The first thing that I am going to say about the Etymotic Research ER2XR Earphones is the fit is VERY important, these are not like a normal set of headphones where you just throw them on your head and they work.
These earphones do actually fit inside your ear canal and make a seal they don’t just sit on the outside, if they are fitted correct the clear tri flange tip will have just about disappeared inside your ear canal. Some people can’t get away with the deep insertion. I don’t have a problem.
Sound.. Now sound is very subjective, these are designed to give a neutral sound, but because they are the XR version the bass is emphasised a little bit. These are not for bass heads. But they definitely do not lack bass at all and they do have a great mid range and a realistic treble, again not emphasised. A lot of manufacturers go for what is called a “V” shaped sound, which gives bass and treble but sucks out the mid range. This can make the sound “more exciting “ but not true to life.
To be honest I prefer these to my Sennheiser HD650’s and other sets I own which are considerably more expensive.
You would think someone has plugged the music directly into your brain. Maybe it’s because of the deep insertion? I frankly don’t know, and the only thing I do know is whether you listen to Classical, Rock, Pop or any other type of music these will make them all sound great, but of course if the music is poorly recorded that’s what you will hear.
