Etymotic MC5 Noise Isolating Earphones Reviewed
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I'm a bit of an earbud/headphone geek, which basically means that anytime I see something new, I've pretty much gotta try them out! And that's exactly what has happened with the Etymotic MC5 earbuds. Etymotic is known for producing the most accurate sound possible from their products, but with the value or bargain oriented customer in mind. The Etymotic MC5 earbuds fit that description, as the earphones are bargain priced (almost always sold for under $100) but still provide sound accuracy that is typically not seen below the $400 priced earphones. We'll talk about the high quality sound and how it's produced in our Etymotic MC5 earphone review, how the noise isolating system works, and whether the Etymotic MC5's are right for you!
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First off, the Etymotic MC5 earbuds are of the noise isolating variety of earbud or earphone. This means that the Etymotic MC5's do not use any artificial white noise generating mechanisms to block the sounds, but actually use their unique design to seal other noises out, so you can hear your music without interruption. With the Etymotic MC5 earbuds, noise isolation is taken to a new level, as you just can't hear a single thing with these earphones, outside of passing by jack hammers or running the lawn mower. The noise isolation should work for a maximum of 42 decibels, although around 32 decibels is the limit for complete silence.
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The Etymotic MC5 earbuds are a little different in just how they create such a deep seal against outside noise and interference. To work properly in noise isolation, the Etymotic MC5 ear tips need to be inserted pretty deep into the ear canal. The first time you put the MC5 earbuds in your ears, if you are new to this in-ear experience, might feel a bit weird. If so, Etymotic ships each pair of MC5's with several sets of eartips to help you find the best fit for your ear. Each individual's ear canal is a different shape and size, so testing each pair of eartips is recommended.
The sound quality for the Etymotic MC5 earbuds is rated to be 85% accurate, which is the top score today for any earphones below the $400 price line (or below professional studio series earphones). Etymotic achieves this highly accurate score with something they call the "Acoustic Control Chamber". You can see a cross-section photo of what the Acoustic Control Chamber looks like, but to be brief it features a 3 band equalizer to heighten the quality of mid and high range frequencies. This dedication to mids and highs is something that is continually left out of other earbuds and phones, leaving a tinny sound. Not with the Etymotic MC5's, as the sound quality is extremely accurate to what the original artists recorded.
Etymotic MC5 Noise Isolating Earphone Photos
Bass isn't left out of the equation either with the MC5's. Etymotic purports to produce a very clear yet tight bass sound with the Etymotic MC5 earbuds. Getting a fantastic bass sound does seem to up to the user of the MC5 earbuds, though. Like other earbuds that stick into the ear canal, or earphones like the MC5's that go into the ear canal, you'll need to seat the MC5 eartips correctly in your ear to get the best bass sound. The tunnel through the Acoustic Control Chamber and through the eartips need to point to what amounts to your "sweet spot" on your ear drum to achieve a the best bass. This is definitely achievable by almost all users, but may take some adjustments until you get it right.
Bass has always been Etymotic's downfall in earphones, just because people love a lot of bass. However, Etymotic responds by saying that they do reproduce the bass as it was recorded, and not necessarily like you want to hear it. If you like a lot of bass, or want your music to have more bass (almost everyone does), then you may be unsatisfied with the MC5's.
Because the Etymotic MC5 earbuds seat directly into the ear canal, they should stay put far better when exercising (jogging, running, elliptical use as examples) than other earbuds. Because of their noise isolating abilities, I do not recommend their use during cycling, and especially with traffic. You will not here the cars and trucks around you, making them completely unsafe for that. I also do not recommend their use for jogging, walking, or running on roads containing traffic. Again, for the same reasons. But for all exercising within the gym or outside tracks without traffic, the Etymotic MC5's can be a great pair of earphones to complement your workout!
The Etymotic MC5 earbuds are finished off with an aluminum casing which houses the Acoustic Control Chamber, and is available in four colors (black, blue, red, and green). The cord is fairly thin, but is Kevlar reinforced, and does feel very durable (as far as earphone cables go). A small, black, zipper pouch is included for storing the MC5 earbuds, the 4 sets of eartips, replacement filters (protects the earphones from ear wax), and a filter removal tool.
If you are looking for high quality earphones like the studio quality sets from Shure, but want to avoid the high prices, look further at the Etymotic MC5 earphones. They reproduce sound at the accurate levels everyone outside of the studio will want, but at a bargain price!
Etymotic MC5 Noise Isolating Earphone Specs
* Model / ASIN: ER7-MC5 / B003S3RFIQ
* Colors: Black (most popular), Blue, Red, and Green on the aluminum casing
* Housing: aluminum
* Noise Isolating: Yes
* Decibel Rating: 32 decibels to 42 decibels maximum noise isolation
* Sound Accuracy: 85%; tops in class
* Ear Tips: 4 different sizes of eartips are included for fitting into your ear canal
* Case: Black zippered pouch included
* Cord Length: 4 feet
* Release Date: June 2010
References
Etymotic MC5 review - The latest technology reviewed by experts ...
Etymotic Research MC5 review £55 The MC5 earphones sound generally well-...
Etymotic mc5 headphones review - Pocket-lint
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Etymotic MC5 Noise Isolating Earphones - Youtube Video Review
Etymotic Research MC5 Noise Isolating In-Ear Earphones (Red)
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B. Daniels is the lead review expert with Find Cheap Bargains. B. was more than likely the person responsible for the hands-on review of every product on the site. He also spends time searching for sale bargains when not conducting and writing the reviews.
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