Overall Rating for Shure SE535 Metallic Bronze In Ear Headphones with Replaceable Cables - $499.99
 | (based on 26 reviews) |  |
The best earphones that I have ever heard!!!
By Lee from Menifee, CA on December 10, 2010
I tried many earphones and always seem to find something not right about each one. I have a pair of Klipsch S4's and bought some Ultimate Ears 700, Ultimate Ears Super Fi 4, Ultimate Ears 350, Westone 3. Just wanted quite happy with any of them. I tried so much to like the Westone 3's, but the sound just was a bit artificial to me. The cable's length from left to right was not exact. Was very upset with not being about to find an IEM that would satisfy me, but when I exchanged the Westone 3 to the Shure SE535, I became a happy man! The SE535 is great! The sound is so pure and accurate! It has nothing that blows you away, but it just does everything right! The W3 has stronger bass; the UE phones have higher treble. and even the S4 has a punchier bass, but the SE535 just has balance! If I just went with one set of IEM's, the Shure SE535 will be it! The cable can be a bit heavy, but I didn't buy it to workout with. I just wanted something to listen to my music when I was relaxing at home. Also, I wish the cable was a bit shorter, but come on - this is just me being a picky! The SE535 is an outstanding piece of machinery. Worth every bit of what I paid for them! I like them so much, that I will stick with the Shure brand for future IEM's. I also just purchased a pair of SE315's for my wife. She just wanted to upgrade from the S4's, but wanted to spend SE535 money. I'm sure that she will love those, too. Thank you Earphone Solutions for helping me with my purchase! You are the best retailers of earphones there is!!!
Pros:
Outstanding sound
Strong cable
Sturdy casing
Great packaging
Impressive looksCons:
Cable a little too long and heavyI would recommend this item to a friend.
Merchant Response:
Lee, thanks for the detailed review!Love the sound - but not made for exercise
By Mike from New York, NY on October 13, 2011
Terrific sound clarity and noise-canceling, the best earbuds I have ever used.
Pros:
Base is impressive, noise-canceling is excellent, won't disturb neighbors on long flights with music pretty loud.Cons:
I'm an avid runner and gym-goer, and like another reviewer here, the SMALLEST amount of moisture wreaks havoc on these earbuds. Replacement cables last a month before it becomes an issue again (I'm assuming this is why Shure created the replacement cables to begin with). Shure really should create earphones for the active listener.Merchant Response:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the feedback. I take mine to the gym and the sweat was never an issue granted I don't sweat A LOT, but in any case they stop functioning due to excessive sweat simply leave them be for 1 or 2 days and they should start working again without any problems. If you keep getting this problem simply get the "Monitor Saver" accessory which we sell here for only $9 and leave the earphones inside this canister overnight and that should resolve the sweating issue.
Thank you!Nice IE Headphones
By Gerald from Orlando, FL on October 7, 2011
The sound is great but they are more of a challenge to get them to seat well in my ears. My old set of shures were easy to get adequate ear canal penetration to get the full effect of noise canceling and bass. The SE 535's seem designed more to a flusher fit to the ear over all then to allow the tips to extend into the ear canal. Once you get them seated they sound fantastic. The case is definitely under designed for $500 IE Headphones. I'm using the old case from my IE3's.
Pros:
Sound qualityCons:
Difficult to get a good fit in the ear and inexpensively designed storage caseI would recommend this item to a friend.
Clean and Clear
By Paxalot from ottawa, on, canada on October 3, 2011
After wearing out a previous pair of Shure's I decided to invest in the SE525s. I'm glad I did.
Pros:
Clean clear sound.Cons:
Pricey. Bad recordings sound even worse.I would recommend this item to a friend.
Love them!
By Renee Turner from Washington, D.C. on October 2, 2011
I actually got an upgrade from Shure when my SE530s crapped out. I could not have been more elated when I opened the box and plugged them into my Cowon X7. I had just purchased the Westone 4. But when I received the Shure SE535s, I was simply blown away. While I like the Westone 4, particularly since the bass is a little more pronounced, the Shure SE535s are measurably better. The clarity and separation are phenomenal. Using them with the X7 has been a joy, particularly since I can control the bass with the Cowon's EQ. The soundstage, as many have mention, is quite improved. The treble is suburb. And the fit is quite comfortable, which is a big plus for me, since I use them for workouts, commuting and just listening to music while walk from one end of the building where I work to the other (a whole city block :). I simply have fun focusing on the different instruments or vocals as they are blended together by the Shure SE535s into a fine balance of complex rhythms and tones. Pianos and vibes are crisp and clear, and the brushes and symbols in the jazz music I love sound just as they are supposed to, not scratchy or distorted. If you love complex music, whether its jazz or classica, the SE535s are a great buy.
Pros:
Clarity, separation, balance.Cons:
Bass is a little more subtle than it is in the Westone 4s.I would recommend this item to a friend.
The best IEM your money can buy at this stage
By Kz from Australia on August 3, 2011
I have used this for over 2 months, no problems at all.
Solid 5 stars performance
Pros:
Balanced sound
Superb clarity
Detail you can hearCons:
Weight on earsI would recommend this item to a friend.
VERY HAPPY
By M.GEM from VEGAS on July 20, 2011
TINY UNITS WITH HUGE SOUND.
AN ONGOING AUDIO PLEASURE CRUISE.
LOVE THE NEW DISCOVERY OF MUSIC I'VE ALWAYS TREASURED.
EARPHONE SOLUTIONS' COUPON MADE THE DIFFERENCE IN MY PURCHASE DECISION.
Pros:
HIGH QUALITY!
POWERFULCons:
LOFTY PRICEI would recommend this item to a friend.
So good I bought them twice, well sort of...
By Matt from San Francisco, California on July 5, 2011
I originally purchased a pair back in Jan 2011, I loved these headphones from the start. Great full bright and round sound.
Why did I buy them twice? Well, I lost them a month ago, and I loved them so much I couldn't go back to something less.
Pros:
Great sound. Great packaging. Great!Cons:
Price.I would recommend this item to a friend.
Some of the Best
By Melissa from Bay City, TX on May 7, 2011
I prevously submitted a review saying the while they are great, I could not get them to fit one of my ears sufficiently to block out noise while I was mowing/driving the tractor. I wish to RETRACT that review and remind folks it takes time to get these to fit, but once achieved, they are great. The depth and quality of music is unlike any other earbuds I've used.
Pros:
I like the noise cancelling and sound quality.Cons:
The new configuration takes some time to get adjusted to the user's ears. The price was scary enough.I would recommend this item to a friend.
Simply the Best
By John from San Francisco, CA on March 15, 2011
These are by far simply the best Ear Phones I have ever listened to music with. You won't be disappointed with Shure 535 SE they are truly magnificent sound quality.
Pros:
Sound QualityI would recommend this item to a friend.
Just as great as (and likely better than) the se530's
By Jake from Columbus, Ohio on March 4, 2011
I have owned Shure's se530's for the last two years, recently they were stolen. While this was undoubtedly frustrating and caused a few headaches, it was also an opportunity to upgrade.
I received by new se535's from Earphonesolutions.com about a week ago. (Side Note:Great service, will be a lifetime customer.) The se535's s a vast improvement on that of the se530's. They are much much more comfortable. Not to mentioned to heavily anticipated detachable cables.
As for the sound, I am not sure whether I didn't have my 530's fitted properly or if the 535's are simply that much better. The sound stage these things is incredible. Two thumbs way way up
I would recommend this item to a friend.
Merchant Response:
Thanks for the review Jake!
When customers ask us if the SE535 is better than the SE530 we give them an enthusiastic loud: YES! :)Bulkier than E500
By Linda from Harrisburg, PA on February 16, 2011
I loved my E500 but the cable over the ear split after 2 years of use. With a little help from scotch tape, they are still usable but when I saw the E535 advertised I pre-ordered a pair. The noise cancellation is still great but the E535 are not as comfortable in my ears as the E500. Since I use them primarily to listen to audiobooks on my i-Pod Touch when exercising, walking, or mowing the lawn, the noise cancellation was a primary consideration. I do sometimes use to music, especially when I am traveling (which I do a lot), and the sound is excellent. I can sleep with both the E500 and E535 but the E500 is more comfortable. With the iPod Touch (as opposed to the iPod Classic), a way to control the volume is critical, as the iPod Touch, with earbuds, is way too loud for sleeping even with the volume turned as low as possible. The volume control on the E500 and E535, however, is not in an easily accessible place when the iPod is in a pocket, as it usually is. I like that the cable goes over the ear.
Pros:
Stays in the ear.
Great noise cancellation.
Cons:
Fit.
Long cable and placement of volume control.I would recommend this item to a friend.
Awesome sound quality - fantastic for travel and using while active
By Mark from Orange County, California on February 14, 2011
I am very particular about the quality of audio & video, and have a very strong interest in music which I enjoy while traveling, hiking, and doing choirs around the house. This set has better sound quality than any other set of earphones I've tried (and I've tried quit a few high-end products over the past 20 years; I like these much better than the Bose over-ear noise cancellation headphones that I used to use on airplanes). And the fact that these are very small and fit very securely make them ideal for traveling, running, or hiking when space, weight, and secure fit is a big consideration. I use them often when traveling and they are perfectly comfortable to wear 5-6 hours straight.
Pros:
Sound quality, fit, compact size.Cons:
I wish they were not SO expensive - losing a pair is pretty gut-wrenching...I would recommend this item to a friend.
My second IEM... SE535 compared to Westone UM2
By Chong from Seattle on February 1, 2011
First, about myself. I am not a audiophile by an stretch. I enjoy music and I primarily use a Zune HD or my PC with ZunePass. (BTW - ZunePass is AWESEOME.)
Prior to purchasing the SE535, I've had the Westone UM2 for about 5 years (which I purchased here). The UM2 was my first entry in to the IEM world and it blew my mind at how great music can sound. It was like night a day difference between any earbud headphone and an In-Ear-Monitor that completely shuts out ambient sound. The separation between the high and low frequencies were so incredible that I was amazed at the difference.
So after 5 years, I thought I give a 3-driver IEM a try. I could have got with the new Westone UM3x but decided had a great opportunity to pick up the Shure SE535 at a great price so I pulled the trigger. Thus my subjective review is based comparing the SE535 to the Westone UM2.
I listed to three songs on my Zune HD with a 3.5mm audio jack with 2 ports. I plugged in each IEM so I can switch back and forth.
First, I listened to David Guetta's Toyfriend from the One Love album. This is very bass beat driven song. In comparing the two, I couldn't tell the difference. My guess is because of the over powering bass, whether you have a 2 or 3 driver IEM, it will be difficult to hear the benefit of the 3-drivers.
Second, was Jason Marz's I'm Yours live version. Here I noticed some difference in the overall sound. It's hard to describe but the SE535's seemed more full where as the UM2's seems a bit muted. Don't get me wrong, the UM2 sounded great but I did notice that the SE535 sounded better.
Third, Eric Johnson's Cliff's of Dover live from Austin, TX performance. For those who don't know Eric Johnson, this is a Grammy-winning master piece of electric guitar performance. (Very subjective, I know.) This is where I think the SE535 separates from the UM2. In comparing the two, again the UM2 is great to listen to but I noticed that the SE535 was much more full. I don't know how better to describe the difference other than saying "sounds more full" but the sound seems more "alive". I wish I had better vocabulary to describe the difference, but I don't.
All in all, I will give the SE535 5 stars but if I could, I would give it 4.5 stars from an overall value/performance stand point. I feel like I have been spoiled with my first IEM being the UM2 but in comparison, although the SE535 sounds great, it wasn't tremendously better than the UM2. Thus the 4.5 star rating especially given how old my UM2 are and the fact that a 2-driver IEM will probably meet most people's needs.
With that said, the build quality of the SE535 is top notch. The cables are so much better than the UM2. The UM2 had breaded cable and while better than majority of the earbuds out there, the new design of the Shure's cables are very sturdy. However, they are a bit thicker and I haven't quite adjusted to popping in the IEM. I am still adjusting between the more flexible UM2 cable which I can fit in my ear very quickly to the thicker and rotating cable which I have yet to master. But I figure it's just a matter of time.
With that said, if price wasn't an issue, then I probably would have been more brand loyal and picked up the latest Westone IEM. However, like I said, I was able to pick up the SE535 for a very good price so I jumped on it. My biggest problem (if you want to call it that) is how to wind up the cord properly to put it in the case. I have no idea what the center plastic piece and how to use it in the inside of the case. :-P )
I would recommend this item to a friend.
Shure SE535 sounds great!
By Ed from Fort Collins, CO on January 22, 2011
Costs a bundle, but if you desire great sound with very good isolation from outside sounds, you can't go wrong with this set.
Pros:
Sound & isolation are greatCons:
High costI would recommend this item to a friend.
Not as good as I've expected
By Gene from san jose, ca on January 12, 2011
I have been using previous version of Shure headphones and was really excited for the new one. However, I prefer to use my new Westone. Most frustrating part is that it is almost impossible to change the earbuds. I've called and asked for help and was told to put it in refrigerator for 10 minutes. It didn't work!
Pros:
SoundCons:
Difficult to change the earbudsMerchant Response:
We understand it's very hard to remove the first set of eartips. It might have to do with the temperature changes between factory, warehouse, in transit, etc. Shure is aware of this issue but it's just a minor nuisance since once the first set of eartips is removed you should not have that problem anymore.it is really better than Westone 3
By BURHAN from ANKARA, Kecioren on January 10, 2011
I bought it after my westone 3 died. fortunately my w3 broke down.
it is the best sound you can carry with you.
Pros:
esp. clear mids and lows
replacement/iphone controlable and quality cable
Cons:
I have a problem with choice of earbuds.I would recommend this item to a friend.
Beyond expectations.
By Bob from Oregon on January 4, 2011
I have had the Shure SE115 for about two years and have really liked them. I didn't imagine that technology could offer much better sound since the source is MP3 (even un-compressed MP3). I could not be much more wrong. The open clarity with acoustic music is astounding and the bass is tight but quite full somehow. This is better sound than probably 99.9% of what people are getting from their stereo systems. This is just startlingly good and really addictive. Best Christmas present in 10 years, easy! Worth the ridiculous cost if you love music. Easily better than all competitors I tried (Klipsch, Monster, Bose). Fit is better than lower models too.
Pros:
detail, openness, clarity, bass, fit.Cons:
costI would recommend this item to a friend.
Great earphones
By Bob from Madison, Wisconsin on December 29, 2010
The sound is terrific. Noise cancelling is more than adequate for most purposes. Generally, outstanding!
Pros:
The quality is wonderful.Cons:
It is very pricey.I would recommend this item to a friend.
best headphones
By Gregg from Auburn, WA on December 28, 2010
best headpones I ever listened to. Bass wasn't quite at the level of the monster turbine copper's but everything else out of those is washed out compared to these.
Pros:
replacement cables
usable with an inline mic cable
mid and highs are the best I've ever heard
can be driven respectfully by a normal media playerCons:
not really a con but mine were stolen
maybe an option to get the smart phone adapter with the headphonesI would recommend this item to a friend.
amazing sound. cant stand any water.
By Edward from Washington, DC on December 24, 2010
in terms of sound the SE535 is an amazing item, thats a fact.
however if you are going to use it in normal situations, like while playing your instrument or in any environment with water dont buy it. if water gets in the phones (even if its water from your ears when you transpirate) it stops working immediatly and wont get back to normal even if you let it dry for days.
actually id say u should just buy this if you are only listening to music in a place where there is absollutely no water and there is absolutely no chance of transpiration.
I had 2 of these, both stopped working while i played the drums and sweat got into it.
seems to me that this earphone is just too expensive for such a restrictive use.
amazing, amazing headphones
By Seth from New York on December 6, 2010
I LOVE my se535's. They are comfortable to wear, look very cool, and the improved cable is strong. They have a very clear, warm sound with great highs, lows, and of course the mids. Coming from a pair of Westone 3's, I was surprised to hear much better the vocals were and a huge reduction in sibilance. These headphones are truly top of the line and should be first on our list when looking for top quality headphones.
Pros:
great sound
comfortable
new cable design
Shure warrantyCons:
memory wire can be annoying
ear buds are on the larger side (as expected)
cable is VERY longI would recommend this item to a friend.
AWESOME... !!
By Mark N from Irvine, CA on August 27, 2010
These are awesome! Cable is sturdy; the point at which the main cable splits into Left/Right has very good support, so you won't end up "splitting" the two wires and breaking it. I love the snug fit, and the sound-isolation is great in traffic! I actually own the Grado SR325 ($250). It's hard to compare cans (over-the-ear open end), to In-ear buds. The Grado's sound much more spacious, where as the SE535 sound a little enclosed.
Nevertheless, the SE535's ROCK!!!!
Pros:
Sturdy, snug fit. Awesome sound, with noise isolation. Lots of ear piece attachments to fit your personal taste.Cons:
Rather tricky to exchange the ear attachments. Gotta grab the attachment tight, and twist and pull at the same time. Not a big deal, since you only need to do this the first time to get your own fitting.I would recommend this item to a friend.
SE535 - First Draft
By Adriana from Celebration, FL on August 24, 2010
SHURE SE535
These earphones are stylish and very lightweight and the swiveling cables are a very cool touch that actually helps you when it comes time to insert them in the ear.
The bass is powerful; it is the first thing that jumps at you when you power them on. The mid range is clear and the highs are controlled - you won't get any screeching or won't be annoyed - just perfect.
The SE535 performed really well with all hip-hop songs we tested. It also did well with jazz and big vocal songs. However when it comes to big'ol'rock and roll, it sounded "a bit muddy". It lacked clarity. But at the same time it added warmth to songs where it wasn't exactly expected, like Dave Brubeck's "Take Five".
"Sultans of Swing" from Dire Straits was a very nice surprise with all those guitars coming alive.
* Disclaimer: Review posted by Adriana, Earphone Solutions Customer Service VP
I would recommend this item to a friend.
Merchant Response:
Disclaimer: This review was posted by an Earphone Solutions staff member.So what's new with the SE535?
By Rohan D'Souza from Toronto, Canada on July 19, 2010
Setup:
--------
iPod Touch => ALO SXC Line-Out => ALO Amphora => Earphones
So what's the difference between the SE530 and SE535. Is it worth the upgrade? Are these just E500/SE530's with removable cables?
Appearance & First Impressions:
--------------------------------------------
The SE535 out of the box feel like a much better product. The earbuds look and feel more chunky than the E500/SE530, but just feels like a better quality product. From the shape of the ear buds to the cables to the gold 1/8" connector, it just seems Shure took all the issues with the E500/SE530 and just resolved them. The SE535 just feels like a much more superior product.
I got my E500s from earphonesolutions way back in July 2006. And since then I have asked Shure for 3 replacements. The issue - cracking cables. It was so annoying to have cracked cables near the ear buds when you're extremely careful with the product. This is a flagship product for Shure and that was completely unacceptable. Very, very annoying!!!!
Sound:
----------
The SE535 just takes the sound a few notches above. A simple way to describe it is like this - the E500 went to the gym, got lean and ripped, and then went on to become a professional triathlete.
Lows, Mids and Highs are all more pronounced, and reproduced with perfect clarity that is non-fatiguing. If you're wondering how they sound compared to the Westone 3's, the Westone 3's are a bit warmer. The Shure's sound a little more drier, but make up with a better soundstage and increased presence. Now please be aware I have used my Westone 3's every day since I got them, and they are wonderful. I prefer not to compare them to the Shures since they display 2 different tonal palette depending on your mood.
So here’s the question? If I have an E500 or SE530 should I upgrade? Of course you should. If you loved the sound signature of the E500/SE530's you will have just upgraded to a whole new level of that wonderful sound signature we have grown to love.
If I have a Westone 3's should I buy a pair? I think you should. It just is a different sound that is not as warm but has more presence and an increased sound stage.
This is a great product and although I was pissed off with my owner experience with the SE530s, I loved their sound and dealt with the cracking cables.
I feel with the SE535, Shure has listened to their loyal customers and just delivered a superior product; it would a crime not to own these earphones in your collection.
I would recommend this item to a friend.
Merchant Response:
Dear Rohan,
Thanks for the excellent review!SE535 Clear
By BILL HSIEH from San Mateo, California on July 8, 2010
Its my first high-end earphone, that I cannot really comment on the sound quality, however, to me (a frequent flyer, train & subway commuter) the overall performance is outstanding. I have done some online review comparison and confirmed my decision is correct that SE535 could be a great investment due to its newly design on detach cable with slightly size reduced ear piece that makes the product overall seems could last for years.
Here, I would like to special thanks to Earphone Solution customer service, who has follow-up my order closely with emails and phone call. Thanks to them!
Pros:
1. Comes with CLEAR COLOR! that visually looks great and feel lighter when wearing.
2. New wire design let wire stay in place.
3. 2 years warranty.
4. New detach cable looks robust.Cons:
1. Cable is not modular as SE530, when it connects with mic adaptor the cable is VERY LONG.
2. Even with promotion, comparing with SE530PTH cost still a little too high.
3. Users who want mic adaptor function WILL have to spend more money on their new cable accessories (and they are NOT in clear color to match)I would recommend this item to a friend.
Merchant Response:
Hi Bill, thanks for the review and feedback.
We are now offering the new Shure cables with built-in microphone for the SE535 and SE425.
Thank you!
