Need replacement earbuds for Etymotic ER6i

[1KPerDay]

What's the neue hotness?

After many miles and many hours of quality sound reproduction, the right side ER6i has developed an annoying crackle/buzz above medium volume. I can still listen to audiobooks with a standard earplug in the right ear and the left ER6i in, but I'd obviously prefer bilateral aural stimulation.

the new ones from Etymotics look like they stick out further and I've read reports to that effect.

Anyone here gone from the ER6i's to something equally good or better that still fits well under a helmet?

Mucho grassy burrito in advance

[zenwhipper]

Howdy.   I have used these buds for many years and they fit my ears perfectly and I have no issues getting the helmet on or off with these. I like 'em. I did notice too, they do not make this model anymore. I realized that when I tried to buy another set for the same reasons you are having- crackling and static laden sound. Sometimes this can be fixed by replacing the mini filters (http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i-filter.aspx). Have you tried this yet? I will likely need to get a new bud setup soon as well. Looking at the Etymotic site- tough to tell what might be an equivalent model to the ER6i. I'm sure customer service could help. Anyway - looking forward to hearing any other replies.  

[Cablebandit]

You could attempt to fix yours.  The wires are the weak point.  Solder on a new set and you're good to go.

[1KPerDay]

I haven't tried replacing the filters... I have some. I'll feel pretty dumb if that fixes it.  

[RBEmerson]

[...]After many miles and many hours of quality sound reproduction, the right side ER6i has developed an annoying crackle/buzz above medium volume. I can still listen to audiobooks with a standard earplug in the right ear and the left ER6i in, but I'd obviously prefer bilateral aural stimulation.
[...]

Doesn't sound like filter woes to me.  Although the fix is cheap enough if you have a set of filters.  

Typically, clogged filters sound more like... not much sound.  Crackle/buzz is usually a poor connection or (horrors) a failing driver.  

I went with Ety MC5's but I can't say that they're a 100% replacement - the ER6i's just have the right mojo for sound and for sound-blocking.  

[1KPerDay]

I doubt it's the connection... sounds to me like something's broken. At lower volumes there's no issue.

[slayman]

I've not used the ER6i's but I don't think they're designed to be driven to 11 on the volume scale.  I bought these from a friend NIB cheap so they could be knock offs but they work well. http://beatsbydre.com/earphones/beats-tour/beats-beatstour,default,pd.html
They fit under my helmet fine but require a bit of extra care when putting the helmet on.

[Specter]

If you want to step up in sound and comfort, try some Logitech UE700 earbuds. Smaller than ER-6, better fitting tips, and dual drivers for each ear. 26 dB sound protection.  A bit more pricey, but worth it. I've worn them for 20 hours straight, two weeks in a row in comfort.

Disclaimer: I work there, but not in that division, so I buy mine

[1KPerDay]

Thanks, I'll check them out.

[1KPerDay]

I've not used the ER6i's but I don't think they're designed to be driven to 11 on the volume scale.  

I don't push mine anywhere near the top limits. I use the foam isolator tips that block a lot of noise so the volume is never high. I guess they just wore out. I sure liked them, though.

It's about 90% audiobooks and 10% music that I listen to.

[zenwhipper]

I've not used the ER6i's but I don't think they're designed to be driven to 11 on the volume scale.  I bought these from a friend NIB cheap so they could be knock offs but they work well. http://beatsbydre.com/earphones/beats-tour/beats-beatstour,default,pd.html
They fit under my helmet fine but require a bit of extra care when putting the helmet on.

11 on the volume scale?   Was that a veiled referenece to 1KPerDay's avatar pic? Hee hee.   Nobody got it? Ha!

[slayman]

11 on the volume scale?   Was that a veiled referenece to 1KPerDay's avatar pic? Hee hee.   Nobody got it? Ha!

Yes it was, in fact. Thanks for catching it. I was feeling a bit chagrined, thinking that 1K may have interpreted my comment as somehow pejorative.

[1KPerDay]

Not at all... sorry it's been a crazy week  

[HipGnosis]

I'm real happy with the Ety MC5's. They are just a tad longer than the er6i's, but work fine.
Tips from the ER6i's fit on them - so you can get the same fit and isolation.
I'm told the HF 5's are 'better'.

[1KPerDay]

Thanks.  


BTW it's definitely the guts/driver/whatever. I replaced the filter (which was hollow through) this morning with no change in the crackle/distortion.

[Cablebandit]

Thanks.  


BTW it's definitely the guts/driver/whatever. I replaced the filter (which was hollow through) this morning with no change in the crackle/distortion.

did you try new wires?  Mine were doing the same as yours until I replaced them.

[1KPerDay]

no... does it involve soldering or other smart-people crap? all I know about electricity is it calms me  

[Cablebandit]

Yup. Maybe you should just mail the broken things to me.  

[swimmer]

If you want to step up in sound and comfort, try some Logitech UE700 earbuds. Smaller than ER-6, better fitting tips, and dual drivers for each ear. 26 dB sound protection.  A bit more pricey, but worth it. I've worn them for 20 hours straight, two weeks in a row in comfort.

Disclaimer: I work there, but not in that division, so I buy mine

Etymotics are 35-42dB noise isolation.  
I bought the Hf5 to replace my Er6i.  They stick out too far for work for me with my helmet.

[1KPerDay]

Yup. Maybe you should just mail the broken things to me.  

how much would you charge to fix them for me... srsly

[1KPerDay]

right earbud finally died... need replacements that work well and fit under helmets.

plz halp!  

[CLAY]

When my Er6's die I will probably go with the skull candy buds.  They are really cheap (10 bucks?) and while the sound quality isn't *quite* as good, the price more than makes up for that.  They do a pretty good sounds of blocking out other sounds as well.

I have 2 sets of Skull Candy buds and one ER6, and I tend to rotate them now.  10 bucks- give them a try.  

[cyjo]

When my Er6's die I will probably go with the skull candy buds.  They are really cheap (10 bucks?) and while the sound quality isn't *quite* as good, the price more than makes up for that.  They do a pretty good sounds of blocking out other sounds as well.

I have 2 sets of Skull Candy buds and one ER6, and I tend to rotate them now.  10 bucks- give them a try.  

I have to agree. After my last er6's died after a couple years of use, I switched to skull candy. Not as good sound quality but not bad either and the driver housing is small. Although I recently got this bluetooth set ( I use my phone for music) and I have to say the sound is good and I don't miss the wires running down my jacket and battery life is excellent.

http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phone-accessories/lg-HBS700-tone

[GRN]

Etymotic replaced a set of ER6i's w/ Hf5's under warranty... great sound but not such a great fit inside the bucket. Sux.

[DrD]

I'm real happy with the Ety MC5's. They are just a tad longer than the er6i's, but work fine.
Tips from the ER6i's fit on them - so you can get the same fit and isolation.
I'm told the HF 5's are 'better'.

+1

This morning was my first ride with the mc5.  Nice!  I used the foam tip and they sealed well; more outside sound compared to the orange foam earplugs, but OK.  Great sound and no problem getting a tight fitting helmet on/off.  They work.