Shure SE110 Headphones: large sound with even larger size.

 
As high-end audio manufacturer Shure continues to expand their portfolio of consumer headphones I jumped at the chance to try the new $99 entry level Shure SE110.

I’ve read a lot of great reviews lately of nearly all the models across the Shure consumer headphone lineup. In the end of my two week test I came away enjoying the high fidelity and great sound reproduction of these headphones, but there are a few fatal flaws and I would not recommend them for most people.  Maybe the high price puts reviewers and purchasers into some sort of trance, but the problems plaguing the SE110 seem to run so deep I seriously question how much time was actually spent using them in the wild before most of these glowing accolades were written. 

In-ear headphones to me are the only option for use while working out (I’m a cyclist and listen non-stop to my ipod whenever biking), or when good sound isolation is desired. The pros include: 1.) a cord that doesn’t easily tangle; 2.) optional “Voiceport” microphone; 3.) six different styles/sizes of earbuds; 4.) a nice little case with extension cable; 5.) and of course. . .excellent fidelity and decent bass with quality that beats what you might be used to from 95% of home mini-systems or iPod docks. Then again, ever since the Bose Acoustimassspeakers made small the new black for home theater speakers, the market has been flooded with small, cheap, low(ish) quality look-a-likes. . .so if you’ve spent only a Benjamin or two on your entire 5.1 system, even this, the lowliest of Shure headphones might actually beat the audio quality that you are used to.

The cons: 1.) the size/weight of the earbud is enormous. These won’t do the job if you’re looking to go run a few miles with them. Thinking about going for a bike ride?  Enough length of ear bud protrudes out past your skull with these things that they will actually howl loudly whenever you are in motion at more than a few MPH. 2.) The foam buds (better fitting vs. the included silicone option) create such a strong seal in your ear that it gives the earbuds and all attached wires a stethoscope effect.  Pretend you have an old school doctor’s  stethoscope in your ears and the tubes are rubbing all over your clothes. . .unless you want to weave the cord into your actual clothing I don’t know a good fix for this, it absolutely drove me crazy. 3.) The optional Voiceport mic doesn’t work with enough devices, and is also quite large and hangs down pretty far away from the user’s face. It comes with a small clip to affix to clothes but it can’t support the weight in actual useage.

If the target demographic for these headphones is people sitting still that don’t want an over the ear headphone, then these might be acceptable (though probably still overpriced, even for this the lowest end model).

My personal bang for the buck favorite for a good pair of in-ear headphones that can’t be beat for workout use is still the Sony Funtopia Headphones, available in white + black for less than $25! No the Funtopia headphones are not sonic wonders.  Instead they are decent, comfortable, and great for 90% of the people that want a pair of wired headphones that are made for running/biking/roller blading.