Short answer: the Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#103 and #114 of 450 in-ear headphones), and the Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro costs $279 against $298.98 for the Etymotic EVO, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the Etymotic EVO: Three balanced armature drivers deliver a flat, uncolored midrange, with the 1 to 3 kHz region within 0.5 dB of the Harman target and a preference score of 78. The catch: Bass is lean, with sub-bass about 3.3 dB under target and the 60 to 200 Hz region 1.5 dB under, so kick drums and bass lines have less weight than most listeners prefer.
Why pick the Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro: It scores 79.1 in the median of 4 squig.link measurements, with a 1.47 dB spread and mids that hold close to target. The tradeoff: Presence is about 3 dB below target with a 4.7 dB dip near 3.75 kHz, which pulls vocals and guitar attack back.
Buy the Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $19.98 less than the Etymotic EVO.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Etymotic EVO | Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298.98 | $279.00 |
| Ranked | #114 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones | #103 of 450 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 79 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.89 dB standard deviation | 1.47 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.39 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 3 x balanced armature | 1 x dynamic + 4 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 47 ohms | 43 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB SPL at 0.1V, 1kHz | 108 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 16kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Etymotic EVO: $298.98 Amazon eBay
Pros: Three balanced armature drivers deliver a flat, uncolored midrange, with the 1 to 3 kHz region within 0.5 dB of the Harman target and a preference score of 78. Response is smooth, with a standard deviation of 1.89 dB around target. The deep-insertion wired design is passive noise isolating, and the 47 ohm impedance still works from a phone or dongle.
Cons: Bass is lean, with sub-bass about 3.3 dB under target and the 60 to 200 Hz region 1.5 dB under, so kick drums and bass lines have less weight than most listeners prefer. Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 3.5 dB low and the response drops 7.4 dB near 11.9 kHz, which makes cymbals and air sound dull. Sensitivity of 99 dB at 0.1V is modest, so volume needs more headroom than the most efficient earphones.
Full Etymotic EVO review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.89 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 3 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 16kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 47 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB SPL at 0.1V, 1kHz |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +0.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,788 Hz | -3.1 dB | 1.61 |
| Peak | 6,507 Hz | +4.6 dB | 1.49 |
| Peak | 197 Hz | -1.4 dB | 1.38 |
| Peak | 64 Hz | +1.9 dB | 0.98 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +4.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 819 Hz | +1.2 dB | 1.66 |
| Peak | 1,255 Hz | -0.9 dB | 3.19 |
| Peak | 4,378 Hz | -0.7 dB | 4.42 |
| Peak | 7,270 Hz | -1.7 dB | 5.95 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro: $279.00 Hangout.Audio eBay
Pros: It scores 79.1 in the median of 4 squig.link measurements, with a 1.47 dB spread and mids that hold close to target. Sub-bass sits about 1.6 dB above target below 60 Hz, adding deep rumble while the upper bass stays slightly lean, so the low end stays clean rather than boomy. The 108 dB/Vrms sensitivity and 43 ohm load suit phones and dongles.
Cons: Presence is about 3 dB below target with a 4.7 dB dip near 3.75 kHz, which pulls vocals and guitar attack back. A 3.7 dB peak near 8.4 kHz can add some edge to sibilants, and the equally rated Binary 1900 and DUNU Falcon Ultra cost less.
Full Myer Audio SLIIVO SL-41 Pro review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2026 (8 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.47 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature) |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic + 4 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 79 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 43 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB/Vrms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.39 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons