Short answer: the Beats Studio Buds. Both are rated 3.9/5 for sound quality (#521 and #469 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Beats Studio Buds costs $138.86 against $149.99 for the Etymotic ER2XR, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the Beats Studio Buds: In oratory1990’s measurement the upper mids sit within 1 dB of target and the response holds a 2.2 dB standard deviation, so voices come through clean and forward. Watch for: The 60 to 200 Hz bass range sits about 4 dB below target, so bass guitar and male vocals sound leaner than the rumble down low would suggest.
Why pick the Etymotic ER2XR: Bass and midrange track the target closely in oratory1990’s measurement, with sub-bass only about 3 dB shy and a smooth 2.3 dB deviation overall, earning a preference score of 73. Watch for: Treble is muted, about 4 to 6 dB under target from 3 to 10 kHz with a 12 dB dip near 11.9 kHz, so cymbals and the sense of air are subdued.
Buy the Beats Studio Buds. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $11.13 less than the Etymotic ER2XR.
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In oratory1990’s measurement the upper mids sit within 1 dB of target and the response holds a 2.2 dB standard deviation, so voices come through clean and forward.
Amazon $138.86 eBay
Bass and midrange track the target closely in oratory1990’s measurement, with sub-bass only about 3 dB shy and a smooth 2.3 dB deviation overall, earning a preference score of 73.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Beats Studio Buds | Etymotic ER2XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $138.86 | $149.99 |
| Ranked | #521 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #469 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 73 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.22 dB standard deviation | 2.26 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.13 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.23 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 8.2mm dynamic | 1 x dynamic |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5 g) per earbud | - |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | - |
| Impedance | - | 15 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 96 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 16kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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