Etymotic hf2 Review
After two years, my Ultimate Buds are starting to fall apart. So an obvious replacement are the new Etymotic hf2s [Amazon Link]. These headsets combine the well-received Etymotic earphones with an integrated mic/control unit.
Starting with the good, these earphones offer a level of sonic precision that you typically won’t find in cheaper units. Highs and mids sound great and bass is neutral. Load up a particularly impressive audio performance and prepare to have the hairs on your arms stand up. Cord length is spot on and the selection of eartips should satisfy 99% of users.
Now for bad. The mic/control unit is a bit on the large side. During runs, I found the unit slapping the underside of my chin. At times this neutral bass can feel lacking. My somewhat clouded audio judgment is probably due to the years of exposure to Sony Mega Bass. In order to get decent bass response, you need to get a good airtight seal with the eartip. And even with a perfect seal, some will still wonder where all the bass went.
And finally, durability is questionable. After a little over one week, the driver in the left earphone started making crackling sounds. Not once did I subject these headphones to any sort of abuse. Could this be a fluke? Possibly. As stated earlier, I’ve owned a set of Etymotics that have lasted two years. I’ll make a call to customer service and see if this issue can be sorted out.
Overall, when they’re working, these headphones offer performance bordering on startling. People addicted to bass will want to look elsewhere. I suppose it’s just presenting bass in a more proper/neutral manner. They’re pricey, but in the end, they offer performance that’s well worth the expense.
[Pic from Amazon.com]
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