Shure SE530 PTH: Extraordinary Performance and Value
Written: Jul 24 '08 (Updated Jul 26 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Extraordinary sound reproduction across the frequency spectrum. Extremely high quality construction.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: There is no question in my mind that these are the best consumer market in-ear earphones you will find.
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| neila452's Full Review: |
Allow me to preface my remarks by stating that I am a music aficionado with a variety of tastes, including classical, classic rock, alternative, jazz, pop, and one or two other permutations of the aforementioned. I listen to classic rock (remastered whenever I can get it) and more recent music whose roots are in classic rock more than anything else. At work, I prefer soft classical music.
Recently, I purchased a set of Shure SE530 PTH ("push-to-hear," which I will explain below) earphones from Earphone Solutions at http://www.earphonesolutions.com. This is the first time I have purchased from this company, and my experience has been so good (which I will describe) that I unequivocally recommend them regardless of prices you might find elsewhere. However, you will find that they have low, if not the lowest prices on brand name earphones found anywhere. They are authorized dealers for all the brands they sell, which means there will never be a question should your earphones require warranty service or replacement. Shure warrants its earphones for two years, so this is not an unimportant consideration when choosing from whom you will buy.
I have owned Shure earphones in the past. Several years ago I purchased a set of E3c's and E4c's. They are single dynamic drive earphones, which means that they have one driver that covers all frequencies from high to mids to lows. Much like stereo audio systems with two speaker cabinets and a single speaker in each cabinet, the sound is acceptable but limited due to the fact that a single speaker must reproduce all frequencies for each channel, right and left.
Less than a week ago, I wrote and Epinion review on the Shure E4c's, which you will find at: http://www.epinions.com/content_437612613252. There I stated the pros and cons of the E4c's, which largely apply to the E2c's as well, and which I suspect largely applies to the majority of single driver Shure headphones -- though I don't say that unequivocally because I have not owned or tested them all. In my review, I stated that I was purchasing a set of Westone UM2's from Earphone Solutions. The UM2's are dual driver earphones. One driver performs the function of a tweeter, delivering the high frequencies. The other serves to handle the mid and low range bass frequencies. The UM2's arrived just a few days after being ordered, and I tested them with a variety of music genres. Basically, they perform well within the parameters for which they were designed, which is to deliver solid bass response. In other words, they are suitable for rock and roll and probably the best in their price class (ca. $260 currently from Earphone Solutions). However, it is my observation that the Westone UM2's sacrifice good performance at the mid and high range in order to achieve a decent bass response. I could have lived with that, perhaps, but what resulted in me returning them for credit in exchange for the Shure SE530's is that in my judgment, the bass response, while clearly present, was not clear (no pun intended, necessarily). What I mean is that the bass was not sharp and well defined. Instead, it was, for lack of better phrasing, mushy, even sloppy at times.
So, realizing that I would not be happy with them in the long run, I requested a return authorization number and immediately ordered the Shure SE530 PTH's. Allow me to describe some of the features of these earphones, stating objectively what I like about them. Though not always directly taken, some of these observations derive from my experience with the Shure E3c and E4c, as well as my brief acquaintance with the Westone UM2's.
1. The most compelling aspect of the SE530's is their clearly defined reproduction of the entire frequency spectrum, highs, mids, and lows. I find that no band is sacrificed in order to enhance the others. In the past, I have found myself playing music louder in order to catch the nuances of a particular frequency range. Incidentally, this is what sound equalizers do: they allow one to increase certain frequency ranges and, if needed, decrease others. But, who wants to continually play around with an equalizer? I use a MacBook Pro, iTunes, and an iPod exclusively. I have no desire to fine tune each song in my playlists. Rather, I want to develop equalizer settings for each playlist, which I generally organize according to genre. Thus, my classical music playlist has a different set of equalizer settings than my classic rock list.
The SE530's employ triple driver technology. Each earphone has three drivers (or speakers in stereo cabinet technology). A tweeter handles the high frequency range. Two woofers reproduce the mid and low frequencies. Shure has a small image which is linked to a pdf file that you can download here: http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.105460100 This is an illustration of the components that go into each earpiece. It just makes sense that triple driver earphones, all things being equal, should outperform single or dual driver models. For this reason, Westone will soon release their UM3 earphones, which will compete with Shure and others who have or are moving toward triple driver systems. The important thing in any multi-driver sound reproduction device is the quality of its frequency crossover circuitry. The crossover system detects which are the highs, mids, and lows and sends that portion of the signal to the correct driver. Sloppy crossover equals muddy frequency response. Sharp crossover separation means distinct and clear frequency separation. When this separation is done well, the result is a total sound that leaves no frequency of the inputted signal (i.e., the music itself) unrepresented. One will hear it all, giving a more natural and life-like sound.
The SE530's do these things well -- so well, in fact, that I don't find myself toying with the equalizer settings like I used to. I create a setting, apply it to a list, and then forget about it while I enjoy the music. In this regard, the SE530's are unique. Incidentally, I use the term "unique" in its essential definition, viz., "one of a kind." I'm sure that there are earphones that perform as well or (although I can scarcely imagine how) better than the SE530's; but there are none in this price range or lower. In this regard, the SE530's are unique.
2. The earphones fit very well. They are comfortable. This, of course, is where a lot of people have trouble. In-ear earphones may sound good, but are they comfortable? Could you wear them, say, on a twelve hour flight without having to remove them every hour or so? Even as the sound performance itself is often a matter of personal taste, so also is fit. For this reason, Shure includes sets in various sizes of its earphone tips -- soft flex, foam, and flange style. Personally, I have always preferred the soft flex. That was until I tested out the foam tips that came with the Westone UM2's. I have now changed my mind. If you buy the SE530 earphones, I recommend you consider purchasing a set of Westone Comply Foam Tips in either short or standard size. The Comply's provide the best seal against ambient outside sound I have yet to find; and, they are very comfortable. This is important when considering the whole package -- earphone, tip, your ear.
Bear in mind that triple driver headphones are physically larger than single driver models. The Shure SE530's are larger than the old E3c/E4c models. They also seem to me to be slightly larger (or, perhaps, it is just their differing shape) than the Westone UM2's. Frankly, I'm still getting used to the feel. I may try other tips before I decide what is best. I can say without fear of contradiction that they are no more distracting than a set of hearing aid devices. You see, I wear hearing aids in both ears for work (I am a college teacher). My hearing loss is in the higher frequency range (e.g., female voices -- convenient for a married many like myself!); and, I need hearing assistance in the classroom. Otherwise, I do not wear them all the time. You should have no trouble finding a comfortable fit combination between tips and earphones with the SE530's. And, by the way, my slight hearing loss at higher frequencies is more than compensated by the SE530's. Again, I attribute this to Shure's experience in crafting natural sounding earphones.
3. Decibel reduction is a big issue, especially for those of you who travel by air regularly. For years, I have considered purchasing a set of Bose noise canceling headphones; but I just could not bring myself to spend the money for them. Noise canceling technology has been around a long time, relatively speaking. While Bose employs active noise cancellation, which requires adequate battery power, the SE530's and other in-ear earphones use passive noise reduction. This means that the earphone must be properly inserted into the ear in order to achieve a relatively airtight seal. This also is essential for bass reproduction: good bass demands a good fit that seals out ambient noise.
Now, for anyone new to passive noise cancellation: lest sealing the ear canal by plugging it with a foam or rubber tipped device frightens you, don't let it. It is no different that using brand name Earplanes or foam earplugs sold in every airport across the nation. In fact, I would argue that passive in-ear noise reducing earphones are safer for your hearing than the kind of mini-speaker earbuds that you get with an iPod or buy for few dollars or many dollars (such as Sony). These type of earphones allow ambient noise in, so that the only way to get the kind of definition and frequency response you might want is to crank up the volume.
Not so with the the Shure SE530s' and other quality earphones. The SE530's will give you tremendous decibel reduction, which means that you will actually get more pleasure from your music by moderating the volume. If most of the ambient background noise around you is suppressed passively by the tips on your earphones, what you are going to hear is simply pure music.
Shure advertises that the SE530's with properly fitting tips will block over 90% of ambient external noise. Permit me to make my own comparison. I have a residential ZTR mower (that I also reviewed on Epinions) that is quite loud. I wear foam earplugs and over-the-ear earmuffs when operating it. The earmuffs block provide about -25 decibel noise reduction. That's pretty good. With the earplugs (proper insertion is crucial here), I get even more, to the point that without the mower running, I really don't hear anything from outside. What little gets through (like a person talking to me) is very muffled and nearly indiscernable.
The Shure SE530's, fitted with the tips that work best for you, and properly inserted into your ear, will give you about the same amount of noise reduction that I achieve with my lawn mowing setup. That's pretty amazing!
What this means is that on a plane, in the airport, or wherever you just want to listen to your music and not be distracted by outside ambient noise, the SE530's will allow you to do just that. Not all earphones provide this same level of reduction.
4. The PTH (push-to-hear) control is optional. You can buy the SE530's with it -- hence, model no. SE530PTH -- or without it, SE530. You can purchase the device separately, if you wish, later on. The difference in retail price is about $60. So, why buy your earphones with it, i.e., model SE530 PTH? Well, at first I wasn't sure myself why. But then, I figured it might come in useful, for instance, at times when I am flying somewhere and attempt conversation with a colleague or my wife. Others who use their headphones daily in a noisy work environment would find the PTH device useful when someone asks you a question or you need to speak briefly with an individual.
Basically, the PTH appliance is an electronic device that mutes significantly the line in signal (i.e., your music) and amplifies outside sound. This amplification is adjustable through a slide volume control on the device itself. The music still plays softly in the background, but you are easily able to carry on a conversation. I would say it would be a necessary conversation: it is not useful, in my opinion, to use while chatting for more than just a minute or two. It would seem foolish and rude, I would think, not to simply remove your earphones in such a situation. Given the fact that you have already decided to spend over $400 (Shure retail is $549, Earphones Solutions price is $499 currently less a coupon discount offer) for a set of earphones, what is $60 more? At least, that is my take on it. The device does work very well, and it is powered by a AAA battery. When the battery wears down, throw it out and put in a new one. What could be better or more simple?
As I conclude this review, allow me to plug once again Earphone Solutions. They ship their products, as promised, very quickly. Both times, with the Westone's and then a few days later with the Shure's, the earphones were here in less than three days -- and that was with their free shipping option. Also, exchanging the Westone UM2's for the Shure SE530's could not have been handled any more graciously or smoothly. If you follow their returns policy and procedure, they will take care of you without any hitches. Two days after I returned the UM2's the credit appeared on my card. These people are transparent in their business dealings, which is something anyone can appreciate. I wouldn't buy earphones from anyone else, including Amazon. I received 15% off the advertised price at Earphone Solutions. This is July, 2008. It's a good time to buy.
Finally, I am glad I spent the extra money on the Shure SE530's. They are a marvel of the latest technology in consumer earphones. They come as a kit with cords, the PTH device (if you want it), a regular in-line volume control, tips, and a couple other things. Though the hard case included will protect your earphones from damage, treat them gently. These are quality devices. As I stated earlier, and as most people who have bought expensive items know, you get what you pay for. Do you homework, to be sure. But, in the end, I think you will like the Shure SE530's better than anything else out there currently.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
neila452
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Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
College professor; fisherman; aquarist
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