hf2 Headset + Earphones
Company: Etymotic Research
Price: $179
http://www.etymotic.com
super.fi 4 vi Personal Earphones
Company: Ultimate Ears
Price: $150
http://www.ultimateears.com
These are the best in-ear headphones under $250, and the best iPhone-compatible microphone+headphones for any price. There are reasons why some people will prefer the Etymotic Research model to its competitor from Ultimate Ears. Aside from the $29 price gap, there isn’t a huge listener experience difference between them.
COMPARISONS:
• super.fi 4 vi’s CARRYING CASE is very small and rigid, compared to the spacious, soft hf2 storage pouch
• hf2 ships with a very limited set of EAR TIPS, but the entire lineup of Etymotic Research tips are available to be ordered; tips from some other manufacturers also work fine (Etymotic Research tells MyMac “the ones we do include fit almost all ears — the two sizes of 3-flange eartips and the foam alternative are enough.”)
• super.fi 4 vi ships with round silicone blob “universal” EAR TIPS in a range of sizes
• hf2 has full spectrum transparent AUDIO DELIVERY, with a slight treble bias
• super.fi 4 vi has neutral “reference” AUDIO PRESENCE, without any built-in enhancements
• hf2’s microphone is slightly larger and better quality than super.fi 4 vi’s, but there isn’t a huge difference during actual iPhone conversations
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I’ve been alternating between Ultimate Ears’ super.fi 4 vi and Etymotic Research’s hf2 for nonstop listening during the past two weeks. These are both G-R-E-A-T headphones for in-ear audio, with a satisfying sound throughout the spectrum. In the premium ($101-$249) price range, both of these earbuds are exceptional value and quality.
If you choose super.fi 4 vi, carry them in a larger, padded case, or a ziploc bag. The included rigid snap case is such a snug fit that you can accidentally damage the cable when shutting it. If you don’t like silicone blob ear tips, these Ultimate Ears headphones won’t change your mind, but if you prefer silicone blob tips, the Ultimate Ears are your best choice.
Etymotic Research’s large range of foam and flange ear tips, and driver filters, are genuine assets. Some people adore Etymotic’s super-isolating tips, and other people never are comfortable using them.
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Good fit, comfort, and audio response are interdependent on premium in ear noises isolating iPhone headsets. Knowing that your listening experience is almost identical from hf2 to super.fi 4 vi, and the pricing is very close, your buying decision should strongly factor the feel and fit of ear tips you’ll be using for thousands of hours.
Good news: whichever headset you obtain, your music and iPhone calls will be the highest quality audio. Both of these top-tier earbuds guarantee you the best performance in the price range. Better news: when you listen to music on an iPod, computer, or other player, you’ll agree that for $150-179, these are the best in ear headphones you’ve ever experienced, even if you completely disregard their microphone.
MyMac rating is 4.5 for both Ultimate Ears’ super.fi 4 vi and Etymotic Research’s hf2. If the former had a larger, softer carrying case, and the latter shipped with more ear tips, they each would be very close to achieving a perfect score of 5 out of 5.
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