This review was originally published in the iLounge Holiday Buyers’ Guide 2005-2006. Please download the Buyers’ Guide for additional photographs.
Ninety percent of ER-4P’s clarity at 60% of the MSRP, plus a clip-laden bass-boost box? That’s iM716, designed by Etymotic for Altec to satisfy cost- and quality-conscious listeners.
If you like detailed sound, pick HD mode, or use Bass mode for stronger mids and lows. “Stronger�? is the key word: though the mid-bass gets a boost, you won’t hear a low-end thump comparable to super.fi 5EBs or other bassy phones; pick these for the definition.
Foam and standard Ety triple flange earpieces aid in good isolation and comfort. Unlike ER-4P, these are available in white, but like 4P, you’ll hear a lot of cord noise when you move around—especially in wind.
