Etymotic hf2

Many manufacturers that focus on creating good earphones and headsets strive for good sound quality and comfort rather than rich functionality. Functionality in earphones should be considered too since many of the earphones these days are being used with interactive portable media players and feature-rich mobile phones that have their own special music capabilities. Adding additional functionality to earphones significantly adds to the level of comfort when listening to music and gives listeners a great deal of control without much effort.

This is the aim of the Etymotic hf2 Headset + Earphone set. It is designed to be a great companion for portable devices and can even replace the earbuds that devices come with because the sound quality is also enhanced and coupled with noise isolating features.

Etymotic hf2 Headset + Earphones

Etymotic hf2 Headset + Earphones

Design and Comfort

The design of the Etymotic hf2 takes a very modern approach and gives an immediate impression that the earphones are comfortable as well. They are also designed to match a variety of devices as there are three different colors to choose from – Black, Ruby, and Cobalt. This multi headset impresses by offering two pairs of triple flanged ear tips as well as an alternative foam pair that can be used instead if they prove to be more comfortable. Additional ear tips of different sizes can always be purchased if necessary.

The purpose of these ear tips is to provide good sound isolation while maximizing on the sound quality so every possible detail can be heard. To achieve this, the eartips must be placed in the eardrums properly ensuring a sealed fit. The Etymotic website explains very well on how to put them on with ease. The Etymotic hf2 feels much lighter compared to the bulkier noise canceling headphones that aren’t as efficient and portable.

In addition to the assorted ear tips, a filter tool that comes with 2 replacement filters is included in the set. The included storage pouch allows these components to be stored safely for travelers. The cable has a reasonable length (4 feet) for a device that is usually going to be plugged in to mobile phones and portable devices.

Actual user review:
“The HF2s are clean and transparent — I won’t go too far into detail about that here, given the glut of other reviewers saying the same thing. I will say, though, that the HF2s are really very impressive across the volume board — they seem to provide the same punch for low-volume listening as they do at higher volumes; unlike my UEs, there’s no “sweet spot” that they need to be set at in order to reproduce well. And unlike any other pair of in-ears I’ve owned, I truly can forget that I’m listening through headphones with this pair; unlike so many others that constantly make you aware of exactly how much they’re coloring the tone (for better or worse), the HF2s really just step back and let the pure tones come right through. Highly impressive.” – Herschel (USA)

Features

The Etymotic hf2 is packed with power and features with the power primarily focused on midrange and treble clarity which is enough to hear the finer details of tunes that other earbuds fail to catch. When combined with high quality players like the iPhone and iPod, the sound experience is lively and gets even better if high quality mp3s or lossless formats are being played back. Tests have shown that the Etymotic hf2 makes the most out of the best performing audio devices including the iPod, and certain Blackberry devices. It also provides much better noise isolation than certain phones that depend on batteries. The only thing that is lacking is an artificial bass boost, but a reasonable bass experience can be achieved by properly fitting the earpieces.

The other nice features are made specifically for mobile devices. Now the mobile device can be conveniently placed inside the pocket since the most common controls are found on the earphone cable. This includes the microphone button that can be used to activate the integrated microphone that is highly sensitive. Thanks to the noise isolation, phone calls sound clearer than ever even in the noisiest environments.

What is more stunning is that the microphone controls double as a remote where basic functions can be used to control the portable device even if it is inside the pocket. Controls like pause, skip, back, and resume can be sent to the player depending on how many times the button is pressed. iPod users can enjoy voice memo recording using the same controls.

Bottom Line

The Etymotic hf2 did it right in both sound quality and features making it worth the $179 price tag. Online sources may even sell the pair for even cheaper costs. This is why the hf2 headset received awards and praise for its overall presentation and appeal. Anybody wants to listen to music easier while also boosting the sound quality will benefit from these earphones in every possible way including comfort.

More user reviews:
• “I travel frequently and bought these to enjoy while on a plane, as well as while working out. I prefer in-ear buds, as I believe you get a purer sound and they are much smaller to travel with. I’ve had mid-priced Sony’s before, which I liked while running (with one ear out). I decided to splurge and buy these since they also have a mic.

I really like the fit. They go deep, but not too deep into the ear canal. I notice that while running, though, if you start to huff and puff, they might move around a bit – or, if in place, you might feel as if you’re breathing is being held back. Sure, you’ll have to keep a napkin and maybe a wipe around for after your workout, but you’re wiping down the treadmill, too, right?

In terms of sound quality, I like the clarity of sound, though I agree with others that it would be nice to have a bit more bass. I’ve fiddled around with the position of the buds in my ear, and while there was some improvement, I don’t get the body-shaking bass I’d like. Overall, though, good fit and clear sound.” – K.Kohatsu (IL,USA)

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• “You’ve seen those people with earphone-mic combos for those phones – you know, *those* people who walk around, holding the mic up to their mouth, who might as well pull out the earphone and just hold the phone up to their ear. Are they uncomfortable, thinking that the mic won’t pick up their voice, or are they compensating for a lackluster microphone? If the latter, that will not be necessary with the Etymotic HF2 earphone headset, whose mic is every bit as strong as the one built into most phones, if not better. I tested this set with an iPhone 3G, and those on the other end were not able to guess that I was on a headset microphone rather than the iPhone’s admittedly high-quality mic – that’s a great compliment right there. The mic, which hangs about three inches below the right earphone, seems to be able to filter out background noises, as well. As for controls, it’s simple – there’s one button on rectangular microphone unit. Press once to answer or hang up a call, twice to send a call to Voicemail. As for sound quality of the headphones, they’re fantastic, and that’s no surprise given the pedigree associated with the Etymotic name. I’m an Ety fan – I have a pair of Ety ER6i as well as their “big brother” the ER4P, and the sound quality of the HF2 ranks right around the ER6i, which should be excellent for most people. Those not familiar with the “Etymotic sound,” it is extremely clean, and many may find it lacking in bass, but it is very true to the recorded sound, unlike many other cheaper (and sometimes similarly priced) earphones. What you hear with Etymotics is a very accurate, if sometimes stark, representation of the sound that the artists captured. They are not good headphones for those looking for huge bass response. Those who enjoy jazz and great detail in their music might just love the Etymotic sound – they truly are an audiophile company. And when it comes to calls, there’s also a small thrill to be had that first time you talk to someone and hear them in stereo through these earphones if you’ve never experienced it before. The world is blocked out due to the earphones’ superior sound-dampening abilities, and the caller on the other end is extremely clear.” – T.Johnson (USA)

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