The Etymotic HF5 earphones are the best earphones under 200$ for a reason. Attention to Detail.

First impressions: Simple yet elegant design. I like the rubbery feel on the earphone itself and the cables. It feels very sturdy. 2 years warranty is very nice. I also like how i can fit these over the ear compared to other Etys. Tri-Flanges isolate sound like crazy.

Source: Cowon O2, Fiio E5 amplifier, impendance adapter, and lossless files whenever i can (FLAC)

Lows: Its a typical Etymotic sound. Superb detail on mids and highs, weak bass. When i say "weak" it doesn't mean something like invisible or un-noticeable. Just there is minimal Air Movement going on. This does not concern me very much because i usually use the HF5 for Classical music but for the bass junkie, go look somewhere else. For people who like the typical Ety sound, these sound truely amazing. Overall, the bass is a small improvement over the ER4s and bass COULD be better, but that would just ruin the "ETYMOTIC" sound.

Mids: Come on. Its Etymotic. Mids are clear and crisp, however i find them quite dry and cold. Etymotic is all about cold precise sounds and the HF5s do just that. To me, all that is very boring. I personally find the vocalists LACKING heart and soul when i listen to the HF5. Overall a very good sounding mids.

Highs: This IS Etymotic. Highs just sound brilliant. No other words to describe it. With the lack of bass and the abundance of highs, it makes the HF5 sound bright. Because the HF5 is mostly High oriented, it can be a little tiring on the ears for long sittings. Heres a warning. If you are going to use the HF5s with crappy bit rate music files, the HF5s are going to take these flaws and throw them at your face. The HF5s REQUIRE high bitrate. Also the Ety HF5 likes to be amped which makes the treble more soft and improving clarity making one of the best trebles out there. Superb stuff from Etymotic. Seriously..

Soundstage: Once again, its a typical Ety so the soundstage isn't very big. What it really sounds like is, it sounds like you are in a small recording room with one of your favourite singers, bands, ect. Very precise, true to the ear sound.

Fit: To me, im used to Etymotics. The fit can go quite deep if you are using the Tri-Flange tips so be warned at first. Eventually you will get used to it. I prefer the Shure Olive foam tips. Much easier on the ear.

Cable: Stury feel without losing flexability. I especially like how the jack is on a 45 degree angle compared to 90.

Comfort: pretty much what i said in fit.

Microphonics: I heard lots of complaints about the microphonics on the HF5 and other Etymotic products. Worn downwards, i can definately hear some microphonics going around but worn upwards, i can barely notice any microphonics.

Amped and unamped differance: The HF5s dont sound horrible unamped, but they like being amped with additional impedance. Really, they dont NEED an amp, but its definately recommended, in order to show its maximum potential.

Build Quality: Amazing. Its Etymotic. Anything based on the ER4 means fantastic build quality. Also 2 Years warranty and Etymotic customer service is known for being the best out there.

Value: I find the HF5 good? for the value.. but i cant really compare anything better than this for around the price.

Isolation: I have saved the best for the last. Etymotic are KNOWN for isolation. As soon as you put them on and walk into a very loud environment, trust me on this, there is no need to increase the volume. It isolates sound, Period.

Conclusion: Amazing stuff from Etymotic. Definately worth buying.

I have always used closed back studio monitor phones (mostly Sennheisers). I basically decided to buy a pair of these on a whim as I could also use them as hearing protection for work. It took a while to find the right tip since my ear canals are fairly narrow. I settled upon the foam glider which is comfortable and seals properly.

I wasn't sure whether I'd ever use these in the studio but after a couple sessions I think they might just become my go to phone for tracking. The isolation is above and beyond what I'm used to with normal phones and the comfort factor makes it all that much better. So while I don't have any experience with other high end in-ears I will say these things blew me away. I was also surprised to hear that people thought these were lacking in the low-end as I think they have considerable kick.

These hf5s are excellent. Not bass punchy but with a bit of boost they satisfy my taste in listening. Isolation is second to none, comfort with a perfect and necessary seal is reasonable and these guys fit deep in the ear canal. I use Klipsch oval tips and they are my perfect solution for fit, comfort and sound quality. I appreciate the clarity and balance afforded my music across all frequencies. Sound stage is average and good. I bought these to replace a set of HiFiman RE 0s which died prematurely (very) and I'm satisfied with my decision.