DownBeats compared to ER-20
I'm a long-time user of the [[ASIN:B0044DEESS Etymotic ER20 attenuators]]. I have both sizes of Etys, and I just bought some of these DownBeats.<br /><br />Here's my comparison.<br /><br />The DownBeats come in a robust aluminum case. They don't rattle inside (there's a plastic liner), and the base doesn't unscrew and fall off the lid. It does clank on my keys, so I wrapped it in tape. It's easy to get the plugs out of the case.<br /><br />The Etys come in a rubbery plastic squeeze-case. Also fine on a keychain, but a little more bulky, lighter, and a lot less noisy. The rubbery case gets dirty and beat up over time. It can be difficult to get the plugs out.<br /><br />The DownBeats are shorter -- only two flanges against the Etys three, and a stubby stem. That makes them smaller and less noticeable from the front -- the stem doesn't poke out from your ears. But the stems of the Etys are clear, while the DBs are white; from the side the Etys are less noticeable for that reason.<br /><br />The shortness is an advantage under a helmet, hat, or laying against a pillow, but it slightly works against the DBs when inserting and removing. Only slightly, though.<br /><br />Now, on to comfort and fit.<br /><br />The flanges on the DBs are as fat as the large Etys. If you have small-to-medium ears, that might affect how well they fit.<br /><br />To me, with mid-to-large ears, both the white (large) Etys and the DBs are noticeable in the ear -- there's a constant gentle feeling of pressure when inserted. It's not bothersome, but you do notice it when compared to the smaller Etys.<br /><br />The Etys go deeper into the ear, and have a longer stem. That makes them less comfortable than the DBs. The comfort distinction is exaggerated if you're moving your ears or wearing something on your head -- the stem moves and applies pressure inside the ear canal.<br /><br />By contrast, the smaller blue Etys are slightly more comfortable than the DBs, but only if you stay still and don't move your face!<br /><br />Sound-wise: all three are good, and to most ears there won't be a difference in attenuation or sound quality. Fit is the most important factor to how these perform for you.<br /><br />Comparing back-to-back with good over-the-ear headphones is too close to call regarding quality: it would be dishonest to make a judgment. The DBs seem to attenuate slightly more than the blue Etys, which makes sense -- the blue Etys are probably a tiny bit too small for my ears. The DBs seem to have a more even attenuation curve, blocking heavy basslines a little better than the Etys.<br /><br />In conclusion: I'm carrying and wearing the DBs. I find them more comfortable, I prefer the way they sound, and I value the small improvement in attenuation.<br /><br />If you have small ears, have trouble inserting or removing earplugs, or want a soft case, you might prefer the Etymotic ER20s. If you find deep earplugs uncomfortable, need a lower-profile appearance, or want a hard case, go for the DBs. If you're stuck between the two, the DownBeats are a good choice.
Rating: 5 stars