Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I wouldn't consider myself an "audiophile" in the strictest sense of the word. I do, however, like to enjoy my music the way I believe it was meant to be heard. In my experience, Shure earphones provide some of the best sound quality for the price. While they are not in any way cheap, there are certainly far more expensive options out there.
I have used a pair of Shure E4c's for the past three years on an almost daily basis. I absolutely loved them. Unfortunately with that much use the cords began to get brittle and started to fray until a few weeks ago, one of the wires finally completely cut out. This is a common occurrence for all earphones which are used extensively. I contacted Shure customer service to inquire about repairs, replacement, and their advice on a comparable product now available. Shure's customer service delivered a highly detailed and cordial response within 24 hours. I learned that I could repair my E4c's for around $110. Alternatively, I was told that the Shure SE315's were being released in September and they were in the price range I originally paid for my E4c's. So, I decided to go on Amazon and pre-order the SE315's.
Today I received them in the mail. They are somewhat larger than my old E4c's, however I think they are more ergonomically in line with my ears, thus they are more comfortable. There are a number of improvements that Shure has made over the E4c's. First, the cords are now detachable. This is an enormous evolution and easily the best feature of these earphones. If the cord does go bad some years down the road, I can order a replacement for a fraction of the cost of full repair. Second, the top of the cord, near the earphone, is now moldable. Thus you can mold the cord easily over your ear and it stays put. It is also made with kevlar, making it more durable and hopefully, less prone to the problems of past cords.
Finally, the sound quality itself is much, much improved. The bass is full and rich with absolutely no distortion. The highs are also incredible and you can hear even the slightest nuances in music, even at low levels. Truth be told, I have been listening to songs just to see how they now sound with these new earphones. They sound that good. In fact, in some songs I have heard entire new sounds and noises that I'd never heard before.
I use high quality digital files and a Zune HD to listen to my music. I don't use an amp. Like I said, I'm not an "audiophile" but I can appreciate a good set of earphones and realize that to enjoy your music to its fullest you need to invest in a good pair. If you are happy with the stock earbuds that come with an iPod Touch or the equivalent, something like the Shure SE315's is certainly not for you. That said, once you experience the truly unbelievable sound quality these deliver, I believe no one can go back.
The best sound from new earbuds comes after 400-500 hours of playback after the driver has had a chance to get worked in. However, the SE315's already sound a magnitude better than the E3c's. I am ecstatic with my purchase. If you have the money to spend, you can't go wrong with these earphones. Having listened to the Shure SE425's I honestly can't recommend them over the SE315's given the $100 premium. The SE315's sound absolutely amazing and in my opinion, are worth more than $200.
With Shure's two year warranty and excellent customer service, the SE315's are a downright awesome purchase, not to mention they sound spectacular. Trust me, with the SE315's, you will be rediscovering your music all over again.
****October 26, 2010 Update****
After using these everyday for the past month, I feel even better about my purchase, if that is possible. The clarity of these earphones is nothing short of amazing, which has made my listening of radio on my Zune HD a hit or miss affair. Regular FM radio sounds compressed, garbled, and full of audio artifacts, not to mention static. Luckily, HD radio sounds a lot better. I primarily use my Zune to listen to my own library of music, but it's nice to hear the radio sometimes. These earphones will provide you with both the good and the bad in that regard. Still, listening to my personal library has never been more enjoyable.
Also, the new design of these earphones is fantastic when it comes to listening to them in bed. I will listen to music or watch movies on Netflix on my iPad at night, and I can now do so on my side. The design of these earphones is such that when they are in your ear, they are flush with the side of your ear. Therefore, you can lay on your side without them jutting into your ear and causing pain and discomfort. These are the only earphones I've ever had where this was possible. It makes for a huge difference in using them when I lay down or go to sleep, as I now can lay on either side or my back.
Overall, I still have no complaints. These earphones were a great purchase.
****December 2, 2010 Update****
I guess I am a little surprised by the 3 star reviews some others have been giving these earphones. However when I look at the complaints, they are all valid for the most part. If you aren't used to earphones like these there is definitely an introduction/break-in period that you go through. I do, however, disagree with people complaining about the sound quality. But that is an opinion.
As for my continued use, not much has changed. I still use them almost daily and they have been holding up fantastically. No signs of sound or cord degradation at all. I still maintain that they are very comfortable, but it always depends more on what you were coming from I guess. If you absolutely loved how your old earphones fit then any change will be jarring. However I am completely used to these now and love them. Was still a great purchase and I still whole heartedly recommend these.
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Shure SE315-K, Sound Isolating Earphone, Hi-Definition Micro Speaker with Tuned Bass Port (Black)The SE315-K utilizes a single vented High-Definition MicroDriver for extended range audio with optimized low-end. Designed for both professional monitoring and personal listening, this model integrates a detachable cable at the ear for increased durability and easy replacement, and formable wire for a comfortable and secure fit.
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