Customer Reviews: Read 47 more reviews...
 Outstanding canalphones, phone use takes a little getting used to January 1, 2009
These HF2's replaced my well-used Etymotic ER6i's, which still work minus the shirt clip that broke recently. Most importantly, the sound is significantly better, more complete and natural than the ER6i's. The design is much more sturdy as well. Hard plastic provides a solid grip for insertion and removal of the earphones, and the cable is thicker. The shirt clip even looks more substantial.
Using the earphones for calls (iPhone) takes some getting used to, though, since the thorough sound isolation means that you don't hear yourself when you talk, compared to without the HF2s, or with the standard iPhone earbuds. Not good/bad, just different.
Overall, well worth the ~$179, and based on my earlier Etymotic experience, it should last for a while.
 So far not too bad, and getting better December 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I took the plunge and this is a very initial review, not even after a full day of use (only a few hours).
Firstly, the stock rubbery tips (either pair) would not work for me; no matter what I tried. I guess my ears are strange. I was very disappointed in the lack of bass without good seals, and I gave it time, toyed with them, tried different things. When 'seated' they would provide decent bass (these are not bass heavy headphones, but more accurate 'phones), though using the rubbery tips the 'phones would always slip out and not stay seated properly.
So, I had to try the foam tips, which do take some tinkering with. So far, they work much better for my ears. They keep external sounds more isolated, and the proper bass is now there. I believe I'll have some more tinkering and adjusting to do to get the foam tips to work properly, but overall a very good sound; and they stay in place, unlike Apple's earbuds (everyone has a different experience with these, depending on their ear).
At present, I can't even hear myself type, while writing this, and the volume isn't cranked.
There are strange internal sounds from cables, chewing food, talking, etc., but that is the nature of the beast with this type of headphone. I previously had a pair of Sony sound isolating 'phones for an iPod Touch I used to own and was freaked out by them as well. If you give this 'issue' about 2 weeks to get used to, you should be fine. You must be patient. If you can't get over this issue, noise isolating headphones are not for you (you'd be better off with buds or over the ear type 'phones).
I also don't think the HF2 pair I have yet are broken in, and that may take a bit of time. Depending on use, some of the phones can take a week to break in, and/or get used to.
My initial review is about a 3.5 stars out of 5. I can't give these 5 out of the box, as the price is pretty darned expensive for them. The 2 year warranty is nice. I did not get tons of extra foams or rubber tips, as some have indicated. I basically have three sets of tips, each different, and no duplicates.
For the money, I'd probably be just as happy with a pair of mid-priced Sony's in the $70 or $80 range, but they have not entered the iPhone market with a microphone controller (at least not that I'm aware of). Do these sound nicer than the Sony's? Yeah, slightly, but is it worth that much extra? To me, personally, not really; at least not at this time.
EDIT: Yes, they are better sounding than the Sony's. High price to pay, but they are quite detailed (except that some will complain about the accurate and not booming bass). If you wish for more bass, you can EQ your music device and probably add a bass boost setting.
If my opinion changes over time, I'll certainly try to return and add an edited review.
EDIT: Do watch the online video on installation for your ears. Don't assume you know what you're doing. You may be proven wrong.
Give the break in and comfort issues time, before making hasty decisions.
These 'phones aren't going to work for everyone, but I suspect for those who can get them to seat properly, they'll be quite satisfied. One simply has to ask whether the extra cost for R&D and testing is worth it to them.
Iphone earphones November 24, 2008
I bought these earphones for my Iphone. They work well for me. They must be inserted into the ear canal for best results. The microphone works well. The switch on the microphone used to answer call is raised and easy to locate and push.
Remarkable November 12, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
After using Etymotic's ER6 headphones for years, when I got my iPhone I sprung for the HF2s. Wow. It's like a layer of wool batting has been lifted from my music. Everything (except the worst recordings) sounds more detailed with deeper bass.
Poorly recorded music still sounds poorly recorded, but unlike some high end headphones the HF2 does not make them sound worse.
I've tried the foam inserts (the ER6 only had rubber flanges) and was surprised to find them more comfortable than either set of flanges included with the HF2s - and the foam inserts blocked more external noise to boot.
These are the headphones to have for travel - much smaller, much better noise reduction, and better sounding than those nerdy "noise reduction" headphones from Bose, Sony, etc. And with the foam inserts, just as comfortable as conventional over the hear headphones.
Best. iPhone. Headset. Ever. November 11, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Etymotic Research hf2 headset is, perhaps, the best iPhone headset out there on the market. The price might be a turnoff for some, but the amazing sound quality is more than worth the price.
The hf2 comes with three ear tips: a standard triple flange, a smaller triple flange, and a foam ear tip which blocks out even more ambient noise than either triple flange tips--which also block out an amazing amount of noise. The microphone and control are placed conveniently to the right of the user's mouth, making it easily accessible for either conducting voice conversations or controlling music playing on the iPhone.
The sound quality is very bright, crisp and clear. Some complain about the so-called lack of bass response, but Etymotic Research's website has videos online on how to put on their earphones. Also, the ear tips definitely make the difference between a bad listening experience versus a good one. These are definitely not for bass lovers as the headset's drivers do not have the raw bass power of the V-moda Vibe Duo. But the sound detail is exceptional with the hf2.
Voice conversations on the hf2 are a delight. I can hear people clearly, and they could hear me as well. It also helps that the ear tips isolate a lot of ambient noise, even more so than active noise canceling headphones. I don't have to speak as loudly as with the Apple iPhone Stereo Headset.
Overall, I love this headset. I have tested these against the Apple iPhone Stereo Headset, the V-moda Vibe Duo, and the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi headsets. The Etymotic Research hf2 is a hands-down winner in my book!
**EDITED ON 11/16: Added content, clarification.
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