The Drop + Etymotic ERX review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for a honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price is $199 and you can get it exclusively from Drop
This review was first published in 05 August 2022 and it is the world premiere.
Etymotic – a legendary name
Etymotic is a well-known name in the world of audiophiles and beyond. Since its establishment in 1983, the company has focused on auditory research and engineering-driven product design. In just one year, Etymotic made waves by introducing the first insert earphones for audiological research, namely the ER1, ER2, and ER3, which are still widely used in the field today.
In 1991, Etymotic took a step further and launched its first consumer hi-fi insert earphone, the ER4. This groundbreaking product was the first of its kind to utilize balanced armature drivers, a technology previously exclusive to hearing aids.
Building upon the success of the ER4 series, Etymotic unveiled the EVO in 2021, featuring a multi-driver, in-concha design. This marked a new direction for the brand, expanding its product range.
Throughout its journey of innovation, Etymotic has remained committed to its distinctive signature: earphones that sit deep in the ear canal. This design choice not only sets them apart but also offers a listening experience that some consider to be superior.
Drop + Etymotic ERX in ear monitors
The Drop + Etymotic ERX is a collaborative effort between Drop and the renowned Etymotic to create an in-ear monitor (IEM) that incorporates the most sought-after features from previous Etymotic releases. This innovative product combines the best elements of two beloved Etymotic models, the ER4XR and the EVO.
Drawing inspiration from the ER4XR, the ERX adopts the expressive and consistently high-performing single-balanced-armature design. Additionally, it incorporates the in-concha form factor from the EVO, which showcases Etymotic’s distinctive deep-insertion build. This design ensures a natural fit with minimal protrusion outside of the ear.
Working closely with Etymotic, the ERX has been finely tuned to deliver a sound that strikes a harmonious balance between its two predecessors.
Drop aimed to create a remarkable pair of earphones that would impress all types of listeners, regardless of their level of expertise or preferences. In order to achieve this, they needed a product that not only sounded great but also felt comfortable to wear.
The EVO’s in-concha construction and the ERX’s sleek and naturally contoured profile make them ideal for various listening scenarios, whether it be on stage or while wearing a helmet. Additionally, the use of durable stainless steel and a well-placed cable helps minimize unwanted noise.
Inside the ER4XR, the single-balanced-armature design ensures exceptional coherence across the entire frequency range, eliminating any issues that may arise from poorly executed crossovers between multiple drivers.
To fine-tune the sound of the ERX, Drop enlisted the expertise of Etymotic, resulting in an accurate sound signature that enhances the lower frequencies without compromising the upper bass and lower midrange. Moving up the frequency spectrum, the mids and highs offer remarkable clarity and precision, which are characteristic of Etymotic’s renowned sound quality.
From the high-end ER4XR to the versatile EVO, these earphones cover a wide range of audio needs, making them a top choice for any listener.
Build quality, appearance and fit
The stainless steel ear-shells of the Drop + Etymotic ERX exhibit exceptional craftsmanship and a sleek, black matte finish that not only feels pleasant to the touch but also appears highly durable. Undoubtedly, this product stands out as one of the finest offerings from Drop+. Moreover, its aesthetic appeal is truly captivating.
Designed with anatomical precision, the Drop + Etymotic ERX showcases contoured surfaces and edges, lending it a modern and slightly industrial look. The compact ear-shells seamlessly follow the natural curves of the ear, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without any bulky protrusions. This is made possible by the in-concha, deep insertion build, which not only enhances comfort but also provides a reliable fit.
A noteworthy feature of the Drop + Etymotic ERX is its signature deep-insertion system, which ranks among the best in-ear monitor (IEM) fit systems I have ever experienced. This system achieves a deep, stable, and snug fit, effectively reducing external noise while maintaining a comfortable listening experience without causing any discomfort to the ear.
However, it is important to mention a couple of downsides. Firstly, the use of specially designed ear-tips is necessary, limiting the ability to experiment with different types of ear-tips. Secondly, some individuals may find the fit system to be somewhat bothersome.
Cable
The Drop + Etymotic ERX boasts a detachable cable measuring 1.2m, equipped with the Estron T2 connectors. Although these connectors may not be widely available, numerous reputable after-market cable manufacturers are capable of constructing cables with them.
Regarding the cable itself, it is rather ordinary and possesses an average build quality. Considering the price point of $199, it is reasonable to expect a superior cable, especially one that is balanced.
In today’s market, where nearly every USB DAC dongle offers a balanced output, a balanced cable has become essential. It is perplexing how certain manufacturers continue to produce IEMs without incorporating a balanced cable or at least providing the option to choose a balanced plug when placing an order.
Accessories
The package of the Drop + Etymotic ERX consists of 2 additional dampers, a filter tool, 2 sets of double flange ear-tips (medium, large), 1 set of triple flange ear-tips (large), 3 sets of single flange ear-tips (small, medium, large), and a durable, high-quality carrying case. It is possible to use the ERX without the dampers, but this may result in a different sound tuning. Although I haven’t personally tested it, you are encouraged to experiment with it if you wish.
Power requirements
The Drop + Etymotic ERX, featuring a rated impedance of 47Ω and a sensitivity of 98dB/0.1Vrms, presents a challenge when it comes to driving it effectively. It necessitates the use of a robust USB DAC dongle to unleash its full potential.
Unfortunately, since the Drop + Etymotic ERX did not come with a balanced cable, I was unable to utilize balanced DAC dongles. Instead, I had to rely on single-ended gear.
Among the USB DAC dongles, the iFi Go bar (from the single-ended output) proved to be powerful enough, but it still didn’t provide the perfect driving experience. Consequently, I resorted to battery-powered or stationary gear, such as the FiiO K5 Pro ESS and the EarMen ST-Amp.
Listening impressions
The ERX leaves a lasting impression of perfect balance, which only intensifies with continued listening. In fact, the Drop + Etymotic ERX stands out as one of the most finely tuned earphones I have ever had the pleasure of testing. Its tonal accuracy and coherence across the entire frequency range are truly exceptional. When it comes to real instruments and voices, the tonality is nearly flawless, delivering a natural timbre that is both pleasing and accurate.
The ERX tuning does not cater to personal preferences such as favoring forward mids or elevated bass. Instead, it prioritizes ultimate transparency and accuracy as its guiding principles.
When you listen through the ERX, what you hear is an exact replication of the recording and the equipment used with it. It acts as a crystal clear mirror, reflecting every detail into your ears with utmost honesty.
The tuning is skillfully balanced, ensuring that each part of the frequency range carries the appropriate weight, without any excessive boosting or suppression. It appears that the engineers aimed to achieve the correct pitch for every instrument, and they have undoubtedly succeeded in doing so.
Some of you may find it disappointing that the ERX does not offer extreme sub-bass, elevated bass, forward mids, cozy warmth, sizzling treble, or an analytical sound signature.
However, upon examining the specifications and learning about the single full range balanced armature driver used in the ERX, you might have initially thought that it couldn’t produce real bass. Well, think again, because the ERX actually extends well into the lows with ample sub-bass and bass quantity, without unnecessary boosting or elevated mid-bass. The only difference from a dynamic driver lies in the bass texture, which is not as visceral and leans towards the dry side, but not excessively so.
While the overall presentation is very convincing, thanks to the excellent dynamic contrast that covers all volume gradients, it may not have the same physical impact and muscularity as a dynamic driver. In terms of technicalities, the ERX excels with superb layering and definition. The bass is extra tight and controlled, offering exemplary clarity without any mid-bass masking or bleeding into the mids.
The midrange is faithfully reproduced, staying true to the original mix without any distortion in either direction. Despite this accuracy, the mids still possess a strong presence and weight, with clear articulation and rich harmonic expression. The timbre of the mids can be described as natural and lifelike, sitting perfectly in the middle ground between warm and cold, lush and dry. Unlike other balanced armature designs, there is no artificial metallic flavor present.
Moving on to the treble, it is vibrant, bright, and full of life, showcasing exceptional detail retrieval without sounding overly analytical or fatiguing. The high frequencies are finely tuned, striking a perfect balance between high-resolution clarity, excellent extension, and an airy presentation. There is a touch of smoothness that prevents any harshness from creeping in. While the texture may not be weighty, the decaying time is well-controlled, ensuring that high-pitched instruments, including percussion like high-hats, do not sound thin or lifeless.
The soundstage exhibits an exceptional level of technical prowess, delivering a naturally extended, expansive, and ethereal experience with remarkable precision and accurate placement of performers. The ambience is effectively conveyed, although the balanced armature driver appears to have certain limitations in terms of depth layering and holography, resulting in a somewhat two-dimensional stage that lacks grandeur in its scale.
The final highlight of the Drop + Etymotic ERX design lies in its ability to deliver exceptional transparency and accuracy without sacrificing musicality or excitement. Unlike other earphones, the ERX is far from being clinical or artificial in its sound reproduction.
On the contrary, it offers a captivating and engaging listening experience, with a rhythmic quality that will have you tapping your feet along. Its rich harmonic palette and abundance of overtones, combined with its natural tonality, result in a realistic and emotionally resonant sound, albeit with a slightly leaner profile.
The ERX is versatile enough to handle any genre of music, provided you don’t have specific tuning preferences. However, it truly shines when paired with classical or acoustic compositions. For lovers of classical music, the Etymotic ERX is a dream come true. Whether it’s a solo piano piece, a string quartet, or a grand symphony, every note is rendered convincingly and brings immense joy to the listener.
In the end
The Drop+ Etymotic ERX is poised for immense success, and I envision it selling in the thousands over the course of many years. This is not a mere coincidence, but rather a result of its expert tuning, which delivers a sound signature reminiscent of the renowned Etymotic legacy.
With its remarkable tonal balance, exceptional transparency, and masterful technicalities within its category, this earphone is ideal for critical listening while still maintaining a captivating and musical experience.
Furthermore, its top-notch build quality, comfortable fit, and outstanding passive noise attenuation make the Drop+ Etymotic ERX a clear winner. The only aspect that could be improved is the cable, which would benefit from a higher quality and interchangeable plugs.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2022.
+ Reference tuning
+ Tonal accuracy
+ Bass extension
+ Technicalities
+ Transparency and clarity
+ Refined and resolving
+ Musical and engaging
+ Open soundstage with imaging accuracy
+ Well made
+ Comfortable with excellent passive noise attenuation
+ Detachable cable
+ Accessories
– Rather hard to drive
– A touch lean and dry
– Bass is not that impactful
– Two dimensional soundstage
– Mediocre cable
– No balanced cable
– Heavy ear-shells
– Deep fit system might not be for everyone
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