Shure SE310 Noise Isolating Headphones - White

Shure SE310 Noise Isolating earphones

Strengths: Excellent noise isolation and build quality.

Weaknesses: You can hear your feet thumping when running or walking that you don't hear with earbuds or headphones

Summary: I have a high end home recording studio, so I am picky about sound. I have numerous headphones such as the Sony MDR-7506, AKG 271, Audio-Technica M40fs which sound better than the SE310. However, the SE310's sound better than my Sennheiser 414's and AKG K-44's. My studio monitors are DynauodioAcoustics BM5a's with the subwoofer, and Rokit 5 's for comparison. The SE310 definitely lacks dynamic range. Rather than the advertised 22-20Khz frequency response, to my ears it sounds more like 60hz to about 14Khz. One of my test songs is to listen to Avril Levine's Sk8r Boi. Don't laugh, but that song contains some very serious lows from a synthesized timpani thud to super highs in Avril's voice which comes form the sizzle of an AKG C-12 tube mic run through what sounds like a Neve mic pre then run through a Distressor. Only Lord Alge knows for sure.

I can't really discern those frequency extremes with these earphones. Do they sound better than the earbuds that came with my second generation iPod nano? Yes and no.

They're great on an airplane, but when jogging or speed walking, the thud from each step bugs me to the point that I would just use my original earbuds.

To be fair, I haven't tried the Ultimate Ears or Westones, but the Shure's do look like they are more robust in build, even though they're made in China.

The package comes with a generous set of different sized ear sleeves, a nice case, and a nice cable connector set.

I bought these based on Shure's reputation for building robust microphones, some of which I've had for over 40 years and still ticking. I got mine on an internet site for $139 plus shipping. I'd be dissapointed if I paid $229 for these. For $139, I think it's a satisfactory deal, particularly for use on plane trips for the sound isolation alone!

I guess I am just one those cursed who can hear the difference and spoiled to having to purchase the top-of-the-line next month. I'll still keep these perhaps to use for a drummer during tracking in the studio, but definitely for my next plane trip across the country.

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Avid music enthusiast? Get these!

Strengths: Awesome clarity and low frequency reproduction. Multiple ear bud ends allow you to choose for a comfortable fit.

Weaknesses: PRICE - if you don't have a sensitive ear or have a hard time distinguishing high end audio over low end, don't waist your money, you won't notice the difference.

Summary: I work in a very noisy environment, and mainly bought these to help block out some of the noise so I wouldn't have to listen to my music so loud to hear it clearly. I have a very picky ear when I listen to music... I have to say I was hesitant on dropping the $$$ for these, but decided to go for it and hope that I didn't regret it... I don't. These buds block out almost all outside noise even in a very noisy factory. The frequency response is pretty much flawless. I am using these with my ipod, and I can't explain how impressed I am with the sound clarity. Most of my music I rip at 192Kb/s, but I do have some songs at 128Kb/s. I have to say that with these buds in, I can almost instantly tell when a song at the lower bit rate comes on... They are that clear.

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