Etymotic Research ER20 High-Fidelity Earplugs (White with Clear Stem) by Etymotic Research
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Our Price: $12.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Etymotic Research ER20 High-Fidelity Earplugs (White with Clear Stem)
Digital camera Review: Absolutely worthless
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm shocked by the positive reviews for this product. These ear plugs are absolutely worthless and a total waste of money. Also they are "nonreturnable after opening" and I make the mistake of ordering two pair. I could not tell a bit of difference in sound volume with or without these plugs. They are far inferior to the cheap foam ear plugs sold at every drugstore.Digital camera Review: Amazing earplugs!
Summary: 5 Stars
These super cool earplugs reduce the volume of the outside world pretty nicely. Though I haven't had a good use for these yet, I'm sure I'll be using them at concerts in the future!Digital camera Review: Buy 3 pair and give them to your friends
Summary: 5 Stars
These little plugs are great. I'm in a band and go to a lot of live shows, and the regular foam plugs just didn't cut it any more. The advantage of these plugs is that the sound response is flat; you still hear the full range of frequencies, only, it's just quieter. You can totally have a conversation with someone in the middle of a crowded dance floor.
I love these so much, I actually bought a few more and gave them to my bandmates and girlfriend. They come with a cord in case you have a problem with losing them.
A note: make sure they're inserted correctly (ALL the way in) -- you'll definitely know. Also, the first few times you wear them it feels like an octopus is attacking your brain. You'll get used to that. Finally, it helps if you lubricate them on the way in with a bit of spit.
Digital camera Review: Buy Sonic II's instead.
Summary: 2 Stars
I've always used Sonic IIs at concerts and band practices, but I decided to give the ER20s a try based on the reviews here. Last night I brought both to a concert and did a side-by-side comparison.
My recommendation: stick with Sonic IIs:
Sonic II 6 dB Sound Filters with Case, 1 Pair
It wasn't even close. The Sonic IIs delivered a much clearer, nearly neutral sound.
The ER20s were marginally better than foam earplugs, but they the sound was still very muffled.
In comparison, the Sonic IIs actually deliver what they promise. Nearly unaltered tone compared to no plugs at all, but at a lower, non-damaging volume.
And if you go to a lot of concerts, get a pair of Sonic IIs. Now. Cheaper than a bulk pack of foam plugs, and your concert experience will be much improved.
Digital camera Review: Careful, Phalanges Can Fall Off
Summary: 3 Stars
Here are the pros & cons:
PROS
1. Comfortable in ear.
2. Nicely packaged. Tiny plastic box to store and string to attach ear plugs, so you don't lose them, are nice and thoughtful touches.
CONS
1. Discrepancy about the intensity of noise blocked, Amazon listing claims 20 db and the package 12 db, the reality is probably closer to latter.
2. On third use, one of the phalanges from the ear plugs fell off while taking it out of the ear, and surprisingly it was the middle phalanx, not the smallest or the largest.
Out there on Amazon, there are a lot of cheaper alternatives available, which I have not personally tried but may do so now because ten bucks for three uses is expensive.