I am going to on a trip somewhere which hasn't happened in a while but I run with these on and use them at the gym.  Mine have been so full of sweat so many times and inadvertently yanked out of my ears by the chord so many times and nothing has been damaged.  I left these in some shorts and they ended up going through my washing machine.  No problem.

I bought the filter and tool straight from the etymotic.  They arrived fast.

I, too, have been happy with these.  I want to say I've had them for at least 3 years.  I'm always careful when removing them (not by the cord) and no loose connections, unlike previous Sonys.  They get a lot of use too - not just for roadtrips, which are far and few between lately.

cablebandit - I'm essentially running them now w/o filters.  The little screen portion is removed.  But I've noticed the bass is really lacking compared to with the filters.  For now, sound is better than no sound, but other than that - they sound like $15 headphones that just stay in my ear better.  

I found an email address on their site and just shot them a note asking if purchase and local pickup was possible.  Figure it couldn't hurt to ask.

[RBEmerson]

eBay lists four sources, using "Etymotic filter", for 6i filters.  

[MK96xj]

Those are for foam eartips, not filters.  

My bad.

Never had to replace mine after three years of daily use

[Croak]

Buy some of the new black Comply foam tips with the little "screen" over the earpiece.   Filter problems go away.

[MadMax96]

Got a reply back from Etymotic - they tell me if I call the order ahead they'd have it ready for me to pick up.  

So if you happen to live/work near Elk Grove Village, IL you can probably do the same.  

[cbsnbiker]

My earphones came with one replacement set of filters. I replaced them when the originals became gummed up. What an improvement.

The sound without the filters wasn't right.

Thanks for reminding me -- I need to order replacements.

[RBEmerson]

I've had filters plug up on occasion.  When it happens, it's hard to miss.  The volume takes a dive and quality is miserable.  OEM filters are on eBay at good prices.