Shure SE535 In-Ear Headphone (Playback 36)

A Flagship Reborn

September 20th, 2010 -- by Chris Martens
Source: Playback

Shure SE535 vs. Sennheiser IE 8

The MSRP of the Shure SE535 is $549, while the Sennheiser IE 8’s retail for $449.95.
The IE 8 offers a user adjustable “sound tuning” feature, where the SE535’s do not. Some listeners might question whether adjustable sound tuning is really a useful feature in the first place, given that the IE 8’s—when heard in a quiet environment—tend to sound best with their bass controls set in the “Flat” position. However, if you do much listening in environments where there is a lot of low-frequency noise present, you’ll come to appreciate the fact that the IE 8’s allow you to temporarily dial-up their bass balance to help overcome background noise.
Tonal balance for the IE 8’s and SE535’s is similar (at least when the IE 8’s bass tuning control is set in the “Flat” position), though the SE535 offers a somewhat smoother and more coherent sound overall. In comparison, the highs of the IE 8 tend to sound extremely extended, but also a tiny bit “dry” or “wiry.” In contrast, the SE535’s highs consistently sound revealing, yet silky smooth.
Both headphones offer an excellent array of eartips, though you may find you need to do considerable trial-and-error experimentation with either model to find out which eartips work best for you.
On the whole, the SE535 is easier to fit and more comfortable for very long listening sessions than the somewhat more awkwardly shaped IE 8’s. Again, the SE535’s new signal cable design works wonders here.

COMFORT FACTOR/ACCESSORIES

Shure’s SE535’s arrive in a brushed aluminum packing case which contains the earphones themselves, plus a plethora of accessories. Specifically, the SE535 comes with:

A sturdy, fabric covered clamshell-type case with a zipper closure;
A variety of eartips (or “sleeves,” as Shure calls them) including one pair of cylindrical compressible foam sleeves, three pairs of bell-shaped “Soft Foam” sleeves (sizes S, M and L), three pairs of pliable rubber “Soft Flex” sleeves (sizes S, M, and L), and one pair of triple-flange sleeves;
An airline adapter;
A mini-jack-to-1/4-inch-phone plug adapter,
An inline volume control, and
A cleaning tool.

The SE535’s are compact and easy to position for a good fit, and their swiveling, detachable signal cables make them much more comfortable than the original SE530’s.

BOTTOM LINE:

Building upon the rock-solid platform of Shure’s classic SE530 in-ear headphone, the new SE535 takes subtle yet sonically significant steps forward in terms of improved openness, treble extension, transparency and soundstaging. It is also much more comfortable to wear and offers the convenience of user replaceable signal cables (meaning you won’t be out of action for long even if—heaven forbid—you should happen to break a cable, which happens from time to time). In short, the SE535 is nothing less than a flagship reborn, and as such I count it as a surefire winner.

SPECS & PRICING

Shure SE535 In-Ear Headphones

Type: 2-way, triple balanced-armature-type drivers (two vented bass drivers, one treble driver)
Accessories: See above
Frequency response: 18Hz – 19 kHz
Weight: 1 oz.
Sensitivity: 119dB/mW
Impedance: 36 Ohms
Warranty: 2 years, parts and labor
Price: $549

SHURE INC.
(847) 600-2000
www.shure.com

Comments

agb -- Thu, 09/23/2010 - 22:17

Chris got it spot on in this comparative assessment of the top-of-the-line earbud from the venerable Shure company. I received my 535 maybe ten days before this review arrived from TAS, and have been discussing my similar observations with friends. We have two 530's here and while I've read elsewhere that there is "little" difference between the 535 and the former 530, let it be known that the little turns out to be a lot. Meaning that one's connection to the music and ability to hear into the tapestry of complex, highly textured recordings, to be able to separate distinct lines hidden in orchestrations, has been made more accessible. For example, the 535's transient response and explosive reproduction of dynamics such as snare drum whacks, tympani rolls, triangles, the shimmer of cymbals, low bass notes and the knocking on wood blocks are much clearer, three dimensional and faster; and the decaying tails of fading notes and hall sound are easier to hear. Sonic surprises unfold with each recording. The best way to describe this effect is comparing good electrostatics with typical dynamic speakers...a huge increase in openness, but without the loss of body or solidity to images that is often - and unfairly - attributed to ESLs.

Also noted is the Shure's very high quality of build. This earbud finally "feels" like what it costs. Even the cables seem indestructible, but in any case, they are replaceable. The bottom line: Chris did an admirable - and accurate - job dissecting the 535. It is an excellent product that we mobile users can SHURE-ly appreciate. After all, what the iPhone does best is to free us from having to stay put. We are free to multitask, work, play, exercise and move around while listening to genuine high end sound - at a very reasonable cost to boot (that is, compared with high end at home where an interconnect can cost several thousand dollars, an amplifier and speakers tens of.)

Note: The new gen iPhone/iPod's solid state drive and newer design DAC/amps provides significantly better sound than the earlier iPod Classic's disc drive/DACs. Hard Drives provide their own jitter byproducts - timing errors from erratic spinning - and sound somewhat anemic and distorted next to the latest gen iPhones. Don't ask what magic Apple wrought on the latest iPhones. They won't talk about it and people don't take notice. But the improvements are real.

agb -- Thu, 09/23/2010 - 22:20

Just a reminder. Anyone contemplating buying high end earbuds/headphones should not bother if they plan to listen to MP3s. I cannot stress this enough. MP3s are unlistenable. Use only CD Redbook standard files or higher rez files. Typically, I buy CDs from Amazon and copy them through iTunes and format the settings to WAV, 44.1khz/16 Bit, Error Correction checked. You can use other higher resolution codecs, Apple lossless and such. Soon you may have even higher resolution files to choose from, but again, more disc space will be used with hi rez, meaning you'll be able to store even less music on your iPhone/iPod Touch.

It's true that you can store far more MP3 files than WAV, but then if you do, you won't be listening to music. You'll hear mostly grit, grunge and noise.

FilipeCosta -- Fri, 10/15/2010 - 02:54

Lucky for Shure this review doesn't Rate Materials Quality!!!!
I have no doubts on the ratings of this review, however I consider that it would be important to rate them on the quality of materials, because those who pay such a considerable price for a pair of headphones are expecting they last further than barely the warranty period. In fact, the material used in the cables doesn't stand with perspiration, get hard and break in short time.
Even worse than that is the attitude assumed by Shure in such cases. I explain what happened with me!
I had a pair of Shure headphones which just a couple of months after expiring the warranty, suffered the above explained case, hardening of cables and broken. I explained my situation to Shure Hong Kong and Shure United States and their last proposal was the replacement by a pair of refurbished ones at half price of the market. In the end, as I was happy with the sound quality, I accepted their proposal.
Meanwhile, as this process took long until being solved, I had purchased a new pair of Shure headphones which in a similar way, about 4 months after the warranty had expired, had the same problem. Once again exchanging of communication with Shure and they didn't not accept any claim, not repairing as they say they can't repair them, and suggesting the purchase of a new pair of Shure headphones. I wrote them several times claiming but they insisted they wouldn't give any support, besides the recommendation to buy new ones.
In fact I bought a new pair, but this time I changed to SENNHEISER, which have proved to be more reliable on the material quality!
NO MORE SHURE FOR ME!!!!
You may find this is an isolated case, but with me it happened at least 3 times, because the Shure refurbished ones I got from the first time have already gone in a similar way.

agb -- Fri, 10/15/2010 - 10:43

Filipe, you don't mention which model Shure you are writing about. Based on your comments I cannot assume anything and certainly not with respect to the review of the Shure 535. Cable breakage of the 530 earlier model was not uncommon, but then every earbud out there has the very same problem. Shure 530's were better in this respect than most. The newer 535 has the strongest cable system I've ever seen. The earbud itself is made of a polycarbonate which is very strong, and better than the 530 model's.

I had a similar experience with warranty repair and replacement of the 530. I had to pay for replacement after I had washed and dried mine in machines. Moreover, I also had the same experience with expired warranties on almost every manufactured goods, wristwatches, TVs, stereo equipment, and women. When warranties expire tough luck. You pay for the repair. Shure has a two year warranty which is better than most others' one year warranty. Moreover, how can Shure know how YOU use your earphones? Do you exercise with them, jog, go swimming or box? Do you fall asleep with them on? Does your girlfriend beat you from time to time for not listening to her because you're wearing earbuds?

I end with the understanding that Felipe's earbuds have little to do with the review of an earbud he does not own, the Shure 535.

FilipeCosta -- Sun, 10/17/2010 - 10:29

agb,I understand your position and review...
Just for your information and for those who read your reply I should clarify that I didn't washed and dried any of my earphones!
In fact, as you joke, expired warranties are expired, however for some expensive equipment, like Shure phones is not admissible that they barely stand the warranty period, and I am not speaking about one case but at least 3 in my hands!
In fact I do a lot of things with my earphones, except washing and drying them in washing machines...I do the same things with my Sennheiser and they stand the same type of use than had the Shure ones!!

I end confirming that my opinion and comment is about the Material Quality that you didn't rate and that according with my experience of using Shure is very bad. So, unless somebody starts rating the material quality and proves that I am wrong, no more Shure for me!!

Walt Odets -- Sat, 11/06/2010 - 18:58

Chris, the 535 is Shure's "rich sounding" earset and hardly the one with most neutral voicing. It sounds heavy in lower midrange and upper bass. The neutral one would be the 425 according to Shure and I'd say that''s true. For people really interested in neutral voicing, the Etymotics ER-4 might be an even better choice. I use both the 425 and the ER-4 and like them both. I used the 535 for a few weeks and found it unnaturally heavy.

agb -- Sat, 11/06/2010 - 19:40

I think that "neutrality" may have a lot to do with one's ears and the fit of the earphone, its tightness against the ear canal. The 535 has substantial, clear and solid bass, very well resolved, certainly not thin, nor do I find the low frequencies overwhelming. For example, I just listened to Dr. John's N'awlinz, a terrific recording where one can really hear the separation of the kick drum from the electric bass that other earbuds simply cannot reproduce as distinctly. I am using the foam earpiece Shure supplied the earbuds with (medium?) and they don't fit tightly enough. When I do get them to fit tightly, the bass is really superb...eventually I'll change them out for the smaller earpads. I really can't prove if any other make of earbud is more or less "neutral." For me neutrality means a relatively flat frequency response with no emphasis of any octave and adding little personality to recordings. In this respect, I hear greater differences between recordings with the 535, a good sign, and less personality imposed on each recording, than with the other earbuds I had used in the past. That doesn't mean the 535 is the best among the greats, but I guess once one gets into this kind of elevated sonic territory people will disagree and have their own preferences and perspective. Again, your source may have an effect on what you're hearing. I listen with the iPhone 4. I had the 3 and that did not sound as good. And I do prefer a rather solid bass, to "feel", in the absence of air moving as in front of a great hi fi rig, the underpinnings of rhythm and most orchestral music. Lastly, I have not heard about Shure making the claim that their lower priced spread is more neutral. I'd certainly be interested. Please post that comment here if you can find it.

Walt Odets -- Sat, 11/06/2010 - 20:08

AGB, here you go. These are from the Shure website. the 425: "Dual High-Definition MicroDrivers for accurate, balanced sound. Detachable cables." For the 535: "Triple High-Definition MicroDrivers for spacious sound with rich bass. Detachable cables." I also read an interview with a Shure representative, which I cannot find, stating the same thing and citing the 425 as a "monitor" headset, the 535 a rich-sounding headset for those who like a lot of bass. I had the 535 for a while (Amazon actually took it back) and didn't like it. When I really want to hear what a recording is about, I go to the 425 or, especially, the ER-4. I've learned a lot about recordings and voicing from these two.

agb -- Sun, 11/07/2010 - 11:06

No my friend, there YOU go again -sort of like Jimmy Carter?

What did you expect the 425's advert to suggest, that it's an inaccurate and unbalanced sound?

The 535 is Shure's top of the line, there is a reason, and we aren't even comparing the similarity to the controversy between Monster's Miles Davis v. Copper. We are speaking about musical ease and lower distortion - favoring the 535. This is all attributed to the 535's extra bass driver, resulting in more accurate and fuller bass.

Not rat's ass tight less accurate bass.

Why are some audiophiles under the impression that super tight bass or rolled-off bass is "accurate," while fuller, satisfying, highly articulate and spacious lower response is not? That sort of thinking is nonsense for both technical and musical reasons.

It is well known that suppressing the low frequencies or rolling them off gives the illusion of greater presence and/or transparency, especially impressive to the less experienced looking for overt details. This hypothesis is easy to test. However, the suppression to the BALANCE - flat response - creates a penalty in coherency for the entire spectrum.

Bass instruments are the foundation of the music, and the harmonics and overtones up the spectrum cannot continue in proportion to the foundation when the undertone is absent. Accordingly, the music will be harmed. That reality cannot be bypassed by wishful thinking.

Wally, I am happy that you are happy with your 425. It is a very good earbud one can live with.

I might add, nowhere does Shure imply that the three driver 535 is less accurate than the lower cost two driver 425. In fact, they clarify the exact opposite. The second bass driver of the 535 provides for lower distortion, ease and suppleness. That is, should be, the only difference, it is audible, and for that difference one has to pay. And nowhere do I see "monitor" on Shure's website referring to the 425, or anywhere else as you had claimed - whatever "monitor" may mean to you. I think you got mixed up somewhere.

Shure claims monitor status ONLY for the 535 and for no other earbud they make.

I quote from their 535 page: "The choice for discriminating professionals and audiophiles. Evolved from personal monitor technology road-tested by pro musicians and fine-tuned by Shure engineers, SE535 earphones deliver an unparalleled listening experience allowing you to hear the details of your music like never before."

NOTE the key words: Professionals (meaning for monitoring); audiophiles (meaning not casual listeners); pro musicians (self evident) and....unparalleled listening experience.

So if you hear ALL the details with the 535, how come they don't make the same claim for the 425? May I suggest: The 425 can't achieve what the 535 can?

Walt Odets -- Sun, 11/07/2010 - 11:56

agb- You clearly have a lot of investment in this, so enjoy. For others, try listening to the three sets discussed here. To hear Chris Lyons of Shure discuss the 425 ad 535, listen to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlEdI77Ig3s (starting at about 4:00 on the tape). I think he is pretty clear about the purpose of the two sets, "the 425 is "all about accurate sound" and the 535 is for "a warm, pleasing musical experience." I prefer the former, others like agb might prefer the latter. I should mention again the Etymotics ER-4 which I think is the best of the earbuds for sheer neutrality.

agb -- Sun, 11/07/2010 - 12:41

No my friend, there YOU go again - sort of like Jimmy Carter?

What did you expect the 425's advert to suggest, that it's an inaccurate and unbalanced sound?

Not rat's ass tight less accurate bass.

It is well known that suppressing the low frequencies or rolling them off gives the illusion of greater mid-top presence and/or transparency, especially impressive to the less experienced looking for overt details. This hypothesis is easy to test. However, the suppression to the BALANCE - flat response - creates a penalty in coherency for the entire spectrum.

Bass instruments are the foundation of the music, and the harmonics and overtones up the spectrum cannot continue in proper proportion to the foundation when the undertones are absent. Accordingly, the music will be harmed. That reality cannot be bypassed by wishful thinking.

The 535's paired low frequency balanced armatures work under exactly the same physical principles as do conventional speaker drivers. The less the displacement the less the distortion squared. Given the same crossover points, two low frequency drivers provide dramatically lowered distortion...but here's the catch: One can now move up the crossover point between bass-mid/high drivers and thus reducing the distortion for all three without a significant loss to distortion reduction for the low frequency armatures. In other words, now we have lowered the distortion for the mid-highs as well, providing for a more relaxed sound overall across the whole frequency spectrum.

Wally, I am happy that you are happy with your 425. It is a very good earbud one can live with...and it too is far better than the earlier 530 model.

I might add, nowhere does Shure imply that the three driver 535 is less accurate than the lower cost two driver 425. In fact, they clarify the exact opposite. The second bass driver of the 535 provides for the aforementioned lower distortion, ease and suppleness. That is, should be, the significant difference, it is audible across the spectrum, and for that difference one pays. And nowhere do I see "monitor" on Shure's website referring to the 425, or anywhere else as you had claimed - whatever "monitor" may mean to you. I think you got mixed up somewhere.

Shure claims monitor status ONLY for the 535 and for no other earbud they make.

NOTE the key words: Professionals (meaning for monitoring); audiophiles (meaning not casual listeners); pro musicians (self evident) and....unparalleled listening experience.

So if you can hear ALL the details with the 535, how come they don't make the same claim for the 425? May I suggest: The 425 can't achieve what the 535 can?

In conclusion, the 535 appears to be preferred by BOTH professionals, experienced listeners, engineers, extra-terrestrials, gardeners and chefs, audio reviewers, and by consensus: for BOTH the thrill of the musical experience and for capturing sonic detail. And as the engineer says in the You Tube video, each person's ears are different and so will be their reactions. Again, there is this dichotomy between what many call "accurate" and "musical," to me a misperception. One cannot be accurate without being also more musical. Get it? If it's musical it has to be accurate and vica versa. I explained above the technical reasons for the 535's warmer sound. Music in a good room sounds warm. Not "accurate." As the engineer says, the 535 makes one's jaws drop. It did mine.

agb -- Fri, 03/18/2011 - 10:58

While the above comments stay, I also urge you to see the comments in Hi-Fi Man HE-6 Review and the comments following Steve Stone's review of the Wyred4Sound DAC-2.

There IS....NO...COMPARING...an iPod/iPhone to the sound one can get from the DAC-2 directly connected to an Audez'e LCD-2 - bypassing external headphone amps and interconnects entirely - and ONLY after the DAC has been broken in steadily for 2-3 weeks and far more than 200 hours. Earbuds are fine for travel, but if you want to hear what's really been recorded, that is, much more than you will hear with an iPod with the very best earbuds, consider following the suggestions below.

Moreover, it is recommended that two boosts are given with a parametric EQ (no, with one degree phase shift there is ABSOLUTELY no distortion added.) I'd boost 2.6KHZ + 1.6 dB and 40 HZ +2.2 dB for more or less flat sound at the ear, as opposed to measured at the diaphragm of the Audez'e.

All headphones require EQ - PERIOD!

Try out FIDELIA software as your player. It has three EQ setting possibilities.

I've not yet heard better sound. Lastly....

You will rediscover your entire record collection.