Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Cobalt)
Manufacturer: Etymotic Research Inc. Part number: ER5-COBALT
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style.
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CNET editors' review
Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Cobalt) price range: $99.99
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 08/22/2008
- Released on: 06/15/2008
The good: The Etymotic hf5 earphones offer great sound quality for the price, superior noise isolation capability, and a sleek, understated design available in a handful of colors. Package includes a handy travel pouch.
The bad: The Etymotic hf5 earphones may not be comfortable for all users, and they don't include a wide variety of sleeves. Not the best option for hip-hop lovers.
The bottom line: The Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for those who want the highest level of sound isolation without sacrificing sound quality, portability, or style.
If you've ever shopped around for a pair of headphones, you've probably noticed a trend: there is a seemingly endless array of choices in the ultracheap, sub-$50 range; plenty of options in the $80 to $110 range; and quite a few luxury selections that run for $200 or more. There are surprisingly few models that list around $150, which might just be the sweet spot between "nice" and "ultra high-end." Etymotic seems to have recognized this deficiency and answered it with the hf5 High-Fidelity Noise-Isolating Earphones. These sleekly stylish in-ear 'phones strike an excellent balance between price and sound quality, offering audio on par with some pairs priced well above them.
The design of the hf5 earphones is strikingly similar to that of the hf2, except without the microphone. Like the hf2, the hf5 earpieces are long and thin, which means they go farther into the ear than many other noise-isolating sets, such as the Shure SE320. Even the sleeves that come in the package--two sizes of triple flange silicone fittings and one set of foam tips--are extra long, so if you're uncomfortable sticking things into your ears (or have shallow canals), it's best to look elsewhere. That being said, we found the earphones to be quite comfortable and liked that there wasn't a bulbous 'bud sticking out of our ears, thanks to the sleek, skinny shape. We're also taken with the understated, slightly shimmery color options (black, cobalt, and ruby).
The Etymotic hf5 earphones feature a black, 4-foot cable with a detachable lapel clip and a slider at the Y that helps prevent tangles during storage. A padded zipper pouch with a handy inner pocket is included for such occasions. Etymotic also throws in a filter-changing tool and an extra set of filters, which are tiny cylinders that are inserted in the earphone opening to smooth the frequency response and prevent earwax from entering the earpiece. This is a cool feature as it gives the user at least some opportunity to self-repair the earphones, which is rare with in-ear styles.
At the very least, the Etymotic hf5 earphones provide an ultrasecure fit (probably because the 'buds insert so deeply) and offer some of the best sound isolation we've come across. Also impressive is the fact that you don't get a lot of noise from the cable brushing across your body (we had to try pretty hard to cause any). Sound quality overall is quite good across all genres, although we found that rock, electronic, and classical were much more impressive than hip-hop, which had a slightly deficient quality to it. Other than that minor quibble, we were very pleased with the listening experience. Audio is nicely balanced, with a tight low-end that is underlying rather than overpowering and shimmery, encompassing mids. In particular, Belle & Sebastian's track "Lazy Painter Jane" sounded fantastic, with absolutely striking guitars. High-end detail and clarity is mostly good, with the exception of some hip-hop tracks, where the higher frequency sounds can tend to get lost in the shuffle. All in all, the Etymotic hf5 earphones are an excellent option for the price.
User reviews
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Great headphones
by keabler on October 10, 2010
Pros: Superior fit and low profile design, amazingly accurate and smooth audio reproduction, isolate more sound than normal earplugs.
Cons: cable is a bit thin, may not be comfortable for every one.
Summary: These are seriously great headphones. All (or mosts) of the members who reviewed these have no idea what they are talking about. They could throw on some Sennheiser hd 800'...
Summary: These are seriously great headphones. All (or mosts) of the members who reviewed these have no idea what they are talking about. They could throw on some Sennheiser hd 800's and complain that they aren't clear enough or lack bass (they are arguably the best over the ear headphones you can buy at $1400)
These headphones isolate 32db of ambient noise which is about perfect. This means that you can listen to your music at a non damaging level and still hear every detail, but not cancel all noise so if your at the gym and some one is trying to get your attention they still can. To get this much noise isolation the ear tips need to be inserted farther than normal into your ear. As a result they take about a week before your ears find them comfortable (also cleaning out your ears prior to trying them is a good idea).
The HF-5's sound amazing. I have some denon ahd 5000's and a set of swan 2.0 audio monitors (have had a plethora of audio equipment over the years) and I find my self coming back to these for more daily use (on my second pair already). The audio reproduction is amazingly smooth and crisp. No the bass won't rattle your head and you will probably have to tweak your EQ to a be a bit bass heavy, but the bass reproduction is accurate and definitely there. I like to use these for more daily activities (lifting weight, studying) because the sound reproduction is extremely smooth and does not cause fatigue.
Here is the issue for most people with these headphones. They receive these headphones and expect them to be better than what they are use to (skull candy or stock apple buds) and they are better but vastly different from what they are use to. First of all people don't give their ears a chance to get use to the fit and sound. You have to wear these for at least a week or they will be uncomfortable to wear, and to get good sound from these they have to be worn properly. Most people shove these in their ears a hair farther than their skull candy's went in and expect them to sound better, however; these headphones were designed to sit deeper in the ear canal (to isolate noise) so they sound like crap if you don't properly insert them into your ears.
The bottom line: these headphones are great for every day use, and will fit 95% of the population. You have to give them a chance and have a good idea of what good audio reproduction is to appreciate them.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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OK but not that good.
by TADAMY on October 30, 2008
Pros: Fit and lightness. Very secure.
Cons: Sound, Sound and Sound. Very poor bass. Very distorted.
Summary: I normally trust CNET's reviews but these were very poor earbuds and I tried two pair because I thought I bought a lemon. For one, the bass is non ...
Summary: I normally trust CNET's reviews but these were very poor earbuds and I tried two pair because I thought I bought a lemon. For one, the bass is non existant and I don't listen to heavy bass music. The sound was very distorted. I run and I had to turn the volume so far down that I heard everything else around me and the sound was still distorted. The only good thing about these for me was the fit. They stayed put. That's it. I've tried many of the reviewed earbuds and the two I liked as far as sound quality were the Ultimate Ears fi-5 pro's and the V-Moda. These ht5's are no where close to good ear speakers.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Company won't repair product when it (likely) breaks
by ianwallach on December 27, 2009
Pros: Sounds great, when it works, if it doesn't break.
Cons: The product broked (the mic cover split in my hands) within a month of purchasing it. Etymotic (a) refused to repair it, saying it was a problem they hadn't seen before; then (b) offered to sell me a new set for $94. It was disgusting.
Summary: It appears that Etymotic Research Inc., like many of us, are suffering through hard times. However, they are trying to make up for it by not backing their products.
I'...Summary: It appears that Etymotic Research Inc., like many of us, are suffering through hard times. However, they are trying to make up for it by not backing their products.
I've always loved my Etymotic headsets, and jumped at the first opportunity for a set of Etymotic Headphones. I then got another, and the plastic microphone piece fell apart in my hands one day, within a month of purchasing them. I called, got an RMA number, and returned them.
Several days letter I received on odd and somewhat rude call from an Etymotic Research Customer Service Agent, who said that "the service department could not understand how the product had broken, and therefore would not repair it, but they would give me the option to buy a new pair for $94.
I was furious. I had always bought -- and loved and recommended -- their products. And I was a loyal customer.
If you need to contact me to see the correspondence (I will gladly scan and send it to anyone who disbelieves), send a request to ianwallach@mac.com.
They sound great. But they fall apart, and you have no recourse when that happens.
Ian1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I enjoy so much with these eaephones.
by tomtung88 on December 7, 2011
Pros: Very detailed with all music and must listen to it everyday.
Cons: The carry case looks cheap.
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Lasted three weeks
by xtnjohnson on November 29, 2011
Pros: Great sound -- really deep, good for a wide range of music genres.
Cons: Terrible build quality -- failed at the plug, despite careful handling.
Summary: It's sad, I had a pair of Etymotics that I loved but I wanted a device that would work with the phone. This model seemed to be everything I ...
Summary: It's sad, I had a pair of Etymotics that I loved but I wanted a device that would work with the phone. This model seemed to be everything I wanted but it's too fragile to recommend. The only redeeming point is that I got them on sale for just 80 dollars -- but that still works out to about 3.50 a day. Not good.
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Excellent. Crystal clarity, perfect fit.
by Mattp33 on October 25, 2011
Pros: - Very fine detail, very typical of Etymotic.
- Small and lightweight
- Sweet, sweet highs
- Tight, accurate bass
- Triple-flanged eartips are very comfortable and incredibly isolating.
- Other eartips are also good.
- Carry case!Cons: - Possibly a little too little in the bass department.
Summary: Brilliant all-rounders, great detail, a little lacking in bass.
The main problems the other reviewers are having are all solved with time. The triple flanged ...
Updated on Oct 25, 2011Summary: Brilliant all-rounders, great detail, a little lacking in bass.
The main problems the other reviewers are having are all solved with time. The triple flanged eartips took about 5 days of heavy use to begin to be comfortable, and the tinniness took about 72 hours to go away*. It's all about stick with it. It's worth it.
Updated on Oct 25, 2011
*Try playing white/pink noise overnight. -
True analogical Etymotic sound
by sllopp on August 19, 2011
Pros: Nice build, great isolation, fair sound-stage, flat response across all frequencies
Cons: None for this listener
Summary: If you like warm sound with thumping bass these should not be on your list. If you've never worn in ear headphones be advised these guys fit deep into ...
Summary: If you like warm sound with thumping bass these should not be on your list. If you've never worn in ear headphones be advised these guys fit deep into the ear and will be mighty unpleasant initially. I found the selection of sleeves acceptable and comfortable but I've grown accustomed to the experience over time. I actually substituted some foam sleeves from Shure and they seal well and are all day comfortable. Comply tips are also suggested if you don't like what comes with the set. The kit includes a dandy zippered case, extra plugs to prevent fouling from ear wax and a tool to change them if necessary. These are light, snug and will not fall out on their own. They naturally isolate external noise wonderfully so you can listen at subdued volumes and not miss a thing. I happen to have a digital player with a great equalizer and can add plenty of bass, also I have an amp with bass boost. Without this the bass is present, tight, accurate but not for everyone especially "bass heads". I happen to enjoy the bass from these. The mids are crystal clear, with plenty of micro detail but some may find it flat and unexciting. Again, I like it. The highs are well extended and treble lovers will like it, it lacks what some refer to as sparkle but there is no hint of sibilence and if you're not into it then you might find it fatiguing after a while. When all parts are added you get a fine listening experience, these will reveal any weakness in a mix and really low bit rate files will sound lacking. On balance if you want to hear everything in detail with great discrimination you can't do better for the price. The 2 year warranty is a plus. I hear the mike on the HF2 is really excellent if you use one.
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Lasted 6 months
by Veesten on March 22, 2011
Pros: Great sound. I found them comfortable and sound isolation actually works.
Cons: I had these headphones for 6 months and really liked them. Unfortunately the left earphone just stopped working
Summary: No good
Summary: No good
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Best earphones I have ever owned.
by Peeaches on December 18, 2010
Pros: Crystal clear sound quality
Great accuracy
Excellent noise isolation
Do not fall out of ears
Love the color
Little to no cable noise
Three different eartip choices
Most accurate in price rangeCons: A little on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for.
Summary: I see a lot of complaints about the bass on these earphones, and obviously those writers don't know what they are talking about. If you know how to wear ...
Summary: I see a lot of complaints about the bass on these earphones, and obviously those writers don't know what they are talking about. If you know how to wear these earphones and get a good seal, the bass is defined, but not overblown (like in the beats headphones by monster)
Besides, you can always throw on the bass booster in your EQ if you care so much about it. The highs are unbelievable, so crisp, clear and 'eargasmic' as I call it.
The noise isolation is excellent on these, almost too good... I can't hear much of what's around me, but it enables me to get the same dynamics out of my music without the increased volume. It's great for travel especially.
There's an app on the iPod/iPhone for the hf3 versions which uses the mic to pickup on sounds you wish to hear (i.e. ignores background noise but will let through things that are louder like important noises (train stops))
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good earphone, and knows a thing or two about audiology -
Not suitable for everyone.
by BlindTraveller on November 9, 2010
Pros: + Real good isolation, if you push them deep enough.
Cons: - Really uncomfortable with flanged tips.
- Weak bass.Summary: Putting them in is not enjoyable.. at all, that with flanged tips. If using other tips then headphones sticking out too much. Foam tips were comfy amongst all.
Isolation is ...Summary: Putting them in is not enjoyable.. at all, that with flanged tips. If using other tips then headphones sticking out too much. Foam tips were comfy amongst all.
Isolation is real, feels like you are deaf.
As I read comments about "no bass", when comparing them to my EP-630, I found that it's true. The bass is weak and I dont like it.
Overall I dont like what I paid for. The sound quality does not differs from my EP-630 and for this price its a bust. By the way I bought them for 180 $ here in Sweden.
All I can say is that these are not worth their price. Now I am thinking about Shure SE115 or Klipsch S4.. or maybe something else.
Now they are packed and I am going to send them back.
No more Etymotic for me.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Etymotic Research Inc.
- Part number: ER5-COBALT
- Description: Etymotic's 5th generation of high-fidelity in-ear earphones delivers a near-perfect music experience, even in high surrounding-noise conditions. hf5 earphones use Etymotic's acclaimed tuned acoustic-insert technology for the clearest, truest sound you can find. Research confirms that users choose lower (safer) levels when earphones seal the ear canal. Etymotic in-ear earphones are the highest-rated product on the market for passive noise-isolation.
General
- Product Type Headphones
- Color Cobalt
- Recommended Use Portable audio system
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear ear-bud
- Headphones Technology Balanced armature
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Response Bandwidth 20 - 15000 Hz
- Sensitivity 105 dB
- Impedance 16 Ohm
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Headphones cable - 4 ft
- Included Accessories Headphones filter kit,
Carrying pouch,
Ear tips kit Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Product series
-
Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Cobalt)
Manufacturer: Etymotic Research Inc.
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
In-ear ear-bud,
Cobalt,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Limited warranty - 2 years -
Manufacturer: Etymotic Research Inc.
Specs:
-
Manufacturer: Etymotic Research Inc.
Specs: Headphones - Binaural,
Headphones,
In-ear ear-bud,
Ruby,
Stereo,
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
Noise isolation technology,
Limited warranty - 2 years
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Etymotic Research Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Etymotic Research Inc.
- Phone: 847-228-0006
- Fax: 847-228-6836
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