So just how good do $300 headphones sound? Honestly: pretty damn good. While determining the overall value of headphones is a subjective decision, different from person to person, for those individuals willing to shell out some extra green to enhance the listening experience, the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating™ Earphones will be worth every penny.
BackGround
Shure has a longstanding reputation as a producer of audio products – from mixers and microphones to earphones and mobile headsets. The company has been around since the 1920s and they began producing Sound Isolating Earphones in 2007. Sitting in the center of Shure’s line of Sound Isolating Earphones (above SE210s and below SE420s), SE310s are touted for featuring both “Hi-Definition Microspeakers” for extended audio range and “Tuned BassPort” for enhanced bass. The main idea behind the technology is not only to provide superior sound, but also to block noise from the outside world (Shure claims the earphones eliminate 90 percent of ambient noise). Designed for on-the-go users of iPhones, iPods or other MP3 players, the headphones are intended to produce a quality listening experience even in noisy environments like subway stations. Included with the phones is a Deluxe Fit Kit, which contains three pairs of foam sleeves (in small, medium and large), three pairs of soft flex sleeves (also in S, M, L), one pair of triple flange sleeves, a 3-foot extension cable, a wax guard and a carrying case.
LowDown
Let me start by saying, the Deluxe Kit that comes with the earphones is a fantastic addition. My biggest complaint about earbuds is they only fit a certain slice of the population. For the rest of us, they’re either too bulky or too loose. But Shure gives users the capability of tailoring phones to individual ears (after trying them all out, I went with the small soft flex sleeves). Finding the right fit also helps optimize the SE310’s dynamite sound. By cutting out background noise considerably (you don’t realize how much you get with most headphones or earbuds until you try these) and streaming in exceptional sound, the Shure SE310 experience is akin to listening to a set of top-of-the-line speakers. Closing your eyes with the earphones in place is like hearing your favorite band play in a dark arena only for you. Listening to John Mayer’s surprisingly potent version of “Bold as Love”, I was struck by the empty space in the song; the quiet moments in between the swirling guitar notes and sparse drumming were given new attention with the Shure earphones – to great effect. The SE310s also do an outstanding job producing bass. The bass line of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day (Remix)” rolls along prominently enough on the SE310s without ever vibrating or tickling the ear. And these headphones get loud too. Because of the sound isolation, you really don’t need to turn your player volume very high.
WildCard
Outside of the extraordinary audio, there are a few considerations for those contemplating purchasing the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones. For one, since these phones go well inside the ear and create a seal, they may not be comfortable for everyone. And while the phones do hold inside the ear ably when used with the right sleeves, there probably not as good for vigorous athletic activity as phones with wrap-around stems (though I biked and ran with the SE310s on and just positioned the wires behind my ears). The 310s also suffer from a common problem of headphones nowadays: they come with an extension cable that makes the cord either too short (without it) or too long (with it). Still, none of these complaints have anything to do with the sound quality – and that’s what the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones are really all about. The major wildcard here is the price. Some people will cringe at the thought of paying more for headphones – an accessory – than they would for an iPod. And there’s nothing I can really say to change those people’s minds. After all, the 310s don’t sing or dance – they are just headphones. But they’re also pretty great headphones.
Upshot:
If you’re comfortable forking over a few hundred bucks for audio quality, you’ll get your money’s worth with the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones.
The Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones are available for purchase at the Shure Online Store ($299.99 for black; $249.99 for white).
