got an Etymotic 6isolator but...

With some people (like myself) the whole unit goes completely inside the ear. Sometimes you have no choice but to pull on the cord.

It sounds like your ER 'phones at least work. I bought a pair of ER6i two months ago and one of them is all but dead. I've written ER twice (their website seems to have disappeared) and ditto the dealer in the last two weeks with no reply whatsover.

I have the suspicion that the "filter" needs to be cleaned but don't have a clue how to do it. It's mentioned in the "instructions" (a pathetic description) but no explanation is given on use of the provided tool, etc. etc.

Junk with no support IMHO.

maybe you hit them at a bad time? try calling them
1.888.Etymotic
i haven't heard of any bad experiences other than yours.

Originally posted by glockster
I do wish they would provide the same brief manual with the product as it is very illustrative and useful.

Perhaps I have received a "new version", but both sets of ER-6i's that I received include the printed version of the PDF that is on the ER Website.

-Deke

Hmm...Interesting. My manual covers it with full pictures on page 8 & 9. I initially tried to order new filters on-line, but there was a problem with the store. I called them up..very nice people.

Back on topic, yeah, you need to twist a little bit and pull lightly. It took me a few weeks to get used to it, but it only takes me a little more effort than the EX71's did. And you get much better sound.

Etymotic Research usually has fantastic customer service. I have asked questions and have received samples from them in the past with no problems.

With regards to the original poster's problem, it's not good to pull on the cord like that. You're likely to loosen the wire and lose sound out of one or more of the earbuds, which can happen with any earphone you pull cords on, Ety or otherwise. If the flanges are too small for your ears (which sounds like your problem, if you have to insert them that deeply) then you might want to try some of their large foam tips. Some of the larges are very large indeed. You can email Ety's customer service regarding the foamies, and they are likely to send you some large foam samples.

Also, Shure has triflanges as well, which I believe do fit on Etys, so if you are up for trying some of their sleeves, you might find one that's a better fit.