Shure SE110-E

Shure SE110

Sound Isolating Earphones

~~Background~~
I have been meaning to buy some 'in ear' earphones for some time for use with my iPod, especially for use when going on walks or bike rides. I have headphones which are fine for home use, but find when outside, external noise spoils my enjoyment.

So I had a budget (less than £100) and I knew that I wanted in ear phones, and I did not want 'bass ...
...that you go to the Shure website if you want more such as Transducer type, dB sensitivity, DC resistance etc:

www.shure.com

Frequency range: 22Hz - 17.5Hz

Weight 30gms (just over an ounce)

Oh yea, the 'jack' is gold plated which apparently is better fro sound travelling along conductors.

~~~Big tip~~~
Try in ear phones out before you buy, do not just get online, the ... more

Shure SE110

Sound Isolating Earphones

~~Background~~
I have been meaning to buy some 'in ear' earphones for some time for use with my iPod, especially for use when going on walks or bike rides. I have headphones which are fine for home use, but find when outside, external noise spoils my enjoyment.

So I had a budget (less than £100) and I knew that I wanted in ear phones, and I did not want 'bass driven' earphones, as so many are.

I should explain before I go any further what I mean by 'in ear' earphones, as all earphones are in ear in one way or another.

The standard iPod earphones 'sit' just inside the ear; are one fit, and often get loose, or fit unevenly (as we all have slightly different ear sizes), they do not reduce or cancel out external noise.

This applies to most standard earphones. 'In ear' earphones sit further into the ear canal and are kept in place by rubber, plastic or sponge 'gloves' that come in different sizes.

The advantages of these type of earphones are that; they reduce external noise due to the snug fit, they 'introduce' the sound directly into the ear canal, they fit more easily and effectively.

~~The purchase~~
I bought these in the Apple store in Meadowhall and have to take a moment to say I met probably one of the most helpful, knowledgeable and friendly members of staff I have ever come across.

This guy asked what kind of music I listened to mostly, when and where I would be using them, what my budget was and so on.

He even advised me against a more expensive set than I bought (SE210), saying the difference in quality was not worth the difference in price. These cost me £69.95. This may seem a lot, but if you have these for a long time, it aint so bad, and I'm not indending to change these at all, so they may last years.

~~~Why These and why not online?~~~
Well one of the advantages of using the Apple store is that they allow you to try out as many types of earphones as they have in stock to test the sound quality and difference in sound.

Okay, you pay less online, but are taking a gamble. I tried about six different earphones out, including some much more expensive ones, and I have to say, I was astounded at how they can all sound so different.

These earphones are not 'bass driven' as many are, that is a clear reason for me liking these. I do not listen to much 'bassy' music.

I listened to Soweto Kinch, The Mission (alto sax', high register, quick key changes), Autumn Leaves, Scott Hamilton (Tenor sax, lot's of deep rich sounds) and some Linkin Park; this gave me a good variety of sounds.

Firstly I liked the 'fit' of these earphones, they seemed snug without being tight. I also liked the fact that straight away I could hear very little external noise.

Then I was blown away with the 'crispness' of sound, I kid you not, it was as if I was standing next to the saxophone playing. I could hear every drum beat in Linkin Park, and with Scott Hamilton I could even hear the breaths between notes. Amazing, I mean, the sound is just awesome.

Once you have worked out which of the many fittings work best with you they really do feel nice in the ear. If I am being really picky I could say that the earpiece coverings are a little awkward to get on and off at first, but you get used to them pretty quickly.

You also need to 'experiment' with which angle you like them to sit in the ear as they have a slant which means you can wear them so the cable goes around the back of the ear or on top, or just hangs...the preference is yours, actually quite a clever design.

The quality seems top class, well made and durable.

~~~In the pack~~~
As well as the earphones there are several different size ear plugs (as well as one set of foam sleeves) that fit easily on, it is worthwhile experimenting until you find the right size.

There is also a robust material carrying case (zip fastening) for the earphones an extension cable (I'll come on to this), instruction booklets in several languages, the warranty, and a little pointy tool for cleaning any obstructions (don't ask).

~~~The problems~~~
Surprisingly few problems that I can see, the only real issue is that whilst with the extension cable, the wires are perfectly long enough, without they are nowhere near long enough, this makes me wonder why they did not just make one long cable instead of a short one and an extension, but maybe I am being picky.

~~~Technical specifications~~~.
Personally I do not like to read a whole heap of tech specs on products, and find some reviews put too much so I will give you the basics and suggest that you go to the Shure website if you want more such as Transducer type, dB sensitivity, DC resistance etc:

www.shure.com

Frequency range: 22Hz - 17.5Hz

Weight 30gms (just over an ounce)

Oh yea, the 'jack' is gold plated which apparently is better fro sound travelling along conductors.

~~~Big tip~~~
Try in ear phones out before you buy, do not just get online, the difference in sound between brands is really quite remarkable.

~~~~Finally~~~~
I love these, I have been listening to them almost non stop for the last three weeks and am constantly surprised at the huge difference between these and normal iPod speakers (raise your game Apple).

My latest listening has been to some 'new classical' such as Philip Glass, Concerto for Saxophone and to be honest, the clarity is so, so good, I have to listen over and over as I keep hearing new bits.

Whilst initially thought I would only use these for walking ands cycling, they are now my main listening device, brilliant, well worth the money.

These also come with a two year limited warranty. Basically this is limited to normal use, and throwing around, stamping on etc. is not covered.

Also posted on Dooyoo, same member name. 

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