Tuesday, January 29, 2008 -- 10 a.m. -- on my couch
I'm not sure if you knew this about me, but I'm a headphone snob. Now, don't go confusing a headphone snob with an audiophile -- I'm just someone who likes the headphones I'm listening to to sound good and look good.
In October, I reviewed the V-Moda Vibe Duos and was very pleased with them.
Now, I've had the opportunity to use the Shure SE110 Sound Isolating Earphones for several weeks and I'd put them in the same class as the Vibe Duos. I'll also admit that I'll miss them when I send the review unit back.
From the moment you take them out of the packaging, you can tell that this isn't going to be an ordinary headphone experience. And when you plug them into your iPhone for the first time, you might be blown away by what you hear -- especially if you are used to the standard Apple earbuds -- which are just OK.
Here's what you get:
Sound Isolating Sleeves
The Fit Kit includes three sizes (S, M, L) of the Flex and Black Foam Sleeves -- so if you have big ears like I do, you'll be OK.
Modular Cable
Detachable 3-foot cable allows you to tailor your experience.
Carrying Case OPTIONAL: Music Phone Adapter
Compact and keeps the earphones tangle free -- you may have some tangles ... nothing horrible, but in my testing, it was rare that the wire remained tangle free.
You need this piece to switch between music and calls. This is the only thing I really didn't like because V-Moda includes this feature as part of the headphones. Even though there are several levels of Shure headphone above this one, every level should include this adapter.
I listened to these things on the bus, while walking fast and slow and in traffic and I was never disappointed by the level of sound quality. And what amazes me is that I know that the next level up sounds even more incredible -- just from what I heard. So, if I received this kind of quality with my test headphones, I can only imagine what comes next.
The Shure SE110's have an MSRP of $119.99, but you can get them for less -- I've seen them for as little as $80. For $80, I'd get two pairs. They are that good.
And additional kudos to the Shure folks for a great Web site. There's a lot of information here, including instructions, comparisons and even a demo.
If you have questions, let me know.
Thanks for calling.
6 Comments
Brian Sherman said:
I'm a headphone snob as well. I do love great sound quality but comfort is more important to me, especially with in-the-ear phones. I've tried just about all of them except for the v-moda ones. The shures are the best headphones I've ever used though. They are so comfortable even after hours of keeping them in. The sound is wonderful too, way better than the bose in-ear headphones. I don't mind that they don't come with the microphone. Sure it would be nice but I have no problem with taking out my earbud to answer the phone. The only problem I've found with these is that after awhile the rubber around the jack comes lose and exposes the wiring. I had the same problem with the bose ones as well. It's just from it bending at that point so much over time. A little dab of super glue on the opening works well. I don't know if this would be a problem with the v-moda phones because they have the cloth wiring cover as opposed to rubber. They are definitely worth the buy though.
SCOTT'S REPLY: Thanks for the great DIY tip, Brian. That's very useful.
Tim Brown said:
Scott, I checked out the Shure website. Do you know if the Music Phone Adapter can be daisy-chained with their Push To Hear module?
Also, if any of your readers have tried the more expensive Shure sound isolating earphone models ... have they said whether there is sufficiently better sound to warrant the extra $$$?
SCOTT'S REPLY: Tim, I don't know that ... I hadn't had the opportunity to do that ... I can tell you that Shure has a great customer service e-mail department -- they get back really quick.
As for the more expensive variety, I haven't heard from anyone but I'll put out a call ... is there anyone who has experience with the higher level Shure headphones? I'd like to know and Tim would like to know what you think of them.
I can say, Tim, that I've seen many a review on the higher level ones and I've seen some very high marks.
Hope that helps. Check back here often and we'll see if anyone answers the call.
Tim said:
Scott, a couple of follow up questions, 1) do you know if the Shure Music Phone Adapter for iPhone (model listed on the Shure web site is MPA-3C) has the extended type plug needed for the recessed iPhone jack and 2) if it can be used with non-Shure branded hear/earphones? I have several existing stereo headphones and would prefer not to use in-the-ear earphones.
SCOTT'S REPLY: I can't speak for non-Shure headphones. I just don't know that. The one on the site is fully compatible with the iPhone, though. That I tested.
Kim said:
I've just ordered the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 4vi earphones for the iPhone. I've never used non-Apple ones before (on either iPods or iPhone) but decided that my iPhone deserved something better (and they Apple buds keep falling out of my ears!) These ones are more expensive but you get the answer phone control button as standard. Because I'm only used to standard Apple buds, I'm sure these will sound brilliant to me.
Hopefully they'll arrive in the next couple of days.
SCOTT'S REPLY: Kim, I haven't had the pleasure of trying these but from what I've heard, they sound really nice. Please let us know what you think.
Tim said:
Hi Scott, I contacted Shure about using the Shure Music Phone Adapter for iPhone (model listed on the Shure web site is MPA-3C) with non-Shure branded head/earphones. Their next day response was, "Yes, any earphone or headphone with a stereo 3.5 mm plug." Thanks to Jim R at Shure who responded.
SCOTT'S REPLY: Excellent, Tim. And yes, they have great customer service.
Sandra said:
Just bought some Shure SE210 in-ear headphones this weekend after reading this review last week. After using the standard iPod ear-buds for 3 years they are incredible. Who knows what the SE530's sound like!
I'm from the UK and found the SE210's at a good price from HiFi Headphones - http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk
SCOTT'S REPLY: I am very interested myself in finding out how the 530s sound ... glad you are enjoying your purchase.
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