Etymotic Research ER3SE Studio Edition High Performance In-Ear Earphones (Detachable Balanced Armature Drivers, Noise Isolating, High Accuracy, Studio Grade Accuracy)

I purchased the ER3SE as a replacement for a pair of Etymotic HF5 and highly recommend them.  Midrange definition has been improved, and they retain the bright sound of the HF5s.  I chose the SE above the XR model as, for my listening (aotearoa dub, reggae), the SE was balanced whereas the XR seemed somehow exaggerated. My experience with all Etymotic earphones I have owned (ER6i, HF5, ER3SE) has been heavliy influenced by the choice and fit of the tips, and I would encourage spending time to experiment with differnet types, sizes, lengths and depth of insertion. When you find one that really fits your ears well (fat 2-flange ones in my case), it makes a huge difference to the bass resposne

I bought these to replace a worn out pair of HF5 earphones. These seem to have a better build and replaceable cables will make a difference, but try as I might to enjoy the sound these put out, they are just a little less engaging than the HF5 earphones. I haven't had them long enough yet to dissect the difference and my HF5s are dead, so I can't easily do an a-b comparison. I would buy a pair of new HF5s if they were available, and I hope that after breaking these in, using them for awhile, they will either grow on me or will begin to sound nicer. I was disappointed when I saw that the case came with a limited selection of foam ear pieces.