Etymotic MC5 Earphones

(4.5 star rating) Written by: Mikhail Lifshits

Though the name Etymotic Research may mean little to those of us from the iPod generation, the company has no qualms about claiming the title of “world leader of In-The-Ear Technology”. Unlike most marketing claims, however, there is nothing immodest about this one – Etymotic Research invented the universal-fit in-ear earphone over 25 years ago. Though originally designed with medical and academic applications in mind, Etymotic saw the possibilities for a consumer set of in-ear earphones and the Etymotic Research ER4, later renamed the ER-4S, was born. Intended mainly for studio monitoring use, the ER4 was engineered with the utmost accuracy, precision, and neutrality in mind. Amazingly, the original ER-4S is still produced today and the paired balanced armature transducers used in each set are still hand-matched in output to within 1dB by Etymotic. Clearly, the company takes audio fidelity very seriously.

Historically, all of Etymotic’s earphones have been based around single balanced armature transducers - a design with inherent technical limitations, most notably in range and throw. Competing big-name audio firms such as Westone, Ultimate Ears, and Shure circumvented such limitations in their high-end products by using multiple balanced armatures per earpiece – a costly and complex approach. Etymotic, however, decided to go down a different path with their latest in-ear, the MC5. Utilizing a conventional dynamic driver, also called a moving coil transducer, the MC5 can cover the full frequency range and move more air than a single balanced armature. Technical particulars aside, the MC5 is interesting for being a departure from Etymotic’s usual architecture and the most reasonably-priced earphone the company has ever made. Is the MC5 a proper Etymotic for the budget-minded consumer or a radical departure from the neutral and accurate sound that made the company what it is? Let’s find out.

Packaging & Accessories

The Etymotic MC5 comes in a simple but handsome carboard box. Opening the flap reveals a window showing off the earphones themselves. Inside the box you will find:

• Etymotic Research MC5 earphones
• 2 sets of triple-flange silicone ear cushions in S/M sizes
• 1 set of Etymotic gray soft foam tips
• 1 set of Etmoyic Glider foam tips
• Zippered soft carrying case
• Shirt clip
• 1 set of replacement nozzle filters
• Filter replacement tool
• Instruction manual

The accessory pack is quite good for an $80 set of earphones. Like the similarly-priced Grado iGi, the MC5 is missing the usual single-flange silicone eartips included with almost all other in-ear earphones. However, Etymotic did a good job of putting together a universal fit kit designed to extract maximum levels of isolation from the earphones. It should also be noted that Etymotic earphones utilize a fairly standard 2.5mm nozzle so aftermarket tips from Shure, Klipsch, and Westone will work as well. We recommend Shure Black Olive foam tips or Klipsch Oval Gels as solid aftermarket alternatives to the included ear cushions.

The remaining accessories are fairly straightforward - a zippered carrying case to protect the earphones and a cable clip to reduce cord contact noise (microphonics) during physical activity. A set of replacement filters and filter changing tool are also included, along with a set of instructions on how to use them. Lastly, a brochure advertising Etymotic’s new custom eartip molding service is included for those interested in taking their listening experience a step further.

Box

Accessories

 

Specifications

• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Driver Diameter: 8mm
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 15 kHz
• Impedance (@1 kHz): 16 Ohms
• Sensitivity (@1 kHz) SPL at 0.1V: 100 dB
• Maximum Output (SPL): 120 dB
• Cable length: 4 ft (1.2 meters)
• Input connection: 3.5 mm plug
• Noise Isolation: 35-42 dB

Design & Build Quality
The design of the MC5 follows in the footsteps of previous Etymotic earphones - though the 8mm dynamic driver is much larger than the balanced armatures used in the older ER and HF series models, the shells of the earphones are still long and slim. The outer layer of the housings is made of a scratch-resistant aluminum and four metallic color options are available. The Kevlar-reinforced cables are well-relieved on housing entry and should withstand all but the fiercest yanks. There’s a very slight bit of rubbery character to the cabling but it doesn’t stick or tangle. At the end of the cable is a hockey stick-shaped 3.5mm plug designed to reduce the stress on the 3.5mm jack of a portable audio player.

On the whole, the MC5 is the least understated Etymotic earphone released so far but still a very far cry from the flashy designs perpetuated by Skullcandy and other mainstream manufacturers. The build quality is rock-solid and the earphones are clearly very well thought-out – a fact Etymotic is willing to back with their excellent two-year warranty.

Fit, Comfort, & Isolation

The fit of the MC5 is highly dependent on the eartips used. By their nature the MC5, like all Etymotic Research in-ears, are deep-insertion earphones. For optimal sound quality they require a very good seal – a fact outlined multiple times in the included instruction manual. A poor or shallow seal will undoubtedly result in a severe lack of bass response and very shrill treble. The correct fitting depth can feel intrusive for those new to high-end in-ear monitors and will take some time to get used to. After the initial acclimatization period, however, the MC5 can remain comfortable for hours with the correct tips.

When worn properly, the slim housings don’t contact the ear and the cable is light and supple. It is smooth and doesn’t bounce around much while walking or running, reducing cord contact noise (microphonics). The included shirt clip is still highly recommended for active use and tightening the cable cinch helps further. The cable exit angle is conducive to wearing the earphones both in the conventional manner and with the cable looped over the wearer’s ear – another trick often used to reduce microphonics to reasonable levels.

When it comes to isolation Etymotic Research earphones are, and have always been, in a league of their own. The combination of a slim, deep-insertion design and sealed housings puts the MC5 right up with the most isolating in-ear monitors on the market including pricier models such as the Westone UM3X, Audio-Technica CK10, and Phiaton PS200. Isolation is highest with the stock foam and triple-flange eartips and lowest with aftermarket tips such as Shure gray flex sleeves and Klipsch oval gels but on average cuts out more noise than a decent set of active noise-cancelling headphones, all while avoiding the audio artifacts introduced by ANC technology. Etymotic claims between 35 and 42 decibels of isolation – a believable range for a set such as this. For comparison purposes, Sony only claims an average of 16.5 dB of isolation with the similarly-priced MDR-NC60 and most industrial electronic earmuffs top out at 25-30dB. For those who are after the maximum possible attenuation of outside noise, it simply doesn’t get much better than the Etymotic Research MC5 for the money.

Closeup

Closeup with filters

Sound Quality Testing

Testing note: All on-the-go listening was done using Sansa Fuze and Cowon J3 portable players with a wide range of tracks in mp3 (bitrates ranging from 128 to 320kbps) format. Critical listening was done via an optical-fed iBasso D10 using only WMA and FLAC lossless files.

One thing I’d like reiterate before I say anything about the sound – like most in-ears, the MC5 is affected greatly by tip selection. A good seal is absolutely crucial but even with that out of the way there are still improvements to be had by switching tips. Though I found the included Glider tips to be more comfortable, the triple-flange silicone sleeves were my favorites for sound quality. However, due to variations in ear geometry, results will vary for individual listeners. If none of the included tips fit properly, the Shure Black Olive foam sleeves (model EABKF1) are a good ‘safe’ choice for both sound and comfort.

Like many top-level audio brands, Etymotic Research has what is known as a ‘house sound’ – a particular sound signature that all of their earphones follow to an extent. Etymotic makes no secret that utmost accuracy and fidelity is their aim and their neutral and analytical house sound reflects this – while there are numerous sonic differences between the various Etymotic Research models, the earphones certainly have more in common than in conflict. Though the dynamic driver used in the MC5 is a departure for Etymotic, the audio engineers managed to develop a moving coil transducer that conforms to the Ety mold. The MC5 is nearly flawless in balance, emphasizing no one frequency range above all others, and covers enough of the frequency spectrum to compete with Etymotic’s higher-end models.

The bass is extremely tight and controlled. The dynamic transducers move more air than the balanced armatures used in other Etymotic earphones and as a result the low end of the MC5 is more punchy and tactile but still very nearly as detailed and textured as that of the higher-end ER4 and HF5 sets. Extension is very nearly linear down to the limits of the MC5’s output, which is in the high 20Hz range, though the earphones do respond very well to equalization and can be contoured to an individual’s listening preferences. That’s not to say, however, that the MC5 can be turned into bass-heavy earphones with any amount of EQ tweaking – the drivers only have so much to give – but they do have enough overhead capacity for those with a good equalizer (e.g. BBE or Rockbox) to do some sculpting. Those looking for rumbling, full-bodied bass will still want to look elsewhere - compared to the majority of earphones from more mainstream manufacturers (e.g. Sony, Klipsch, Skullcandy), the bass of the MC5 will remain relatively subdued no matter what equalizer settings are used. The quality, accuracy, and clarity of the low end, however, simply cannot be faulted. Naturally, the low end of the MC5 is never intrusive and imparts no coloration on the midrange – the MC5 invariably remains calm and composed.

The midrange of the MC5 comes with fewer caveats than the bass. Due to the extremely balanced nature of the MC5, they can seem a bit mid-centric at times but in reality there’s no particular emphasis on any part of the middle registers. The mids produced by the MC5 are crisp, clear, and detailed. They are not overly defined as tends to be the case with some of the dryer-sounding analytical earphones but still just a touch grainy. On the other hand they are also rather transparent and resolving. With a poor or shallow seal, the upper mids can step out of line on occasion, bringing with them bouts of vocal sibilance (the accentuation of ‘ssss’ and ‘shhh’ sounds in vocals) but with well-fitting tips sibilance is minimal. Even at its most sibilant the MC5 is not nearly as offensive as the higher-end Etymotic HF5.

Moving on up, the treble of the MC5 is accurate and prominent but not hyper-detailed as it tends to be on analytical armature-based earphones such as the Etymotic HF5 and Phonak PFE. Compared to the HF5, the treble of the MC5 is not nearly as bright or energetic, instead appearing softer and more controlled. Like the midrange it can be just a touch grainy and yet isn’t what I would call ‘sparkly’. Still, the top end of the MC5 is definitely not for the treble-sensitive.

Another closeup

Overall, the MC5 is not as cold-sounding as the higher-end armature-based Etys, not as clinical. It is also slightly more forgiving of low-bitrate rips and poor mastering but the whole garbage in = garbage out adage still applies on the whole. Clipping, distortion, sibilance – any and all mastering artifacts will be made apparent by the MC5, though not quite to the same degree as with the HF5 and ER4. Therefore those in search for an earphone with which to listen to 96 kbps rips of poorly mastered recordings best steer far clear of this set.

Sound signature characterized, we move on to presentation - an essential part of the overall sound of any earphone. Presentation refers to how adept the earphone is at tricking the listener’s brain into thinking that the music is not coming from two discrete point sources. The better the presentation, the more immersive the overall listening experience will be. Etymotic earphones usually do a good job of separating out individual instruments but aren’t known for providing the most three-dimensional presentation in the world of high-end in-ears, and the MC5 is no exception. The soundstage, or imaginary ‘space’ in which the MC5 can position instruments, has good width but only average depth. Soundstage height is something most in-ears struggle with and the MC5 is no exception there, either – don’t expect to be able to pinpoint bursts of sonic waves escaping individual organ pipes with these. Due to the immense clarity and detail the Etys still manage to sound realistic but there are earphones that provide a more immersive experience for the money, such as the Fischer Audio Silver Bullet. Audiophiliac quibbling aside, however, the new member of the Etymotic family is a great addition to the line-up, providing a cheaper and oh-so-slightly more mainstream alternative without losing the properties that make Ety earphones special.

Etymotic Research MC5 Earphones

Despite being a bit of a departure for the company, the newest member of the Etymotic Research in-ear family comes through with flying colors in nearly every aspect but, like most in-ears, carries its own set of caveats and qualifications. Perhaps the largest such caveat is the fit – although the MC5 comes with a decent selection of tips, they are all designed to extract the maximum amount of isolation from the earphones and as such must be inserted deep into the ear. For new users of high-end in-ear monitors, this may cause discomfort at first and will require some trial and error in terms of finding the optimal fitment. On the upside, the isolation of the MC5 puts it right at the top of the game, just a small step under custom-molded earphones and Etymotic’s flagship monitors. Build quality, too, is near the top of the food chain with a metal housing and Kevlar-reinforced cabling, all backed by Etymotic’s 2-year warranty.

There is a second big caveat to the MC5, however, and that is the sound signature. The earphones are shamelessly accurate, impossibly neutral, and extremely clear. From a technical standpoint they are at the top of the game – leagues above mainstream competition such as the Klipsch S4 and JAYS t-JAYS. However, though the dynamic drivers are capable of excellent extension at the limits, the MC5 lacks the bass presence and treble energy some of the competitors take such pride in providing. As a result, those who don’t particularly favor an uncompromisingly balanced sound may find the MC5 slightly boring, slightly inept at conveying energy and excitement, much like a consumer using high-end studio monitors to listen to music may want to go back to a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers. That, then, is the Etymotic Research MC5 in a nutshell – an amazing feat of audio engineering that is more consumer-friendly than the higher-end models but still far from being all things to all music lovers. For those who just want to hear their music the way it was mastered, the MC5 represents one of the best possible ways to spend $79 – a great introduction to audiophile sound at a great price. For everyone else, the appeal of the earphones will be highly dependent on personal audio preferences.

Pros: Stellar noise isolation; solid build quality; very clear, detailed, balanced, and accurate sound.

Cons: Deep-insertion form factor takes getting used to; neutral and balanced sound won’t appeal to everyone.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

www.etymotic.com