Shure SE535 Limited IEM Review

[bargainguy]

@gabo4au, thanks for the explanation about decreased nozzle size and not wanting to have your iems fall out. Makes perfect sense. To me, the Aonic 3's are much more usable than the Zero:2's simply because they fit better.

I wear these while exercising, and so far, they haven't fallen out yet.

 

[gabo4au]

@gabo4au, thanks for the explanation about decreased nozzle size and not wanting to have your iems fall out. Makes perfect sense. To me, the Aonic 3's are much more usable than the Zero:2's simply because they fit better.

I wear these while exercising, and so far, they haven't fallen out yet.

Yes for drum sessions and live gigs I either use my SE215's or my Westone UM Pro 50s. The latter being much better, but even the 215s work ok. I just know that over time these will eventually have problems or I'll break something and will need a new pair. The Westones were like $350, the 215s are only $99 but still way overpriced for their sound. I think the Aonic 3s are in the $250 range. Since I use music buds all the time, it would be nice to have a sub $50 choice. That way I could have many of them and just put them in every bag and if something happened to a pair, no biggie just get some more.

The idea of wearing the Zero2's underneath headphone type ear protection is just not happening. It's hot, uncomfortable, and not a good look on stage.

Overall it's a small problem, I have been doing this for many years and have workable set ups. Just something I keep my eye on when seeing reviews of all the really great low cost IEMs these days. I just check their nozzle size and body fit and size. If I find one with small nozzle's and less bulky body, I'll certainly be giving them a try.

 

[markanini]

Yes for drum sessions and live gigs I either use my SE215's or my Westone UM Pro 50s. The latter being much better, but even the 215s work ok. I just know that over time these will eventually have problems or I'll break something and will need a new pair. The Westones were like $350, the 215s are only $99 but still way overpriced for their sound. I think the Aonic 3s are in the $250 range. Since I use music buds all the time, it would be nice to have a sub $50 choice. That way I could have many of them and just put them in every bag and if something happened to a pair, no biggie just get some more.

The idea of wearing the Zero2's underneath headphone type ear protection is just not happening. It's hot, uncomfortable, and not a good look on stage.

Overall it's a small problem, I have been doing this for many years and have workable set ups. Just something I keep my eye on when seeing reviews of all the really great low cost IEMs these days. I just check their nozzle size and body fit and size. If I find one with small nozzle's and less bulky body, I'll certainly be giving them a try.

You need a fully sealed IEM then. The cheapest one with good tuning I know of is $200 Kiwi Ears KE4. Etymotic's can be found close to $100 if you look for a deal-you will have to deal with Etymotic's unique fit and tuning. Not a lot of options under $50 honestly unless you can accept weaker sound isolation.

EDIT: Almost forgot, there's Flo Audio Bluelover tuned similar to KE4 for $100 or less.

 

[gabo4au]

You need a fully sealed IEM then. The cheapest one with good tuning I know of is $200 Kiwi Ears KE4. Etymotic's can be found close to $100 if you look for a deal-you will have to deal with Etymotic's unique fit and tuning. Not a lot of options under $50 honestly unless you can accept weaker sound isolation.

EDIT: Almost forgot, there's Flo Audio Bluelover tuned similar to KE4 for $100 or less.

Here's a quote from a reviewer about the Bluelover.

"I didn't like the fit of the bluelover, it's a big iem for a 6 ba, people with small ears might not be able to use it.
The top part of the earphone hurts the cartilage in my ear, in addition to hanging out of the ear a lot and not being comfortable to sleep,"

Those qualities likely make it totally unacceptable for music applications. But thanks for the suggestion!

 

[markanini]

Here's a quote from a reviewer about the Bluelover.

"I didn't like the fit of the bluelover, it's a big iem for a 6 ba, people with small ears might not be able to use it.
The top part of the earphone hurts the cartilage in my ear, in addition to hanging out of the ear a lot and not being comfortable to sleep,"

Those qualities likely make it totally unacceptable for music applications. But thanks for the suggestion!

Fit is crucial for any application. Everyones ear anatomy is different, that's why you'll find someone complaining about fit for almost any IEM if you look for it.

 

[Peterinvan]

That is correct. There are some small filters that can be changed in the sound tube. I have the tool and the filters for the standard version somewhere, I haven't tried changing them though. I am curious how you find the sound of the 846s vs the 535s?

When I bought the SE535 Limited a few years ago, I got some fun out of changing the tiny filters in the sound tube. They make a significant improvement (depending what your preference is). See this Head-fi thread