Shure SE846 Review
Sound Isolating Earphones
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 10,714 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Shure SE846. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Shure SE846. For example, 94% of 1,616 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Shure SE846 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 47 Reviews
Shure SE846 Earphones
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Phil on B&H Photo Video
Currently I have a variety of Isolating Earphones from a pair of Etymotics ER-4 to the Shure SE530, SE 535 as well as the Westone ES5 custom moulded earphones, but after reading about the engineering of the Shure SE846 I was hooked on trying them out. I was a little disapointed that the upgrade from the SE530 to the SE535 was not as dramatic as I had hoped for, but the SE846 is in a league of it's own! After burning in the earphone and cable for at least 40 hours before trying them out I was blown away by the bass! Way better than all my other earphones and certainly on a par, if not better, than the Westone ES5. I had the pleasure of listening to them on a flight to and from Denver CO, so a good 4-5 hours at a stretch, and I didn't tire of the sound one little bit. My music tastes vary from Opera to Rock to Jazz to Folk music - pretty much every genre. The clarity of the SE846 is incredible, guitars are crystal clear, voices unmuddied, sepearion of the channels excellent and power more than my ears will safely withstand. By the way these earphones have replaceable nozzles that will adjust the frequency response more to your liking. I only tried the default level and was blown away with the results. They are made of metal so no more risk of breaking the nozzle when repalcing ear buds! Anybody else had this problem? The quality of the units is so way and above the SE530/535, they are a marvel to look at with their crystal clear smooth edged case, filled to the brim with the all the electronics. Fitting was much more comfortable to my ears than the SE530/535 which are a little small and fiddly to get in the right position. Two words of advice to get the best from these earphones! Firstly make sure you take the time to select the right earbud. I have found this critical to the performance of all my in-ear earphones, but even more so with the SE846's. Too loose and the bass level dies! Too loose and the noise cancellation is poor. I actually use the Westone foam earbuds - about 12mm long and 10mm wide. They compress and mould easily to the ear canal and the sound isolation is brilliant. Almost as good as my Custom In-Ear Westone ES5 (which are reference standard for noise isolation). Secondly I found this with my SE535, the earphone cable supplied (same as SE846 cable), has a very stiff over ear wire/plastic sheath. this prevented me getting optimum depth in the ear canal and thefore optimum sound isolation. with the SE846 this has a direct impact on the bass level too! I removed the plastic sheath and wire and the fit is now much more comfortable and reproduceable. Another big advantage to the sE846 is that it comes with two cable lengths the traditional 64 which is way too long if yuo use them when running as I do, or even sitting in the airplane. the shorter cable is 46, same quality and fittings! All in all, I can highly recommend the Shure SE846 for anybody that really wants more defined base with the mid-range that Shure's are known for in a great looking earphone. The down side is that they are very expensive but if you enjoy music, wnat more bass and have the finacial means - then go for it - you won't be disapointed. ... More
Crystal clear sound
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Michael P. on B&H Photo Video
These are no ordinary headphones. They are completely balanced across the board and are a true audiophile experience every time you listen to them. These are well worth the investment if you're serious about your music both on and off the stage. I mostly use them as monitors when playing at church. These headphones come with everything described in a very nice box. It comes with two cases--a large plastic case and a smaller travel case. Both are very high quality to protect your earbuds. It also comes with an assortment of different types and sizes of ear pieces. Here's my first and really only complaint about these headphones--the foam ear pieces, which are in my opinion the best for sound isolation (which is excellent), aren't the easiest to use or most comfortable. They're essentially foam ear plugs attached to the ear buds. They need to be compressed before putting them into your ears, and they get tiresome after a while. They're also a little tricky to remove. Most likely though, if you're investing in a set of in-ears like this, you'll be spending the extra money to get a set of custom inserts too. Easy fix. Shure doesn't make them, but they suggest a company, which they were kind enough to put the name of on a card inside the user manual. The sound--all I can say is WOW! They truly have a subwoofer sound on the low end, and the sound is crystal clear across the spectrum with no peaking or dead spots through the highs. There's nothing I can even compare these to. Since they have 4 drivers, if there's intense sound in any range, it doesn't degrade the sound in other ranges. It stays level across the board. I've tried to throw everything I could at these earbuds from acoustic/classical to rock to hip hop/rap, and there's nothing they couldn't handle, and everything was the best I'd ever heard it. In fact, the sound is so crisp and clear, I was able to hear things in just about every song that I'd never heard before. These are the best earbuds I've ever heard. ... More
Very high end in-ear headphone
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones with RMCE-UNI Cable (Black)
Reviewed by Daniel on B&H Photo Video
I have many high end in-ear headphones. Shure SE535, Westone W60, Ultimate Ears Triple Fi, AKG N30, Klipsch X11, Westone 3, and a few others. I have many high end over the ear headphones as well, including Audeze LCD2, various Stax electrostatic headphones, HiFiMan HE500, Audeze Sine, Oppo PM3, old Yamaha Orthodynamic headphones of several varieties, etc. Point being I'm very experienced in listening to high quality in ear and over the ear headphones. The most direct competitor from my batch of headphones will be the Westone W60 version 2. Also perhaps the Shure SE535. I won't go on at length but some brief impressions. Compared to the SE535, the SE846 has much fuller and deeper bass. Is a more balanced sound overall. A larger, fuller, more nuanced and detailed sound, yet not as bright as the SE535. I love the Westone W60, but it has a pronounced bass, especially mid-bass, compared to the SE846. They both dig deep into the lowest bass registers, but the Shure's bass is flatter along the frequency curve. The Westone is warmer. The Shure more accurate. You can't go wrong with either...just a preference as to what you like in a sound curve. I love the SE846. It's very well built, comes with a full package of ear tips and other items, including Shure's BT2 bluetooth dongle, which works very well. It does have APTX HD built-in, so does provide for high quality bluetooth sound compared to lower codecs. The BT2 does have a more limited range in terms of distance from the phone than some other bluetooth devices I've used. So you have to be near the phone when using the dongle. These are very expensive. I was lucky enough to get them at a significant discount in a recent sale. I don't think they warrant the step up in retail price compared to the SE535, but at the sale price they were well worth it. ... More
Audio Magic
Shure SE846-CL Quad MicroDriver Sound Isolating Earphones
Reviewed by GARY on Guitar Center
Inside the cover of the box containing the SE846 in ear monitors are ten points that appear to be marketing hype regarding the unit itself. I am able to state these represent true statements in every way. Anyone who has been associated with fine audiophile grade equipment will inform you that in this regard beyond all of the subjective listening test several things will be missing with these IEM's. I will name only a few. Missing is disturbing the neighbors due to true sub woofer notes. They are missing the wife saying, "could you turn that down some, the kids are sleeping, homework, etc. They are missing the thousands of dollars you can't take with you when you leave your audiophile investment behind on a trip, to the gym, or where ever. These have a two stage low frequency driver setup that works just like a separate true sub and mid bass driver. You can actually hear and feel the true sub kick in only when it is called upon to do so just like your very expensive audiophile equipment. The result is indeed like some type of audio wizardry or some type of audio illusion that has to be heard to believe.The price is an absolute bargain when you think of flagship smartphones costing between five hundred and a thousand dollars.every two years, or one piece of that audiophile grade equipment you have at home. Although you can realize a tremendous difference in sound with a premium flagship smartphone or tablet and loss less music, naturally the better the source the better these units perform however these will give new meaning to the phrase when an incoming call comes in and you smile as you say I can't take that right now,... I'm on the phone and can't be disturbed. ... More
Outstanding high end IEMs
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by wlmsears on B&H Photo Video
I had some reservations about spending this much for a pair of IEMs, but reviews by other suggested that these had a combination of outstanding bass response and a very detailed high end. This expectation was completely confirmed. These IEMs have an amazing low end that goes to the very lowest notes on a pipe organ without introducing any boominess in male vocals. The high end is extraordinarily detailed. When tracks begin, it often feels like walking into a studio. I would suggest using these with an external DAC, since they are high end is so detailed. The difference between using the output from a phone or tablet is distinctly different from the sound when using an external DAC. Likewise, these sound better with lossless music. Build quality is excellent. Two sets of cables are provided. These are heavy duty shielded cables that should last a long time. The cables can be replaced if they become damaged. A wide variety of tips are provided--most users can find a set that are both comfortable and provide the necessary fit for good bass response and good sound isolation. Sound isolation is excellent (in some environments, these might not be desired). These are suitable for use in noisy environments, and provide for very private listening in normal environments. Cord noise is lower than most of the phones that I have tried. These phones are very sensitive, and can be driven with little power. A phone or table is fully able to drive these to high volume, but note the comment on the degradation of sound quality when used in that mode. ... More
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As good as it gets without custom molded
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video
These are more than twice as expensive as any other headphone/earphone/IEM I've previously used. My most recent comparisons are to Sony active noise canceling headphones and the Master & Dynamic earbuds I've previously used. I previously thought the Sonys with their class-leading active noise cancelation were very good. But going from the Shure SE846 to the Sony makes the Sonys seem like a muddy, boomy mess by comparison. The Shures have amazing bass response down to frequencies that are more seismic than melodic. Everything is so clean and nuanced. Since I had never previously used an in-ear monitor style earbud, I was initially frustrated, running through every single tip in the case with no luck. I watched some instruction videos and eventually got it figured out with the default medium tips that were on it when I first took it out of the box. Once I got it, they were amazing! Getting the proper seal not only brings the bass response alive, but it does a remarkable job with passive sound isolation. Active noise canceling headphones are most effective at reducing constant droning sound, such as car road noise, jet engines, etc. The Shures passively have at least as much suppression of ambient noise, including things the Sonys aren't so good at, such as a person talking nearby. As a non-musician, I purchased this IEM style to have an audiophile set of headphones that I could effectively use with my ridiculous number of hours spent on video meetings and presentations. This style--especially with the clear casing--is essentially invisible when looped over my ears and routing the cable behind me. I've never been into the massive-cans-on-the-ears podcaster look. This form factor produces amazing sound with a more discreet and portable form factor. They do cause mild discomfort with extended wear. After I spend a few weeks with them, I may opt to spend the additional money on custom molded tips. They're also clumsier to put in and take off than traditional headphones and earbuds. ... More
OMG ! ! Perfect
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Bradley on B&H Photo Video
I have had a pair of 535s for years and always thought that they sounded fantastic, and they did. I was in NY and stopped into B&H hoping they would let me try out these, arguably very expensive 846 headphones. To my pleasant surprise, they did. I bought them on the spot after testing a variety of songs, half-hoping I wouldn't love them. Performance - I travel for work and am on a few flights per week. I will tell you that the passive noise cancelling works extremely well. The constant din of air noise and screaming kids are no match for this seemingly simple passive noise cancellation. As I have mentioned, the sound is outstanding. They are crisp and the bass is tight. What surprised me the most is the fact that I hear deeper, lower frequencies that I simply never heard before on my 535s or any earphone. As for durability, they hold up perfectly through long summer runs, multiple daily use, and winding the cord time and time again. The 535s that I have had for more than 7 years have been equally durable under daily use. I replaced the cord once for a modest fee. I stepped on the clip once and Shure sent me a new one. My dog chewed up a housing and Shure replaced it, for a modest fee. Have you ever tried to order new cords or parts for other earphones? No, thats just one reason why there are worth it. These things are so durable, I am confident they will last for many many years. Given all of that, the $999 price seems worth the expense and the sound is definitely worth the money. At least that's what I told my wife . . . ... More
Best headphones I've ever heard
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by ND on B&H Photo Video
I use the product to commute and while I'm working away from home. At home I use a pair of HD650's and I'm always missing the other pair. The price is quite steep but they are simply fantastic. Clearest, most beautiful sound I've ever heard from IEMs. The only problems I've had are cable length and the fact that there is no mic or remote which can make it a bit annoying during commuting. I am aware that there are cables that have this. The part of the cable that goes over the ear can take a bit of getting used to. I guess another problem is that you can never tell anyone the price because no one will understand. ... More
Full Shell Sleeves
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by DENIS on B&H Photo Video
For the customers that bought these earbuds I truly recommend them to buy -and I know is an extra expense- the Full Shell Sleeves from Sensaphonics. (Google It) On top of the expense of the Full Shell Sleeves (150 USD) you will have to spend also a visit to an audiologist for the impressions of your ear canal (50-100$). No. It is not as scary as it seems. Those goes into your ear canal. BUT.... They do not feel any uncomfortable and the isolation is incredible and the sounds improve... You just have to be patient in the beginning... You will never be able to go back to other methods of isolation. It is not for everybody... but definitively it worths a try... ... More
WOW, Amazing Audio
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones with RMCE-UNI Cable (Black)
Reviewed by Charles on B&H Photo Video
I have experience with Shure earphones having owned Shure for many years; presently I own the SE315 and SE425's. The SE846's have been on my radar wish list for several years. So when B&H had them on the Deal Zone daily special at half price, I jumped on my set. After I finished my checkout I returned to the deal page to see they had sold out! Lucky me, I jumped quickly and own a pair!! Fact: You can believe all you have read and heard about the Shure SE846 earphones. I hear sparkling, clean audio like I've never enjoyed before. Fact is, I am amazed at hearing the music I was not hearing within my often played tunes! It's a listening experience well above all others. The Sound-Isolating is spot on, you can hear what you need to hear within the elements. I'm so happy and very pleased I own my set, I'm a very proud owner. Get yourself a set soon, you will be pleased. One oddity is that they do not provide a carry case for our priceless Shure 846 earphones. I use them in my home, but also use them while I ride my Harley and would like a case for off time, and out of the house protection. That is what the buds are for, to take along when you are out and about. B & H shipped right away and I received on estimated time. Well packaged and factory sealed. 100% totally happy and satisfied. ... More
Pure brilliance
Shure SE846-CL Quad MicroDriver Sound Isolating Earphones
Reviewed by Eddie Lukas on Guitar Center
After losing two pairs of these on the same day when I was jogging at the neighborhood KMart parking lot, I finally walked into the store and got myself a pair of skull candy which I managed with for about a week. I couldn't stand it any longer. Not that the skull candy's are bad. They are just as great as these and even better in some aspects. The fact that kept me awake at night was why I chose to spend just $19.99 on a pair of skullies when I had $999 and change sitting in my wallet. This was the money that the wife gave me to pay the rent. However to an audiophile like me, a month without a roof pales in comparison to what I was missing without these bad boys in my ears. Didn't hesitate for another minute. I had a $10 coupon which was actually a sign from above that I should get these babies. No regrets. Not even after my wife filed for divorce after this incident. That should speak for itself! Would definitely recommend to a friend especially my buddy Tim who has been lookin for a break from married life.
Sonic Joy
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by UpComing on B&H Photo Video
I enjoyed the 500 series for years until mine was tragically broken in an industrial accident. I read that Shure was coming out with the new IEM so I waited a few months until it bacame available. It was absolutely worth the wait. The SE846's expose more sonic information than I've yet heard through all the spectrum, expecially at the low end. They are detailed yet smooth. I have listened all day and not been the least bit fatigued by the sound. I had custom ear molds for the SE530. I've ordred custom molds for the 846s but they have not arrived yet. That does make a big difference in comfort for long periods of use and for sound isolation. Obviously price is a challenge but I find they are well worth it. Good recordings through a high quality, low noise player are a joy to listen to. ... More
Terribly disappointed
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Matt on B&H Photo Video
Tremendous in terms of sound quality I have no complaints whatsoever, my issues are with earbud construction and Shure's response to my complaint. Having owned a pair for a couple of years and enjoyed them immensely, the adhesive that holds the 2 halves of the acrylic housings together started to turn yellow and degrade. I only use mine casually and occasionally and yet it's got to the point now that the shells have started to separate, and I can get a fingernail in the gap. I contacted Shure regarding this, and their response was that they would sell me a pair of replacement earbud modules minus cables and accessories for $600. I'm now faced with trying to find an independent company who will re-shell them or attempt to do it myself, I don't consider a couple of years of casual use to be a good enough life span for a pair of $1000 earbuds and after owning a pair of E500's and now 846's I certainly won't be turning to Shure for my next pair. ... More
Expensive, but worth it.
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
The SE 846's are not just a 'step above' the previous models, its a whole other beast. The balanced armature drivers are proprietary, and the patented acoustic sub woofer is phenomenal. You get the impact, slam and rumble of a dynamic driver, with the detail and resolution of a BA design. The sublime bass, however does not interfere or muddy up the mid-range. Shure's house sound is that forward mid-range, and the high end is clear and extends into infinity, airy and detailed. Sound stage is wide and deep, not too tall, and instrument positioning is 3D and holographic. There is an airiness to the high end. Put this all together and you have a sublime, potent earphone. The problem tho is that these earphones are very revealing, and inferior recordings will be exposed with what they are. But with an excellent recording, and the right amp/DAC, these are one of the best earphones you can by, rivalling most over-ear cans. Highly recommended. ... More
The Best for the Best!
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones with RMCE-UNI Cable (Black)
Reviewed by Christopher W. on B&H Photo Video
I am a trained classics pianist (now 82 years old - Played my first concert at 7, started at 4 - now retired). I have played and listened-to classical music in all of its forms all over the world in many of the best concert halls in the world - many times. In between, while traveling from concert to concert, I listened to the replays of concerts just completed to excavate opportunities to improve next time around. The reason I mention this is that over the years, I have developed a pretty good ear for the exceptional versus the average renditions of the most listened-to (and popular) classical masterpieces, both live and recorded. For me (and - YES- everything IS personal), the Shure SE846s render sounds that are the closest to true live performances in the best concert halls in the world (Carnegie, Bolshoi, Vienna Opera House, Paris, etc.). One cannot go wrong with these buds! Versus what they deliver - and relative to competitive products - I would buy them at twice the price. (This is my third pair!) Treat yourself! Take the big leap! You will be VERY happy you did! ... More
A bit early to review, but great sub bass
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Walt on B&H Photo Video
Compared with my Shure 500's these are an improvement in the low bass notes. There is more definition there. I need a few weeks of steady listening to adapt my ears to the sound improvement, at which point I'd be in a better position to comment on the value of these over iems half the cost. If I had to comment now, I'd say they are not worth 2x the price. Maybe 30% or 40% more. The added bass is nice and these IEMs still have the forward mid range that we all like in the Shure's. The cable is nicer and having a replacement cable and customizable sound inserts is a nice touch. I'm definitely keeping them after the sore spot in my wallet heals. ... More
Flat Out Amazing
Shure SE846-CL Quad MicroDriver Sound Isolating Earphones
Reviewed by Tim on Guitar Center
Go to Amazon and you'll see lots of detailed reviews about the awesomeness that is these in-ears. I can't take them off. I mainly use them for monitors while singing and playing guitar and the sound is full, clear, and will go far louder than you would ever need. The bass is spot on. I would highly recommend these for a singer looking for the best quality you can find in the realm of in-ear monitors. They fit perfectly snug. I tried the 535's, and I must say these are definitely a noticeable step up. Better richer bass, and the 846's never crackle at high volume levels. I don't have a single regret, and at this price point, that fact speaks for itself. ... More
Sound Quality is superb!
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by hitman on B&H Photo Video
Because of their low impatience the sound is effortless... you'll be surprised at how low you adjust the volume on your iPhone and still retain superlative sound quality. If fact, the lower the better..... People with poor quality, high impedance headphones try to turn up the volume to hear the missing musical cues. Waste of time.Get over the price... you get what you pay for....I tried the 535 after I spent time with the 846..... 535 was a huge disappointment to me after hearing the 846..... I was looking for $ sound from a $ headphone..... I rushed immediately to get the 846 from BH.Build quality is also excellent... packaging worthy of an Apple product.I want to emphasize how good even downloaded music sounds on this system. ... More
Best sounding Headphones anywhere
Shure SE846-CL Sound Isolating Earphones
Reviewed by Michael S. on Reverb
I have wanted a pair of these for years but the price has always scared me off. I will pay a couple thousand dollars for a digital camera, TV or computer that will be obsolete in 2-3 years but I wouldn't pay a thousand dollars for a pair of headphones that will last 2-3 times as long. My logic was flawed. I finally broke down a bought a used pair and all I can say is WOW! I had Shure's next model down, the SE535 and thought they sounded amazing but the 846s are at a whole other level. The real question that you need to ask yourself is are the 846s twice as good as the 535s? They are definitely better by a wide margin but twice as good? 50% better? Without a doubt. 75% better? Probably. Twice as good? Probably not twice. That being said if you have the disposable income laying around and you want the best sounding headphones on the plant then the 846s are what you want. They are second to none. Amazing bass, crisp, clear mids, the highs are sharp without being annoying or painful. I think I have just purchased the last pair of headphones I will ever own, ... More
Believe the hype.
Shure SE846 Sound Isolating Earphones (Clear)
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
Tip choice impacts sound presentation. Highly revealing; Source critical; poor sources will be treated unkindly. This is a high end, luxury product; you get what you pay for. The bass is detailed and punchy, but it has this way of not crowding the mids, or suffering from muddiness. Lows mids and highs occupy their own space in the soundstage and the sound is always smooth, yet detailed and holographic. Playing on an AK Jr., Sounds airy with pinpoint location and extended highs (i have the bright tuning tube installed with foam Comply tips. The mids are smooth and detailed, with appropriate crispiness. The bass falls down and down into the darkness, with perfect detail and punchy impact. Not sure if only the best sources can do these justice. ... More
