Between the ER4XR and Svanar, the ER4XR comes out ahead in impedance, while the Svanar wins on sensitivity. Overall, the ER4XR scores 39.7 and the Svanar scores 50.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Svanar is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 10.6 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the ER4XR if you care most about impedance. The biggest gaps in its favor are impedance.
Pick the Svanar if you care most about sensitivity. Its strongest claims are sensitivity.
Both ship with comparable driver count, detachable cable, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Svanar is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Etymotic - ER4XR wins
- ▲Impedance — 15.00 Ω less. 45 vs 60.
Why Hifiman - Svanar wins
- ▲Sensitivity — 9.18% more. 107 dB vs 98 dB.
Spec comparison
Drivers
| Spec | Etymotic - ER4XR | Hifiman - Svanar |
|---|---|---|
| Driver count | 1 | 1 |
| Driver types | Balanced Armature | Dynamic (Topology Diaphragm) |
| Impedanceⓘ | 45 Ωlead | 60 Ω |
| Sensitivityⓘ | 98 dB | 107 dBlead |
Build
| Spec | Etymotic - ER4XR | Hifiman - Svanar |
|---|---|---|
| Detachable cable | true | true |
| Connector | MMCX | 0.78mm 2-pinlead |
Spec-level deep dives
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