Selection Guide

The Shure SE535 might be your best bet for finding reference in-ear monitors without having to schedule an audiologist appointment to get customized molds made for your ears. Featuring Shure's acclaimed balanced armature construction containing a tweeter and dual woofers inside each earpiece, listeners can expect accurate high-definition sound with the same musical clarity as full-size reference headphones at similar cost. With a superior tone to generic multi-driver designs from Westone or UE, the Shure SE535's three-driver array works just like a room speaker with separate tweeter/woofers for excellent instrumental separation, precise tonal definition and a huge dynamic range akin to top over-the-ear headphones, all in a tiny 'earplug' size ideal for mobile & portable high-end listening. And, although not required, adding a quality headphone amp to the SE535 acts as the final icing on the audio cake, bringing a razorlight focus to the sound while deepening the soundstage image and increasing dynamic range extension. The earplug-like fit of the SE535 provides thorough noise-blocking and excellent listening privacy even in the noisiest environments, like during airline flights or whilst commuting. The SE535's cool detachable cable with wire-flex routing enables easy cord replacement if ever needed, extending the life of your sonic investment while also offering a comfortable fit. You can also quickly upgrade the cord to a mic'd design for iPhone or smartphones. Discerning music lovers on the move or frequent flyers using bulky 'noise-canceling' headphones may want to investigate these further.

Shure's proprietary 'sound isolating' eartip sleeves deliver up to a claimed -37dB of isolation, meaning almost total blocking of ambient noise intrusion. The wide array of accessories and eartip shapes & sizes included with the SE535 ensures a comfortable wearing experience without the overly fastidious fit procedures of some deeper-inserting IEM brands. Remember to try all the various SE535 tips for the very best fit and, thus, the best sound quality performance. You can then (eventually) purchase a pack of your favored Shure eartips separately and you're good to go for years. Another of the SE535's big design advancements is their lightweight low-profile earpiece shape/ergonomics with an optimized earpiece nozzle angle specially designed to rest comfortably within the ear canal. A handy over-the-ear cord routing style keeps cables out of the way and the user-detachable cable features a unique 'wireform' flexible fit with durable Kevlar-reinforced sheathing, allowing for quick replacement or -- even better -- some serious high-end cable customization down the road. Gold-plated MMCX connector into the SE535 earpieces has a solid lock-snap mechanism for full 360 degree rotation ensuring comfortable fit and long-life durability without worries.

NOTE: The free Shure 2-year manufacturer's product warranty on the SE535 remains in effect ONLY when proof-purchased (keep that receipt!) from verified Shure-authorized dealers, like HeadRoom.

Very Disappointing
Posted by HJK on 2012-03-01

Recommend Product: No
Pros: Very good midrange and good top end
Cons: Unsatisfactory Bottom

Maybe I've been spoiled by superior headphones ( Sennheiser HD 800, Sennheiser HD 650, Ultrasone Edition 8 and even Grado SR-1 ) but these headphones are extremely disappointing. By comparison the bass is very poor
notwithstanding the claim that a proper fit and break-in is all you need. It cannot hold a candle to any of the other headphones I have mentioned and i very much regret this purchase.

25 out of 33 people found this review unhelpful. Did you?

HelpfulUnhelpful

May be my final Iem.
Posted by Audiojunky from Merrill, MI on 2010-11-04

Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great mids, more than adequate bass, highs are just fine for my taste.
Cons: A little sibalant if the tips don't fit right. Cord a little too long for me.

I have tried every brand of Iem's in the last ten years including the Se530. I am older now..and my tastes have changed..therefore I no longer require a huge BASS dominated sound. I have been listening to the Westone 3 for the last year or so and was just desiring more detail and mids than I had been experiencing with them. I tried the um3x by westone and the detail was a little better but still not what I was looking for. I decided to go for the Se535 and see if the Shure mids were to my liking now that I am older and my tastes are different. Well, to my delight, I am so head over heels for these earphones. The mids are to die for...the highs are not rolled off.. the detail and vocal presentation is just so beautiful for my taste in music.. and the bass is more than adequate too. I think I may have ended my nearly decade long search for the perfect Iem. These work for me in pretty much every style of music. I use them while exercising and the bass driven music is covered more than fine..I feel the beat just like with my Westone 3. But when listening to acoustic or vocal oriented music..the SE535 shine like no other imho.

Sound Quality

Comfort

Look & Feel

Durability

46 out of 48 people found this review helpful. Did you?

HelpfulUnhelpful

Excellent in ear (SE530)
Posted by DrakeBullet from Los Gatos, California on 2010-10-07

Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great sound, compact, in line volume control
Cons: uncomfortable in ear after a couple hours

I went big and bought the SE530 2 years ago after going through Sennheiser over ear, Etymotic (great sound for $100) and UE5 Pro (good sound, horrific fit). I've never cried about it. The newer model wires look like a very useful improvement. Ultimate Ears uses the same style and I found it practical.

The sound is great - solid bass as recorded (no boosting) and good mid-range. Etymotic is excellent on highs, but lacks in punch. I listen from hip-hop to classic rock to reggae to classical. The 530s will let you know when the quality of your recording is off. You better rip you music at 320 or better.

Tip: Buy the flanged tips from Etymotic. They fit the Shures perfectly, provide a better seal and don't feel like my ear canal is going to explode from pressure.

I have AKG K701 for listening at home and the Shure are the closest thing when I'm at the gym or on the road.

2nd tip: When flying, use Bose over ear headphones, with the noise reduction on, while wearing the Shure 530s. Takes out the savage background noise.

Sound Quality

Comfort

Look & Feel

Durability

30 out of 36 people found this review helpful. Did you?

HelpfulUnhelpful

Show All Reviews