Specs / Features
Isolator earphones for today's active lifestyles--tune out the world around you, so you can hear every detail in your music. Ideal for commuting, travel and sports activities. Low-profile, 6mm neodymium moving coil drivers fit comfortably with hats and helmets. 35-42 dB of noise isolation lowers the risk of listening at unsafe levels. Reinforced 4 ft cable and 3.5 mm stereo jack.
Isolator earphones for today's active lifestyles--tune out the world around you, so you can hear every detail in your music. Ideal for commuting, travel and sports activities.
Low-profile, 6mm neodymium moving coil drivers fit comfortably with hats and helmets. 35-42 dB of noise isolation lowers the risk of listening at unsafe levels. Reinforced 4 ft cable and 3.5 mm stereo jack.
Specification
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Etymotic |
| Model | ERMK-5 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Release date | 16-January-2018 |
| Size | 119 cm (46.9 in) |
The "1-Minute" Review
What's good
- Price
- Great passive noise isolation
- Neutral sound profile
- Multiple tip options
- Long cable
What's bad
- Slightly bright at high volumes
- Foam tips might cause discomfort
- No in-line remote
The mid-tier market for earbuds and in-ear monitors can be a tricky place -- especially if you’re looking for a natural sound profile. With a history of higher-end audio and ear protection equipment, Etymotic seems equipped to tackle the task.
The features are straightforward. You’ll find a 4-foot Kevlar lined cable with an angled 3.5mm jack and three sets of ear tips. The triple-flange tips come in two sizes to help find a good fit and seal. The foam tips come in one large, chunky size.
While reviewers found the foam tips best for noise isolation, some noticed mild discomfort with extended use.
There’s also no in-line remote or mic, so you’re left using your phone or media player to switch tracks and take calls.
At first glance, the MK5 Isolators look like a fairly unassuming set of in-ear monitors -- complete with blister packaging. Unlike their higher-priced balanced-armature models, the MK5s use 6mm neodymium moving coil drivers.
However, reviewers loved the soundstage and balance of the audio produced. The tip design also works to block out ambient noise and allow you to listen to your audio at a lower level to reduce ear fatigue and lower the risk of hearing damage. Etymotic claims the earbuds offer 98% isolation in the 35-42 dB range.
If you’re looking for the bass-heavy profile of a pair of Beats or Skullcandy buds, you won’t like the MK5 isolators. The sound profile is mostly flat with just enough bass to balance things out. Reviewers noted a slight brightness, particularly in the upper-mids. Pushing volume levels accentuated this further.
While the earbuds won’t win any beauty contests, the basic tubular design received high marks for durability from most reviewers. The cord appears to be of decent quality and the angled 3.5mm jack should help to reduce stress on both the jack and the audio port of your media player.
Overall, reviewers loved the earbuds with one caveat -- they’re not for bass junkies. Player.One said, “The mk5s will definitely be in my carry-on next time I fly.” BassGear Magazine declared, “I feel confident that I can trust my ears with their products. The mk5 Isolator earphones sound great and seem very sturdy. These are definitely a great bang for the buck.”
Critic Reviews
Reasonably good sound, incredible isolation
7.7/10
Whilst the MK5 Isolator may only rely on relatively small 6mm dynamic drivers, due to the amount of isolation it creates, the sound is a bit better than what you might expect. However, there simply is no way of getting around this…this IEM is on the bright side. So, if you’re a basshead, these absolutely won’t be for you.
Whilst the MK5 Isolator may only rely on relatively small 6mm dynamic drivers, due to the amount of isolation it creates, the sound is a bit better than what you might expect. However, there simply is no way of getting around this…this IEM is on the bright side. So, if you’re a basshead, these absolutely won’t be for you.
Offer crystal-clear sound that’s kind to your ears
8.5/10
Etymotic’s mk5 Isolator Earphones are a solid, bulk-free option for work, study and travel, markedly minimizing ambient noise without the need to crank up the volume to potentially harmful levels.
Etymotic’s mk5 Isolator Earphones are a solid, bulk-free option for work, study and travel, markedly minimizing ambient noise without the need to crank up the volume to potentially harmful levels.
Sounds very good
For us, the Mk5 Isolator was full of surprises. Though the triple-flange ear tips are an acquired taste and their sound signature might be too neutral for some users’ tastes, we think they’re worth trying for the isolation alone.
For us, the Mk5 Isolator was full of surprises. Though the triple-flange ear tips are an acquired taste and their sound signature might be too neutral for some users’ tastes, we think they’re worth trying for the isolation alone.
A real earful
The mk5 Isolator earphones sound great, and seem very sturdy. These are definitely a great bang for the buck.
The mk5 Isolator earphones sound great, and seem very sturdy. These are definitely a great bang for the buck.
Very noise isolating, great sound quality
8/10
A no-frills pair of earphones with great sound. At retail $59, they’re reasonably priced, especially if you value crisp, undistorted and detailed music.
A no-frills pair of earphones with great sound. At retail $59, they’re reasonably priced, especially if you value crisp, undistorted and detailed music.
Neutral-sounding earphones
7/10
The Etymotic MK5 are classy earphones that are a great choice for those who can’t afford to spend a extra on the company’s more expensive earphones.
The Etymotic MK5 are classy earphones that are a great choice for those who can’t afford to spend a extra on the company’s more expensive earphones.
Best all-around product yet released
It fits better in the ears, sounds better, and is equally priced to the older MC5; it even has the most palpable bass of any Etymotic product I’ve ever tried. Its sound quality is without reproach, especially considering that it sells at $59 USD, and it does so by sticking to its long-held guns...More
It fits better in the ears, sounds better, and is equally priced to the older MC5; it even has the most palpable bass of any Etymotic product I’ve ever tried. Its sound quality is without reproach, especially considering that it sells at $59 USD, and it does so by sticking to its long-held guns about target accuracy in frequency response.
Resources
Review Sources and Citations
CYMBACAVUM, TrustedReviews, Thither, Bass Gear Magazine, iLounge, Player.One, Samma3a
Share / EmbedYou can share this accessory with friends or embed the reviews widget on your website.
Q&A Forum
No questions for the moment.
