Shure SE530PTH Headphones

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SHURE SE530PTH HEADPHONES

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On June 6th I visited Shure headquarters in Niles, IL. At the end of the day, Matt Engstrom and Kevin Spiegel were nice enough to set up a demo of the NEW Shure SE530PTH earphones for myself and my wife.

The Shure SE530PTH was surprisingly light. Matt told me it is the lightest earphones ever manufactured by Shure. He also told me of the importance and long thought process that was choosing the correct and best location for the drivers. This will be the first Universal fit Triple Driver earphones to be built.

I was very impressed by the sound. The mids and lows had a lot of definition. When compared to the Shure SCL5, I thought they had a much better mid range which in my opinion was where the SCL5 lacked. The comfort and fit are superior to the SCL5. They made in my opinion the best earphones of their line so far. As soon as we receive our stock I will make sure to test the SE530PTH extensively against the Westone UM2. From what I was able to listen the SE530PTH may well become our new Editor�s Choice. The main difference in the sound is the presence and definition of mids and lows without obscuring the highs. It has a balanced output but with definition. In general there is a trade off between sounding balanced, warm and �musical� with having to accept a bit of �muddiness�. With the SE530PTH earphones, Matt and the cool folks at Shure accomplished warmness, balanced sound with clarity and excellent definition on the mid range and low range.

The cable of the SE530PTH is only about 12-15 inches long which then connects to a female jack on the end of the cable (I�m guessing 3-4ft. cable) that comes from the Push-To-Hear device which then connects to the iPod or any other portable player. The PTH piece is very well built, sturdy. It has a belt clip and it has a recessed knob for the volume of the music that plays on the background once you push the Shure PTH so that the outside sound can be captured by the built-in microphone. Matt told me that the design of the knob was done that way so that the background volume could not be changed by accident or easily as you should have to do that just once. Once I pushed the button I could hear the conversation around me and the music was playing at a very low volume on the background. Awesome feature! I bet this device will be the most desired accessory of in-ear earphone owners. Unfortunately the PTH sold as a separate accessory will not be out until end of the year. The SE530PTH does come with the PTH accessory.

The third shipment of the Shure SE530-PTH will be in stock on August 1st.

Just a side by side comparison, shape wise the UM2 and the SE530 are very similar. The SE530PTH earpieces are lighter than the UM2. The SE530PTH is more round and the fit and comfort are excellent.

UM2 has slightly stronger bass and the SE530PTH has stronger mids with a bit more detail on that range. I was glad to see the memory wire (as in the SCL5) go. Some people loved those wires but not me.

I am right now listening to some smooth jazz using the Shure SE530PTH earphones with the Westone ComplyTips.

I started with the sleeves that came with the SE530PTH but frankly, in my case, the ComplyTips are unbeatable because they seal but without the vacuum feeling which often makes me a bit dizzy.

I'm not an audiophile (I think -- I do own a Manley pre-amp integrated, Snell speakers, Lexicon amplifier and pre and some other stuff which IMHO was expensive, but I know many guys here have much more $ invested in cables alone ) and I don't read response curves, which I have been told are of less importance with in-ear earphones since your ear canal acts as a speaker cabinet and everybody's ear canal is different, so excuse my humble opinions here. They are merely empirical and not technical.

The SE530PTH headphones has definitely more definition than the UM2 on the mid range. I'm sorry if I can't describe it correctly. The E4 had a lot of definition but it was just too crispy. Even harsh with some songs which some would perceive as bass shy. The SE530PTH has definition, especially on the mids, which the SCL5 did not. Matt had explained to me when we first tested the SE530PTH at Shure that the SCL5 had lots of low and high because that's usually what the musician needs on stage. The Shure SE530PTH is a much better performer than the SCL5.

The comfort and fit is comparable to the UM2 with an edge to the SE530PTH because where the cables bend and touch your ears is not felt as it is with the UM2. The earpieces are extremelly light. The cable is also very light. I was always a fan of light cables. I don't think they have to be heavy and thick to be good. Westone proved that. With the Etys it's different as you can say the cables are light AND fragile and give a lot of microphonics.

Using the ComplyTips with the SE530PTH earphones I get NO microphonics from the cable. If you are chewing ice, than in my case, it's a thunder inside the head, no matter which earphones you are using.

Because of your question, I just popped the UM2 in. Man, do I love the UM2?

I will say by running this 2 minute test, the UM2 has a stronger bass and the SE530PTH has more detail on the mid range. The UM2 is also more efficient but I think I'm enjoying the sound of the SE530PTH more.

Sorry but between switching earphones which takes almost a minute, it's hard to do a good comparison between these two. We will be better equipped to do a good side by side next week.

SE530 Technical Specifications

Driver type: Triple balanced armature drivers
Sensitivity: 119 dB SPL/mW
Impedance: 36 ohms
Weight: 30g (1 oz.)
Frequency Range: 18Hz-19 kHz
Input Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8�) gold-plated stereo plug

SE530 Earphones
Zip Carrying Case
Push-To-Hear Control
Modular Cable Options
1/4" Adapter
Level Attenuator
User's Guide
Shure 2 Year Warranty Replacement or Repair
Fit Kit
FREE EarphoneSolutions Instructions and Tips on How To Get the Best Sound Exclusive

Shure SE530PTH Earphones
By Drew on March 25, 2009
Comments: These earphones are absolutely incredible. The sound quality is amazing. A little pricy but they are definately worth the price!

Shure SE530PTH Earphones
By Mike C on January 20, 2009
Comments: Decent earphones. Good sound. Haven't tried the PTH module yet. Very pricey, though! Also, the fit is NOT as good as the SCL-4 which I still use. The design is a big flat and doesn't fit into the ear as well even when using the newer black foam earplugs which I use on the SCL-4. NONE of the other earplugs fit! It feels like the earpieces will fall out! Because of the less than perfect fit, outside noise is heard so the noise isolation is impaired! Another thing, the main cord is really short and is attached to a second lengthy cord! WTH did Shure do this? It's a real PAIN in the A** since both cords are needed to use the earphones! May sell them on eBay or something but will continue with the SCL-4 instead which I prefer! Too pricey for the average music listener so stick with the SCL-4 or SE420 instead and save some money!

Shure SE530PTH Earphones

By Mike C on January 20, 2009

Comments:

Decent earphones. Good sound. Haven't tried the PTH module yet.

Very pricey, though!

Also, the fit is NOT as good as the SCL-4 which I still use. The design is a big flat and doesn't fit into the ear as well even when using the newer black foam earplugs which I use on the SCL-4. NONE of the other earplugs fit!

It feels like the earpieces will fall out! Because of the less than perfect fit, outside noise is heard so the noise isolation is impaired!

Another thing, the main cord is really short and is attached to a second lengthy cord! WTH did Shure do this? It's a real PAIN in the A** since both cords are needed to use the earphones!

May sell them on eBay or something but will continue with the SCL-4 instead which I prefer!

Too pricey for the average music listener so stick with the SCL-4 or SE420 instead and save some money!

Shure SE530 PTH: The Best of the Best
By Neil Anderson on July 24, 2008
Comments: The Shure SE530 PTH earphones are simply the best in-ear music reproduction devices I have ever used. I am not one who needs to purchase earphones like pairs of socks, i.e., in different brands and colors. However, I have owned Shure E3c's and E4c's in the past, which perform decently in their category as single dynamic driver devices. I tried a pair of Westone UM2's which from Earphone Solutions, but decided that they were not right for me. They were good, but not great. My brief experience with the UM2's (and let me be clear: they are very good) led me to do the thing I had sought to avoid -- that is, paying the higher price to get the SE530's. I now see why the recommendations for these earphones are all so positive. I would not have understood that without experiencing them firsthand. If the kind people at Earphone Solutions will permit me, I have written a detailed review of the Shure SE530 PTH's at Epinions. The link is http://www.epinions.com/content/write.html?cid=438439153284&update=1 Earphone Solutions is a great company and a true pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend that whatever brand or type of earphone set your choose, get them here. You will not find a better place.

Shure SE530 PTH: The Best of the Best

By Neil Anderson on July 24, 2008

Comments:

The Shure SE530 PTH earphones are simply the best in-ear music reproduction devices I have ever used. I am not one who needs to purchase earphones like pairs of socks, i.e., in different brands and colors. However, I have owned Shure E3c's and E4c's in the past, which perform decently in their category as single dynamic driver devices. I tried a pair of Westone UM2's which from Earphone Solutions, but decided that they were not right for me. They were good, but not great. My brief experience with the UM2's (and let me be clear: they are very good) led me to do the thing I had sought to avoid -- that is, paying the higher price to get the SE530's. I now see why the recommendations for these earphones are all so positive. I would not have understood that without experiencing them firsthand.

If the kind people at Earphone Solutions will permit me, I have written a detailed review of the Shure SE530 PTH's at Epinions. The link is http://www.epinions.com/content/write.html?cid=438439153284&update=1

Earphone Solutions is a great company and a true pleasure to deal with. I highly recommend that whatever brand or type of earphone set your choose, get them here. You will not find a better place.

Good for listening to equalized recordings
By Dogan Bilge on May 31, 2008
Comments: Purchased these after 6 years of listening to ER-4S which I loved dearly. I purchased e5c 3 years ago and sent it back after 2 days. I thought the sound signature of e5c was extremely muddy. The treble was rolled off a bit too much. SE530 even though has a soft treble rolloff still has the sparkle you need in many recordings. But after listening to 100 different albums this week, I find these go best with boombox equalized recordings like 99% of pop albums. If the recording has a blowed up treble it'll sound awesome with these headphones. But if you are listening to a classical score you can find them a bit too smooth. I prefer ER-4S for listening to Jazz, Classical, even Rock. But I must say these things sound awesome with pop, I never enjoyed some of my pop albums like I'm doing now, makes me wanna sing out lout while listening. Great midrange sweetness. But not for monitoring. If you want flat response go for Triple Fi's or ER-4S. Headphone amp used: PS-Audio GCHA

Good for listening to equalized recordings

By Dogan Bilge on May 31, 2008

Comments:

Purchased these after 6 years of listening to ER-4S which I loved dearly. I purchased e5c 3 years ago and sent it back after 2 days. I thought the sound signature of e5c was extremely muddy. The treble was rolled off a bit too much. SE530 even though has a soft treble rolloff still has the sparkle you need in many recordings. But after listening to 100 different albums this week, I find these go best with boombox equalized recordings like 99% of pop albums. If the recording has a blowed up treble it'll sound awesome with these headphones. But if you are listening to a classical score you can find them a bit too smooth. I prefer ER-4S for listening to Jazz, Classical, even Rock. But I must say these things sound awesome with pop, I never enjoyed some of my pop albums like I'm doing now, makes me wanna sing out lout while listening. Great midrange sweetness. But not for monitoring. If you want flat response go for Triple Fi's or ER-4S.

Headphone amp used: PS-Audio GCHA

awesome earphones
By BOB on May 21, 2008
Comments: Awesome Earphones!

amazing
By jason on July 8, 2007
Comments: i hate people that drop points because of price i mean hello,for the price you get the best,if you cant afford them then get cheaper but sacrifice quality,these are without doubt 5 star products,price is high but you get the best,if you dont want the best go ahead and spend less,my mate has $900 ue 10 pro,and i tell you he admits these are as good if not better so now say these are expensive for the quality!!

amazing

By jason on July 8, 2007

Comments:

i hate people that drop points because of price i mean hello,for the price you get the best,if you cant afford them then get cheaper but sacrifice quality,these are without doubt 5 star products,price is high but you get the best,if you dont want the best go ahead and spend less,my mate has $900 ue 10 pro,and i tell you he admits these are as good if not better so now say these are expensive for the quality!!


By PK Chuatico on November 24, 2006
Comments: Just got this buds in HK, they really are a cut above. Have been using your editor's choice, Westone buds, still excellent but these e500s, wow!


By chang TA on November 20, 2006
Comments: good


By billy e. on October 29, 2006
Comments: awesome, totally awesome!!!


By milkpowder on October 14, 2006
Comments: Very, very nice indeed. The sound is pretty balanced. Highs are very detail and extend pretty well. Mids are butter-smooth, yet retaining good detail. Bass is punchy, but well controlled. These are excellent for all genres of music, in particular jazz and rock. Very musical sounding. They are a massive improvement on the E4. PTH module, though very light, is exceptionally bulky and a complete waste of space. I hardly use mine :) Build quality is excellent and the accessory pack is packed with tips and useful tools. Highly recommended.

By milkpowder on October 14, 2006

Comments:

Very, very nice indeed. The sound is pretty balanced. Highs are very detail and extend pretty well. Mids are butter-smooth, yet retaining good detail. Bass is punchy, but well controlled. These are excellent for all genres of music, in particular jazz and rock. Very musical sounding. They are a massive improvement on the E4. PTH module, though very light, is exceptionally bulky and a complete waste of space. I hardly use mine :) Build quality is excellent and the accessory pack is packed with tips and useful tools. Highly recommended.


By eric daniels on September 24, 2006
Comments: very nice earphones but the price is too high


By Grace on September 16, 2006
Comments: These sound FANTASTIC straight out of the headphone jack of the new 2nd gen Nanos!! I use 320 aac or Apple lossless and these babies bring out detail while still giving you plenty of low end. When I first got them I was disappointed since I have an old 3rd gen ipod which is very bass shy in the sound. I did not hear enough bass or warmth with the e500s connected to it. The Superfi 5 pros sound better with the old 3rd gen ipods than the e500s. But the new nanos sound real nice with these. Warmth and detail combined. Nice marriage! I use the foam tips for more "thump". :)

By Grace on September 16, 2006

Comments:

These sound FANTASTIC straight out of the headphone jack of the new 2nd gen Nanos!! I use 320 aac or Apple lossless and these babies bring out detail while still giving you plenty of low end. When I first got them I was disappointed since I have an old 3rd gen ipod which is very bass shy in the sound. I did not hear enough bass or warmth with the e500s connected to it. The Superfi 5 pros sound better with the old 3rd gen ipods than the e500s. But the new nanos sound real nice with these. Warmth and detail combined. Nice marriage! I use the foam tips for more "thump". :)


By James on August 21, 2006
Comments: Great earphones! I went with using the triple flange sleeves, although it takes longer to get used to, until they conform to your ear canal. I deal with allot of riveting at work, and I can barely hear it now, and don't really have to crank up the music to hear it. I'm also a drummer, and they make for great studio monitoring. Bass is incredible, high end is crisp and natural, mids are punchy and ads major clarity to vocals. Well worth the price, and the PTH gadget is a plus, so you don't have to remove the earphones to chat with someone. This is a first buy from earphone solutions as I did the pre order thing, and I had a few questions about this product in which I emailed them about, and they were right on it. Plus they were delivered only 2 days after receiving there email it was on the way. I'll definitely be a return customer.

By James on August 21, 2006

Comments:

Great earphones! I went with using the triple flange sleeves, although it takes longer to get used to, until they conform to your ear canal. I deal with allot of riveting at work, and I can barely hear it now, and don't really have to crank up the music to hear it. I'm also a drummer, and they make for great studio monitoring. Bass is incredible, high end is crisp and natural, mids are punchy and ads major clarity to vocals. Well worth the price, and the PTH gadget is a plus, so you don't have to remove the earphones to chat with someone. This is a first buy from earphone solutions as I did the pre order thing, and I had a few questions about this product in which I emailed them about, and they were right on it. Plus they were delivered only 2 days after receiving there email it was on the way. I'll definitely be a return customer.


By nightmedia on August 5, 2006
Comments: Shure E500 - just got mine today I have to listen more to them, but here's my first take. I used the following system: - Headroom desktop portable / custom PS, output from PC digital out - IAudio X5 - Direct PC output (SB Audigy) I compared them to: - Beyer DT880 - Sony SA5000 - Shure E4c The bass is a bit punchier than the DT880, but seems a bit muddy. Definitely better bass than the others, they have here something going. I recall having a better bass on the HD650, but I forgot them in the office, so I could not compare them. The midrange is very good, close to the E4c - I guess that's matter of taste, and what you're listening to. The highs are not as good as the DT880, but are very well defined, and seem better than SA5000 and E4c. I seriously doubt they would need burn-in, as I did not notice a difference in burn-in for the E4c's. They are LOUD. They are by far the headphones that put out the loudest sound given any type of source. For example, on a Iaudio X5, I have the E500 at 22, and have to turn it to 30 to get the same output on the E4c. They are also hard to overload. Where your ears give up, these babies just start. I guess if you're into rap music and getting rid of your hearing at an early age, these headphones are your best shot at it... You do need a very good sound source. They are unforgiving to low-res MP3 as they are to crappy sound outputs. A very good amp makes a lot of difference. I tried with direct connections to the PC / portable player too. Iif the PC gives you static, or the track has some residual noise, you do hear it, loud and clear, more so than the other headphones -- I have about the same problem with the SA5000. I saw some comments that these are lighter - they seem the same weight as the E4c to me, they are just a bit bigger, so I guess that gives the impression of being lighter. They are very comfortable, I have to give them that. It is easier to put them on and take them off than the E4c. There is no cable noise, and since the cable is thinner than the E4c, they are definitely easier to handle. The gizmos that come with them are more than you would ever need to connect to anything and everything. They come with all combinations of sleeves and sizes, 2 adapter cables, 1 adapter with volume control, 1 full size jack adapter. There is a filter removal tool, but no replacement filters in the package. I guess these could be ordered separately. They do not have separate sound conduits for the drivers, it's all through one filter. They come with an oval profiled black case, similar with the case from the E4c's, but just a bit bigger, so it can accomodate the PTH adapter. The PTH adapter takes one AAA battery (included). I put in a rechargeable Ni-MH, and works just the same. The PTH itself is very well built, very solid, and has no switching noise between direct and the microphone loop. The microphone is built into the female plug that hangs just about the heart level, facing downwards, and picks the surrounding sound pretty well, without catching any cable noise. There is also a shirt clip that can be moved up the cable as needed, but is rather loose. Are they worth $500? To really get the best out of them, you need a good sound source, preferrably a good amp, and that's something you just don't have with you on the street. If you are listening in the office, like I do, and you have a good system, they are worth it, especially for the PTH gizmo, that saves you taking them out of your ears when somebody stops by. But then you are better off with HD650/DT880, at least then people DO see that you are listening to something, and will rather not bother you in the first place. If you listen on the road, get the E4c and save a bundle, since with a mediocre sound source and environmental noise, the E4c sound better. The only argument at this time would be the bass response, which with the proper sound source is outstanding. If anybody wants pics, I could take some macro shots, just let me know.

By nightmedia on August 5, 2006

Comments:

Shure E500 - just got mine today
I have to listen more to them, but here's my first take.

I used the following system:
- Headroom desktop portable / custom PS, output from PC digital out
- IAudio X5
- Direct PC output (SB Audigy)

I compared them to:
- Beyer DT880
- Sony SA5000
- Shure E4c

The bass is a bit punchier than the DT880, but seems a bit muddy. Definitely better bass than the others, they have here something going. I recall having a better bass on the HD650, but I forgot them in the office, so I could not compare them.

The midrange is very good, close to the E4c - I guess that's matter of taste, and what you're listening to.

The highs are not as good as the DT880, but are very well defined, and seem better than SA5000 and E4c.

I seriously doubt they would need burn-in, as I did not notice a difference in burn-in for the E4c's.

They are LOUD. They are by far the headphones that put out the loudest sound given any type of source. For example, on a Iaudio X5, I have the E500 at 22, and have to turn it to 30 to get the same output on the E4c.

They are also hard to overload. Where your ears give up, these babies just start. I guess if you're into rap music and getting rid of your hearing at an early age, these headphones are your best shot at it...

You do need a very good sound source. They are unforgiving to low-res MP3 as they are to crappy sound outputs. A very good amp makes a lot of difference.

I tried with direct connections to the PC / portable player too. Iif the PC gives you static, or the track has some residual noise, you do hear it, loud and clear, more so than the other headphones -- I have about the same problem with the SA5000.

I saw some comments that these are lighter - they seem the same weight as the E4c to me, they are just a bit bigger, so I guess that gives the impression of being lighter.

They are very comfortable, I have to give them that. It is easier to put them on and take them off than the E4c. There is no cable noise, and since the cable is thinner than the E4c, they are definitely easier to handle.

The gizmos that come with them are more than you would ever need to connect to anything and everything. They come with all combinations of sleeves and sizes, 2 adapter cables, 1 adapter with volume control, 1 full size jack adapter.

There is a filter removal tool, but no replacement filters in the package. I guess these could be ordered separately. They do not have separate sound conduits for the drivers, it's all through one filter.

They come with an oval profiled black case, similar with the case from the E4c's, but just a bit bigger, so it can accomodate the PTH adapter.

The PTH adapter takes one AAA battery (included). I put in a rechargeable Ni-MH, and works just the same. The PTH itself is very well built, very solid, and has no switching noise between direct and the microphone loop. The microphone is built into the female plug that hangs just about the heart level, facing downwards, and picks the surrounding sound pretty well, without catching any cable noise. There is also a shirt clip that can be moved up the cable as needed, but is rather loose.

Are they worth $500?

To really get the best out of them, you need a good sound source, preferrably a good amp, and that's something you just don't have with you on the street.

If you are listening in the office, like I do, and you have a good system, they are worth it, especially for the PTH gizmo, that saves you taking them out of your ears when somebody stops by. But then you are better off with HD650/DT880, at least then people DO see that you are listening to something, and will rather not bother you in the first place.

If you listen on the road, get the E4c and save a bundle, since with a mediocre sound source and environmental noise, the E4c sound better.

The only argument at this time would be the bass response, which with the proper sound source is outstanding.

If anybody wants pics, I could take some macro shots, just let me know.


By Flavio T on August 5, 2006
Comments: Shure E500PTH Earphones More Comments (5 days with them) pad I spent 3 straight days with the E500 and the UM2 last weekend and I will post a review on EarphoneSolutions.com and probably here at HeadF as well. I listen to all kinds of music and I had a good sample loaded to my Shuffle (great amp by the way specially at $99 with iPod included). Conclusion: I had more pleasure and could listen to more hours straight with the UM2. I would "guestimate" that 70% of the songs sounded better with the UM2 and 30% better with the E500. UM2 is still warmer. E500 has more detail on the mid range and stronger mids as well. UM2 has better bass. Some types of music will sound better with the E500 (songs that require a "clean" background). The mids and lows are WAY better than the E4. E4 in my opinion is just too crispy. Again, depending on the kind of music you listen to (for example, Cat Steven will most likely be unbeatable on an E4). I think that the fewer instruments in a song, the better the E4 will sound. As I listen to all kinds of music, E4 is out for me. This may shock some, but between the E4 and the E3, I prefer the E3, again, in part because of my music collection and personal taste. I think the verdict is that the UM2 are still more "musical" and the E500 have slightly more detail on the mids. Sometimes you want that, sometimes not. One thing I prefer about the UM2 is the cables. They are more "invisible" in the sense of having or not to deal with them. The E500 cables are a bit thicker and heavier than the cables of the UM2. Also, because the E500 has the female jack and male plug from the extension cable situated 10-12" from the earbuds, it adds to the overall weight which does not help keeping the earphones in place (minor nuisance). The comfort and fit of the E500 is outstanding. This business has a lot to do with anatomy and in my case the UM2 is still the best match. Of course, I could change my mind as I listen more to the E500 and try the new black foam tips that Shure will release in about 2 months.

By Flavio T on August 5, 2006

Comments:

Shure E500PTH Earphones More Comments (5 days with them)
pad
I spent 3 straight days with the E500 and the UM2 last weekend and I will post a review on EarphoneSolutions.com and probably here at HeadF as well.

I listen to all kinds of music and I had a good sample loaded to my Shuffle (great amp by the way specially at $99 with iPod included). Conclusion: I had more pleasure and could listen to more hours straight with the UM2. I would "guestimate" that 70% of the songs sounded better with the UM2 and 30% better with the E500. UM2 is still warmer. E500 has more detail on the mid range and stronger mids as well. UM2 has better bass.

Some types of music will sound better with the E500 (songs that require a "clean" background). The mids and lows are WAY better than the E4. E4 in my opinion is just too crispy. Again, depending on the kind of music you listen to (for example, Cat Steven will most likely be unbeatable on an E4). I think that the fewer instruments in a song, the better the E4 will sound. As I listen to all kinds of music, E4 is out for me. This may shock some, but between the E4 and the E3, I prefer the E3, again, in part because of my music collection and personal taste.

I think the verdict is that the UM2 are still more "musical" and the E500 have slightly more detail on the mids. Sometimes you want that, sometimes not.

One thing I prefer about the UM2 is the cables. They are more "invisible" in the sense of having or not to deal with them. The E500 cables are a bit thicker and heavier than the cables of the UM2. Also, because the E500 has the female jack and male plug from the extension cable situated 10-12" from the earbuds, it adds to the overall weight which does not help keeping the earphones in place (minor nuisance).

The comfort and fit of the E500 is outstanding.

This business has a lot to do with anatomy and in my case the UM2 is still the best match. Of course, I could change my mind as I listen more to the E500 and try the new black foam tips that Shure will release in about 2 months.


By Justin Drjuggles on August 3, 2006
Comments: My Shure E500 arrived yesterday while I was at work, so I had to wait until today to collect them. It's definitely been worth the wait, the guys are right about that. Some of my impressions: Build & Quality/Finish - They're far more stylish than the E5cs. Not that it's any concern of mine what they look like, but given the choice between two identically good products, good looks never hurt in making a choice. I really like the lightweight design of both the phones themselves and also the cable. It makes for a far more comfortable fit. I can't believe they've added an extra driver and lost all that weight, and the E5c weren't all that heavy to begin with. I also like the new ridges on the barrel. It works for a couple of reasons, firstly it prevents if the sleeves are slid over the top of it, it makes them that little more secure and difficult to get off. Secondly, my ear canals are quite deep and the soft-flex sleeves used to fit poorly on the E5c. With the E500, I can slide them up to the ridge but not over it, and now I can use the soft-flex sleeves too. I still prefer the sound that the tri-flange delivers, but having the extra option is nice for the days when my ears are feeling a little sensitive, as tri-flanges are slightly more intrusive than the rest of the fittings. Presentation out of the box is of a high quality, although those familiar with the E5c will know what to expect. Accessories - The PTH accessory is a nice idea, but it's one I'll seldom use because the E500 are far easier to put in and out than the E5c, and so removing one for a few seconds while I talk to someone else is an easy task. I can definitely see the uses of the PTH module, but it doesn't suit my needs, although things like aeroplane travel or public tranport with regular announcements may entice me to use it. I like the fact that a battery (and a decent one at that) is included with the module. It costs very little, but it's a touch that few companies manage to add. The extra cabling options to allow for fitting around whether or not you use the PTH module are also good options. I'm a bit of a worrier over things like this though, the fewer connections and switches in the audio path, the better for me. I'm fairly sure it makes no discernible audible difference, I'm just funny like that, so the fact that I have to add another cable if I want to put my iPod and amp into my jeans pocket is something that bothers me slightly. The standard fit-kit is a familiar accessory, but no less useful for it's familiarity. Initial listening impressions - I'm not going to go too deeply into things here, I've only been listening for a total of 3 hours and I don't believe I've yet covered enough ground to provide a proper review yet. Suffice it to say, though, that on comparison with my E5c, it's already clear that I'll be selling the E5c on. I love the E5c and for more than two years they were my travel companion of choice, but there's a definite edge held by the E500. In the past I've always used IEMs as travel 'phones. They perform an excellent job for travel, isolation and a 'fun' sound signature are always prevalent and welcome, and the E5c delivered plenty of what I wanted in spades. I had no real complaints. Critical listening, however, wasn't all that useful through them. For instance, many times I'd listen to an old favourite on my HD650s and hear a sound I'd never heard in the past and think "cool, never noticed that before." The E5c never delivered similar mini-revelations. It's not a complaint I had of them, I never expected them to do that. The E500s, however, have changed that. And they did it within 30minutes of me putting them on. I was listening to Pearl Jam's 'Vs.', an album I know better than any other. And I was struck by a little detail I'd never heard before. It was a small detail, but it was there, I heard it, and I'd never even picked it up on the HD650s before. Now I'm not saying these are better than the HD650s. They're excellent headphones and I'm not sure that we'll ever see the day that the best IEMs really compare with the best headphones. What I am saying, though, is that the E500s have the detail revealing capabilities to help show sounds I've never heard through IEMs before. I've got IEMs that are now very, very close to what my full headphones achieve. The only thing really restricting them now is how good my portable player's DAC is, because from what I hear now (I'm listening to them through the X-Ray v3/Raptor combination) they scale well enough to me to enjoy them on my main rig, something I seldom bothered doing with my E5c. My only slight 'issue' with the E500 is that I slightly prefer the 'fun' bass of the E5c, the E500 is probably more correct and controlled in audiophile terms, but I quite like the bass that the E5c reproduces. Having said that, the E500 is a superior all round IEM to anything else I have heard, beating the E5c/UM2 into second place (I like them both), the ER4 into third, and the E3 further back into fourth with the E2 bringing up the rear. Please note this list is in order of absolute sound and not value/sound. I've got plenty more to say about these, but for the moment I'm going to be concentrating on the sounds playing in my head.

By Justin Drjuggles on August 3, 2006

Comments:

My Shure E500 arrived yesterday while I was at work, so I had to wait until today to collect them.

It's definitely been worth the wait, the guys are right about that.

Some of my impressions:

Build & Quality/Finish -
They're far more stylish than the E5cs. Not that it's any concern of mine what they look like, but given the choice between two identically good products, good looks never hurt in making a choice.
I really like the lightweight design of both the phones themselves and also the cable. It makes for a far more comfortable fit. I can't believe they've added an extra driver and lost all that weight, and the E5c weren't all that heavy to begin with.
I also like the new ridges on the barrel. It works for a couple of reasons, firstly it prevents if the sleeves are slid over the top of it, it makes them that little more secure and difficult to get off. Secondly, my ear canals are quite deep and the soft-flex sleeves used to fit poorly on the E5c. With the E500, I can slide them up to the ridge but not over it, and now I can use the soft-flex sleeves too. I still prefer the sound that the tri-flange delivers, but having the extra option is nice for the days when my ears are feeling a little sensitive, as tri-flanges are slightly more intrusive than the rest of the fittings.
Presentation out of the box is of a high quality, although those familiar with the E5c will know what to expect.

Accessories -
The PTH accessory is a nice idea, but it's one I'll seldom use because the E500 are far easier to put in and out than the E5c, and so removing one for a few seconds while I talk to someone else is an easy task. I can definitely see the uses of the PTH module, but it doesn't suit my needs, although things like aeroplane travel or public tranport with regular announcements may entice me to use it.
I like the fact that a battery (and a decent one at that) is included with the module. It costs very little, but it's a touch that few companies manage to add.
The extra cabling options to allow for fitting around whether or not you use the PTH module are also good options. I'm a bit of a worrier over things like this though, the fewer connections and switches in the audio path, the better for me. I'm fairly sure it makes no discernible audible difference, I'm just funny like that, so the fact that I have to add another cable if I want to put my iPod and amp into my jeans pocket is something that bothers me slightly.
The standard fit-kit is a familiar accessory, but no less useful for it's familiarity.

Initial listening impressions -
I'm not going to go too deeply into things here, I've only been listening for a total of 3 hours and I don't believe I've yet covered enough ground to provide a proper review yet.

Suffice it to say, though, that on comparison with my E5c, it's already clear that I'll be selling the E5c on. I love the E5c and for more than two years they were my travel companion of choice, but there's a definite edge held by the E500.

In the past I've always used IEMs as travel 'phones. They perform an excellent job for travel, isolation and a 'fun' sound signature are always prevalent and welcome, and the E5c delivered plenty of what I wanted in spades. I had no real complaints.

Critical listening, however, wasn't all that useful through them. For instance, many times I'd listen to an old favourite on my HD650s and hear a sound I'd never heard in the past and think "cool, never noticed that before."

The E5c never delivered similar mini-revelations. It's not a complaint I had of them, I never expected them to do that.
The E500s, however, have changed that. And they did it within 30minutes of me putting them on. I was listening to Pearl Jam's 'Vs.', an album I know better than any other. And I was struck by a little detail I'd never heard before. It was a small detail, but it was there, I heard it, and I'd never even picked it up on the HD650s before.

Now I'm not saying these are better than the HD650s. They're excellent headphones and I'm not sure that we'll ever see the day that the best IEMs really compare with the best headphones.

What I am saying, though, is that the E500s have the detail revealing capabilities to help show sounds I've never heard through IEMs before. I've got IEMs that are now very, very close to what my full headphones achieve. The only thing really restricting them now is how good my portable player's DAC is, because from what I hear now (I'm listening to them through the X-Ray v3/Raptor combination) they scale well enough to me to enjoy them on my main rig, something I seldom bothered doing with my E5c.

My only slight 'issue' with the E500 is that I slightly prefer the 'fun' bass of the E5c, the E500 is probably more correct and controlled in audiophile terms, but I quite like the bass that the E5c reproduces.

Having said that, the E500 is a superior all round IEM to anything else I have heard, beating the E5c/UM2 into second place (I like them both), the ER4 into third, and the E3 further back into fourth with the E2 bringing up the rear. Please note this list is in order of absolute sound and not value/sound.

I've got plenty more to say about these, but for the moment I'm going to be concentrating on the sounds playing in my head.


By TM on August 3, 2006
Comments: Flavio Thanks you again for processing my order so quickly The E500's arrived yesterday and spent much time last night checking which tips fit best, and audio settings on my 4th Gen iPod. Your right they are absolutely amazing headphones. Realy enjoying them, and well worth the purchase I appreciate you letting me take the pre-purchae price. Again many thanks and I appreciate all that you did. Look forward to many more purchases in the future. TM

By TM on August 3, 2006

Comments:

Flavio

Thanks you again for processing my order so quickly
The E500's arrived yesterday and spent much time last night checking which
tips fit best, and audio settings on my 4th Gen iPod.

Your right they are absolutely amazing headphones.

Realy enjoying them, and well worth the purchase
I appreciate you letting me take the pre-purchae price.

Again many thanks and I appreciate all that you did.
Look forward to many more purchases in the future.

TM


By DCM on August 2, 2006
Comments: Excellent! Better than anything I have used.


By R Ricks on August 1, 2006
Comments: Received the Shure E500 from earphonesolution two day ago. These are just fantastic and the best quality earphones I've tested. I do have the Shure E4C model and they are very shallow compared to the E500 by an order of magnitude. The E500 has great bass that was non-existant in the E4C's. I also have the Bose noisecanceling headphones but they do not have the clarity of the E500. If you are series about music, do yourself a favor and pass on these other models and go strait to the E500's. Great service "Earphone Solutuions".

By R Ricks on August 1, 2006

Comments:

Received the Shure E500 from earphonesolution two day ago. These are just fantastic and the best quality earphones I've tested. I do have the Shure E4C model and they are very shallow compared to the E500 by an order of magnitude. The E500 has great bass that was non-existant in the E4C's. I also have the Bose noisecanceling headphones but they do not have the clarity of the E500. If you are series about music, do yourself a favor and pass on these other models and go strait to the E500's. Great service "Earphone Solutuions".


By James Cyphers on July 30, 2006
Comments: I just received my order of the Shure E500PTH earphones today (7-29-06), and I must say, they sound excellent. I'm using the with the Creative Vision M. I deal with alot of riveting at work (Boeing), and these are just the thing I needed to drown it out, and enjoy my music at lower volume levels than with regular headphones I was using, plus the push to hear gizmo is a must have, especially at work. In addition, I'm a drummer, and these are great for monitoring during recording. I recommend these to any picky audiophile/musician like myself. And I received them just 2 days after receiving an email from Earphone Solutions that they were on the way..........very prompt.

By James Cyphers on July 30, 2006

Comments:

I just received my order of the Shure E500PTH earphones today (7-29-06), and I must say, they sound excellent. I'm using the with the Creative Vision M. I deal with alot of riveting at work (Boeing), and these are just the thing I needed to drown it out, and enjoy my music at lower volume levels than with regular headphones I was using, plus the push to hear gizmo is a must have, especially at work. In addition, I'm a drummer, and these are great for monitoring during recording. I recommend these to any picky audiophile/musician like myself. And I received them just 2 days after receiving an email from Earphone Solutions that they were on the way..........very prompt.


By C Zeigler on July 29, 2006
Comments: Just got mine today from earphonesolutions.com. No surprises here. Just as expected. Tighter bass than my E5C and expanded midrange. Better fit. Love the modular cables and lack of inline crossover. Don't think I will use the PTH unless commuting or out and about usage. It's a bit large. I also miss the E5C angled input jack, the memory fit durable cables. The E500 cables are thinner but not silly thin like the Sony models.

By C Zeigler on July 29, 2006

Comments:

Just got mine today from earphonesolutions.com. No surprises here. Just as expected. Tighter bass than my E5C and expanded midrange. Better fit. Love the modular cables and lack of inline crossover. Don't think I will use the PTH unless commuting or out and about usage. It's a bit large. I also miss the E5C angled input jack, the memory fit durable cables. The E500 cables are thinner but not silly thin like the Sony models.


By Westbrook on May 27, 2006
Comments: Shure's Top-of-Line, you can't get any better than this. And for $500 is it really worth it? Only for those who want ultimate music clarity and crispness.


By Collin Croome on April 19, 2006
Comments: I heard the Shure E500 at MacWorld in January. The sound is incredible and the plugs completely cut off any environmental sound. The E500 have a wide tonal range with crystal clear heights and a rich deep bass sound. The fitting is better than the e5c. I just can't wait to plug them in...

The new Shure SE530-PTH with triple driver comes in first place for sound and comfort. The SE530-PTH includes the PTH (push-to-hear) accessory. The major difference between the Triple.Fi, UM2 and the SE530-PTH will be personal taste. The SE530-PTH outputs slightly more detail in the mid range; the Triple.Fi outputs the most detail on the high frequency range while the UM2 has stronger bass than both SE530 and Triple.Fi. Overall the SE530-PTH is slightly brighter and the Triple.Fi is the boldest of all three. The UM2 is slightly more balanced (flatter) than the SE530 and the Triple.Fi. The UM2 sells for less but both the Triple.Fi and SE530PTH are triple drivers. The SE530-PTH includes the PTH (push-to-hear) accessory and it comes with a 2 Year Warranty while the Triple.Fi does not include the PTH (you can purchase it for $59) but comes with a 2 Year Warranty as well while the UM2 comes with a 1 Year Warranty. Fit and comfort are very similar between the UM2 and the SE530-PTH and not so great with the Triple.Fi for those customers that want a flush fit.

Those who can afford will experience the greatest detail on mids and highs. If that is what your music needs (or if that is what you like best) the SE530 will deliver! Also excellent choice for isolation and comfort. Great for working out and flying first class :)!

SHURE SE530PTH HEADPHONES

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