Shure SE110

1. Introduction

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Design and Use, Conclusion

Shure SE110 Review

The new iPods are out. Digital music is more "in" than ever before. We can store our music library on dedicated portable devices like the iPod or we can take our music with us on most of the mobile phones we carry. As consumers get more comfortable with the technology, we realize that our music never needs to be far away from us.

When I go for my bike rides in the morning, I just switch to the media player on my BlackBerry and shuffle the music in my playlist - it is easy and convenient. Whether the music is stored on the phone or the iPod or whatever - one thing remains a constant - the earphones included in virtually every portable media player or mobile phone are terrible.

The worst offender is Apple who bundles in crappy earbuds with every high end music player. Purchasing good quality after-market earphones is now pretty much a requirement. With the preponderance of music players out there, the market for high quality earphones is exploding.

The number of choices for the consumer is also exploding - so, what's a consumer to do? Well, set your price point, try to listen to lots of different pairs and read all our reviews past, present and future!

Arguably, the fastest growing and most competitive market is the "under $100.00" segment. With technological advances, it is pretty amazing what sound quality can be had for under $100.00. At this price point, some of the finest names in the earphone business are really making some waves. While the advertised MSRP is $119.00 for the SE110's - on line discounts bring them down to right around the magic $100 mark.

Names like Shure - makers of very expensive and high quality earphones - are releasing some pretty amazing products. In this review we take a look at the brand new SE110 from Shure - do you need to look anywhere else? Read on for my full review.

About Shure:

Shure has been enthusiastically dedicated to helping you tell the truth in notes, words and sound since 1925. They make microphones and audio electronics to help amplify, process, and mix your sound. Perfectly. Transparently. Reliably.

So, what do they make? Lots of great gear for stage, studio, and personal use: Microphones. Wireless microphones and wireless guitar systems. Digital signal processors and feedback eliminators. Personal monitor systems. Hi-Fi phono cartridges and DJ needles. Portable mixers and digital signal processors. Sound Isolating Earphones and portable audio electronics.

Shure was one of the first companies to burst onto the scene of the after-market earphone solution for the iPod generation. They produced a line of Earphones from about $100 - to close to $500, each of which seemed to set the standard for its particular price bracket.

As more and more Earphone manufacturers saw this very lucrative market develop, Shure received competition from other audio giants such as Ultimate Ears, Westone, Sony and newcomers like V-Moda and others.

Product Overview:

Featuring Balanced MicroSpeakers, these sound isolating earphones deliver optimized audio for a rich, lifelike listening experience. Assorted sleeves and a modular cable provide unmatched comfort and customization.

- Sound Isolating Design
- Speaker Type: Balanced MicroSpeaker
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
- Included Fit Kit
- Also available in black

Key Features:

Designed for music lovers looking to upgrade the earphones included with their MP3 players, the compact SE110 is a perfect introduction to the stunning performance of Shure earphones. Evolved from earphone technology road-tested by pro musicians and perfected by Shure engineers, the compact SE110 delivers a rich, lifelike listening experience that’s free from outside noise.

Balanced MicroSpeaker
Developed for the discerning music lover, Balanced MicroSpeakers deliver optimized audio for a vivid and detailed listening experience. Rediscover your favorite music—richer and more lifelike than you've ever heard it.

Sound Isolating Design
Comfortable sound isolating sleeves block over 90 percent of ambient noise. Combined with the compact design and a modular cable, interruptions from the outside world are minimized, enabling you to focus on your music.

Fit Kit Includes:

- Sound Isolating Sleeves
The role of the included sound isolating sleeves is twofold: blocking ambient noise and ensuring a comfortable customized fit. Because every ear is different, the Fit Kit includes three sizes (S, M, L) of the Flex and Black Foam Sleeves. Experiment with the size and style that creates the best fit for you—a good seal is key to optimizing sound isolation and bass response as well as maximizing comfort during extended wear.

- Modular Cable
Based on extensive user feedback, Shure engineers have developed a detachable cable solution to enable unmatched personal customization. An included 3-foot cable allows you to tailor your experience depending on activity and application.

- Carrying Case
A durable and compact carrying case is included to provide a convenient, tangle-free solution to store and travel with your earphones.

Two-Year Limited Warranty
The SE110 comes with a two-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship.

Technical Specifications: