Shure SE530 Sound Isolating Earphones

by Shure

• Triple speakers for sound that rivals live performance
• Triple TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers: Dedicated Tweeter and Dual Woofers
• Sound Isolation Technology reduces background noise better than noise-cancelling headphones, without batteries or added hiss
• Premium Fit Kit including a selection of interchangeable sleeves for personalized, comfortable fit; 3' extension cable; 9" cable; premium carrying case; volume control; Ľ" adapter; airline adapter
• Modular Cable Design lets users choose different cable lengths to suit different music player locations (armband, pocket etc.)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 3.2 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000O8ENQK
• Item model number: SE530
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (165 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer What 80 Years of Audio Experience Sounds Like Today

If you’re as passionate about audio as the musicians who use our microphones, you deserve the legendary performance of Shure earphones. As a leader in the professional audio industry for over 80 years, we’re proud to bring you personal listening products that reflect our experience and ongoing pursuit of audio perfection--and the new SE line of sound-isolating earphones is the latest step in approaching that perfection.

Isolation, not Cancellation

Shure Sound Isolating Earphones are unlike headphones that feature noise canceling technology. For listeners seeking maximum audio fidelity, the differences are key. Noise cancellation technology uses active circuitry to counteract background noise, which may introduce artifacts into your audio. Sound isolating earphones comfortably fill the ear canal and naturally block most background noise for a clear, detailed listening experience--all without the need to listen at high volumes which may risk damaging your hearing.

Legendary Performance At Any Level
Each model has its own unique sound characteristic, providing increased range and detail as you move up the line:

SE210 (white) / SE210-k (black): High-quality on-the-go audio utilizing Hi-Definition MicroSpeakers to deliver full range audio, the ergonomic design of the SE210 is ideal for premium on-the-go listening. The SE210 also offers a flexible design for multiple wearing positions.
SE310 (white) / SE310-k (black): Breathtaking sound and style featuring Hi-Definition MicroSpeakers with a Tuned BassPort, the SE310 delivers extended range audio and optimized low-end performance. The SE310 also offers a flexible design for multiple wearing positions.
SE420 (white) / SE420-k (black): Heart-pounding performance featuring Dual TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers, the SE420 uses a dedicated tweeter and woofer to provide a detailed sound stage. Lows, mids, and highs are distinct and defined for accurate reproduction of all the details of your music.
SE530/SE530PTH: Pure audio precision--the SE530 uses Triple TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers to create an expansive sound stage. A dedicated tweeter ensures that highs and mids are incredibly accurate and detailed, while dedicated dual woofers provide balanced, full-bodied bass. The Push-To-Hear Control (included with the SE530PTH) adjusts levels of external sound for maximum intelligibility.

Product Description

Pure audio precision--the SE530 uses Triple TruAcoustic MicroSpeakers to create an expansive sound stage. A dedicated tweeter ensures that highs and mids are incredibly accurate and detailed, while dedicated dual woofers provide balanced, full-bodied bass.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

286 of 292 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good - definite wire issue - and now I've switched to Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10s! - *** (please see my updates) *** September 24, 2007

By Robert C.

Amazon Verified Purchase

***** Initial review - September, 2007 *****

My first exposure to these headphones was through a friend at the office who purchased a set of Shure E500s about a year ago (the E500s are pretty much identical to the SE530s). When he told me (and the rest of us) how much he paid for them ($500+ for the E500PTHs) we collectively thought he was nuts and proceeded to ridicule the decision.

That was before we heard them.

I first heard the E500s when that same friend from the office was going to send his set back to Shure under warranty due to the wires cracking with part of the copper conductors exposed near the ear area. He figured he was getting a new set from Shure, so he may as well let us hear them. Well, I thought I was good with my Sennheiser CX300s. I was wrong. Really, really wrong. I put the SE500s through their paces with my Rio Karma loaded with tunes I personally ripped using CDEX and Lame at a high bitrate. I used material ripped from MFSL Ultradiscs, DCC and Sony Superbitmap discs as well as other good, dynamic recordings and remasters. I never knew IEMs could sound this good! The E500s were audio bliss! There were excellent highs, mids and lows, all crystal clear and accurate without distortion. One of the most amazing things about them was the soundstage. With good source material, I could hear different instruments as if they each had a direct line into my brain. You could easily hear the difference between good recordings and masterings and ones that are not so great. I was sold on the spot.... To verify my new opinion, I had certain other guys at the office (who are also appreciative of quality audio) listen to them, and they were just as amazed. We all apologized. He let me borrow them overnight. That evening I listened to them on the train home and then literally went crazy listening to everything I could, including some 24-bit DVD audio on my home system. I listened to them all night. Broken wires or not, I did not want to return them the next day.

So in a nutshell, I loved them, but I could not justify spending the money on the SE530s ($430 at the time)... Here I thought my Sennheiser CX300s were good... errr.. but not SE530 good. Not even close. They were just not in the same league.

So I watched and waited here at Amazon and in about two weeks the price dropped $40 to $390. Alright, I had enough! That was my cue to buy!

That was a few weeks ago and I have no regrets.

The sound isolation is really good, easily blocking out most outside sound when using the supplied foams. Also, the foams are comfortable (for me) and I can leave them in for hours without fatigue. The result is that you tend to listen to the music at a slightly lower volume since the outside noise is so well blocked. But if you do want to crank it, the SE530s can handle it. I use them every day during my commutes on the train. They were definitely worth the money.

My only criticism (other than the price) is with the wires. The wires are too thick, heavy and stiff in my opinion. I wish they were more like the thin, light, extremely flexible silicon type wires like the ones on the Sennheiser CX300s. I don't know what Shure was thinking using these. As I said earlier in the review, my friend's E500's stiff wires were damaged after a year and I can see that happening with these too. Good thing the the SE530s have a two year warranty. I substituted the long extension that came with them with a highly flexible extension that came with a pair of Sonys... so much lighter and better.

Overall the wire situation is a small negative compared to a very big positive of the amazing sound reproduction.

One of the other reviewers here said it, don't listen to these headphones if you don't plan on buying them. If you love audio, once you listen through these SE530s, you cannot ignore them.

***** UPDATE: 10/9/2007 *****

I'm still amazed at just how good these sound. I've been using them every day during my daily rail commute to and from NYC from the suburbs. The isolation level they provide is amazing! Using the supplied foam ear pads, I can honestly say that it almost doesn't matter if the lady next to me starts yapping on her cell phone or if a group of tourists is having a loud conversation - I won't hear 'em. With these on, you are in your own world. You will notice some outside sound between songs or during very quiet passages, but for the most part, if you are using the foams and they are inserted correctly, you will be very well isolated. Highly recommended for commuters. The wires still suck though.

***** UPDATE: 7/30/2008 *****

Its been ten months since I purchased these SE530s and every day I use them, I'm glad I did. I use them on an almost daily basis during my rail commutes to and from the office and the sound quality has been nothing less than outstanding for both music and movies. The fact that you get all this clarity and resolution along with full bass AND that almost all outside noise is blocked makes them truly great. I cannot imagine better sounding headphones for any price. I have to laugh when I see people wearing bulky, full-sized headphones on the train - I would not want to to do that.

So, I've had no regrets regarding the investment... that is, until today. Today I noticed what I knew was inevitable... one of the wires has developed a crack in the insulation near the black molded rubber strain relief and has exposed the copper conductor beneath. Upon further inspection, the other wire is showing signs of imminent cracking in the same area. I have been so very careful as to only pull them out of my ears via the back of the drivers near the strain relief and frankly, I cannot imagine how I could have treated them any better and not had this happen. I know that I predicted that this *exact* thing would happen in my initial review (see above and in the comments section) but it sucks now that it actually did. I still cannot understand how Shure could be using these stiff, inflexible, poorly performing wires on an otherwise fine set of super-premium earbuds. Now I have to return them under warranty for replacement. I called Shure and they want me to ship the 530s back to them, insured, with my proof of purchase from an authorized dealer (which Amazon is) along with their RMA form and I should see a replacement in *TWO WEEKS,* maybe more. TWO WEEKS? For $400+ headphones I expect better service than this. They will not cross-ship me a new pair either as they are "not set up" to do that. Shipping them back will likely cost me at least $20 with the insurance.

The worst part of this is that I fully expect that I'm going to receive a brand new pair with the same issue waiting to happen again over the course of normal use. I know this because my friend from the office, who originally introduced me to the Shures, is now on his... get this... *FIFTH PAIR* of SE500/530s - as four sets have developed the same exact wire cracking issue within a period of only two years. I did some poking around on the internet and there are even other reviews here on Amazon that detail the *exact* same issue. WTF is Shure thinking? I can walk down the street to any electronics store and buy a $30 set of buds with wire that will not have this issue... how is it that a $400+ super-primo set does? You can't tell me that other people aren't returning them... FIX THE ISSUE WITH THE WIRES, SHURE!!!

I'll update this review again when I receive my replacement pair.

***** UPDATE: 4/21/2009 *****

I swapped out for a new pair of SE530s in December, 2008 - I'm not going into the mechanics of that, but I didn't go through Shure. The wire on this pair is definitely different than the wire on my first pair. It is a bit more flexible and a tad thinner. I know with the first pair, I predicted immediately that the wires would fail in the exact manner in which they eventually did fail. With this wire, it's more difficult to predict the longevity. It certainly feels a bit better, but I'm apprehensive to call the issue fixed. I've had this pair for about five months now and there are no signs of the cracking issue yet. The sound quality is still phenomenal and based on that alone, I think you will not be disappointed. As a side note, my coworker sent yet another pair back as the black rubber strain relief separated from the body on his left speaker. You cannot reattach it. I can see how that could happen, but so far I have no similar issue.

***** UPDATE: 9/28/2009 *****

In July I purchased a new 32gb Cowon S9 to replace my aging Rio Karma. The audio output quality of the S9 is truly excellent and the Shure SE530s together with the S9 sound amazing! But now the rubber strain relief on my left bud is separating, just like it did on my co-worker's pair back in April. This doesn't affect the sound at all, but it looks bad and since the wire strain relief is no longer functioning, the wire is SHURE to suffer. This is disappointing as I've only had this pair (my 2nd) for nine months. This kind of thing just shouldn't happen to super-premium, pricey IEMs. Since I've been very careful with them and research shows that these issues are common with the 530s, I know it's not due to mishandling or abuse. My two years of experience with them has shown that the 530s are super delicate and if you use them regularly, no matter how hard you try, they will suffer some kind of premature failure. The fault falls squarely on the shoulders of SHURE who did not see the shortcomings of their design when it came to the usability and durability of the wires or ancillary details. It's a shame because they really do fit well and sound great! I think Shure should have placed some kind of small tab on the sides of each bud to grab between your thumb and forefinger to pull the buds out of your ears, otherwise it's very difficult to pull them out without putting critical stress on some delicate part of the buds. HELLO SHURE? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? In my experience, form over function almost inevitably fails.

When I first heard these two years ago, I was amazed. I didn't know small IEMs could sound THIS good. Since then I've had a lot of experience with these SE530s and I've also done a lot of reading in various audiophile forums (try head-fi dot org). According to likeminded people who have access to many different super-premium buds, there are competitors to the SE530s. I think if I were looking for new earbuds, right now, today, I would spend some time contemplating the new Sennheiser IE 8s, Westone 3s or the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10s along with the SE530s. Even though I must emphasize that the Shure SE530s sound absolutely phenomenal, with the wire problem and other minor issues I've had, the many issues my co-worker has had and from experiences I've read, I'm just not SHURE I could pull the trigger on SHURE again. I dunno, maybe I'm just expecting too much.

***** UPDATE: 5/3/2010 *****

It is very likely that this will be the last update to my ongoing review of the Shure SE530s. The reason is that as of December, 2009, I've switched to a set of Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10s! On December 4th, 2009, Amazon had an incredible sale on the TripleFi 10s that I could not pass up - they were on sale for a hundred bucks. No, seriously, one hundred dollars! I figured for that price I would give them a try. Honestly, I didn't expect much and I thought, hey, what is wrong with these TripleFi 10s that Amazon is selling them so cheap? I wasn't even certain that I would receive them at all thinking that the price may have been a mistake. Would they cancel the order? Well, no, they didn't. They were on sale for a hundred dollars and yes, to my delight, I did receive them after a few days.

To my astonishment, after only about 20 minutes of A/B testing the TripleFi 10s with the Shure SE530s, it was obvious to me that the TripleFi 10s were superior. I could not believe my ears! It wasn't even close! I was amazed that the SE5530s sounded downright muddy in comparison to the TripleFi 10s. Muddy! When inserted correctly, the TripleFi 10s had all of the bass and depth of the SE530s, but with superior clarity and a high end that the Shures simply cannot match along with a wider soundstage! (I found reputable frequency response tests of both units on the internet which tell the story very well - as it turns out, the Shure SE530s have a high frequency roll-off which is not gradual as you might think but is more like a rock falling off a cliff at a much lower frequency than you would expect - it's not necessarily obvious unless you have something better to compare them to, like the TripleFi 10s). Using a broad selection of music on my Cowon S9, I conducted more A/B listening tests hoping to either confirm my initial findings or realize some fault with the TripleFi 10s that would put me back in the Shure SE530 camp. But hours of further testing that night and over the next few days only served to confirm my initial findings and solidify my preference of the TripleFi 10s. I could not believe that anything could sound better than the SE530s, especially these IEMs which I lucked into at that incredible price! But, they do! Now I don't want to turn this into a review of the TripleFi 10s, and maybe some day I'll post an official review of them, but I will say a few things...

Are the TripleFi 10s perfect? No, they are not perfect. Is everything about them better than the SE530s? Sound reproduction wise, YES! They reproduce highs, lows & mids better and clearer with more depth and a wider soundstage than the SE530s. The TripleFi 10s also have better socketed user-replaceable/detachable wires! Additionally, they employ moldable "memory wire" near where they wrap over the ears which I like a lot. But there are physical attributes of the SE530s that I prefer - specifically the overall fit and the noise isolation level - the SE530s definitely provide a higher level of isolation from outside sound when correctly using the olive foams - I would rate them as excellent for isolation. I would only rate the TripleFi 10's noise/sound isolation level as good in comparision (also when using the foams). For now let me end this update by saying that I haven't touched my Shure SE530s since December, 2009 and I don't see myself going back to them except as a temporary measure if I break or lose the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10s.

I hope some of this mess is helpful to you in your buying decision. If I've learned one thing it's to keep an open mind that there may be something better out there, even if you think you have the best already... and it doesn't necessarily have to cost more.

Happy listening! Read more ›

129 of 140 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A strong but qualified recommendation from two very happy ears August 28, 2007

By Ron Cronovich TOP 1000 REVIEWER

If you've already done your research and only want to know why I am qualifying my recommendation, skip down to near the bottom of my review. Otherwise, read on...

As most everyone says, these earphones are an absolute dream. The sound quality is amazing, better than the average home stereo and better than any headphones or earphones I've ever heard. Each side has two woofers and a tweeter.

It takes a little while to get used to properly inserting the phones and getting them situated just so, for optimal sound quality and noise isolation. But you get the hang of it before long, and then it's pretty easy.

The sound isolation works pretty well (if you have the phones situated properly in your ears). You get a good seal, which greatly reduces the amount of outside sound that can get in. I've found it works very, very well on airplanes and at the gym (the two noisiest environments I'm typically in).

In contrast, "noise-cancelling" headphones do not block outside noise, rather they add an electronically generated noise designed to cancel the frequencies of the outside noise. They require batteries, and I don't like that they are adding noise to what you're hearing. Some work better than others, but none that I've tried (including the famous and expensive Bose QC2s) work as well as the Shure line of sound-isolating earphones (the SE530 is the second pair I've owned in this line).

With earphones that sit inside the ear canal, comfort is extremely important. I find the SE530s comfortable for long periods of time. I often listen to my ipod in bed at night to help relax; if I fall asleep with the earphones in, my ears don't hurt when I wake up later (unlike all other earphones and headphones I've tried).... Shure thoughtfully includes 9 different pairs of interchangable tips in varying sizes, so it is very likely most users will find at least one pair that is comfortable for them.

The modular aspect of the cabling is clever and very useful. The phones themselves have a very short cord. But Shure includes a variety of extension cords of different lengths, which allows you to have the right length cable in different situations.

One of these modular cables has a built-in volume control, handy for when your device doesn't have a volume control (or it's not accessible for whatever reason).

If you order the SE530PTH, you also get the push-to-hear module, which has a little mic and volume control. If you turn it on, it transmits sound from the mic into the headphones, allowing you to have a conversation with someone without removing the earphones. (Removing the earphones is easy, but putting them back in and getting a good seal takes a minute or so, especially for newbies.) I find the PTH to be a neat accessory. However, my wife pointed out that I can simply pause my ipod and then carry on a conversation just fine, w/o removing the earphones (the earphones still block outside noise, but not so much that you can't hear someone talking directly to you). So I don't think the PTH is particularly necessary. Amazon sells the SE530s with and without the PTH option. If you get it without PTH, you can always buy it separately, though it's cheaper to get them together.

The build quality is exceptional. The cords are thicker than any other headphones/earphones I've seen, and where they attach to the earphones or accessories is very well reinforced.

I also have a much cheaper pair of Shure noise isolating earphones, the E2c's. A week or two before the 2-year warranty was to expire, a short developed in the cable going to one side, so that if the cable jiggled at all, the sound would intermittently go out for a second or two. This was my fault - I had been using and abusing these things pretty hard - never using the included case, throwing them around, etc. But I sent them to Shure with a copy of my receipt for warranty service, and they sent me a brand new pair, no questions asked! (and quick turnaround!) The SE530s (and all Shure earphones) carry the same 2-year warranty.

In summary, I love the SE530's amazing sound quality, terrific build quality, and generous bundle of thoughtful accessories.

But now here is my qualification:

To know whether they're really worth the money, you'd really need to compare them to the SE420's (the next cheaper model in this line, about a hundred less than the 530s). Most of us who rave about the SE530s have only ever compared them to MUCH cheaper earphones. In my case, the Shure E2c's (about a hundred bucks) and a pair of Sennheiser cans (about half the price as the SE530's). Another reviewer here compares the 530s to the Etymotic ER4's, also much less expensive. It's not surprising that the 530s blow away phones that are so much less costly.

But, what we should really know before spending our hard-earned dollars is whether the human ear can distinguish between the SE530's and SE420's. If not, we would be wasting an extra hundred bucks by purchasing the 530s.

Before buying, I searched for a good, objective review comparing the 420s and 530s. I could not find one from a reputable, objective source. So I had to make a choice between two risks: the risk of spending too much (buying the 530s when the 420s sound just as good) vs. the risk of not getting the best possible sound quality (buying the 420s to save money when the 530s are really better).

I decided that avoiding the second risk was more important to me than avoiding the first risk, so I picked the 530s. I was in the very fortunate position to be able to afford them. In my current situation (newly married, still paying for the engagement ring & honeymoon - though very happy!), I'm not sure I would still pick the 530s (though I would still want them badly).

So there you have it. Good luck with your purchase decision, and enjoy whatever earphones you end up getting! Read more ›

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible September 12, 2007

By Brandon Edling

Amazon Verified Purchase

I had all but given up on finding the perfect earbuds. I had tried everything from Sony earbuds (decent sound, stupid cabling) to Shure E2Cs (disappointing sounds, hate the earwax guards). I listened to a friend's Bose QuietComfort earphones and was leaning towards getting those... but I was hesitant. Were they too bulky? Will I look like an absolute goober when I wear them?

Then I stumbled upon the Shure SE530's. iLounge gave them an "A" rating, which is rare. After much research, it came down to the 530's and the Etymotic ER-4P Portable In-Ear Earphones. I actually bought the Etymotic's first... then started reading reviews of microphonics. Some people came up with some crazy ways to solve this issue... after a couple hours of reading about how bad of a problem it was, I started wondering why am was buying earbuds that were going to need to modification...

I deliberated... and deliberated... and dished out the cash for the 5300's. Then I began to kick myself. "Why would I spend all this money on earbuds? Am I nuts? Have I gone completely off the deep-end? This is a car payment! A trip to LA! 5 great date nights with my wife!"

... And then I got them. I opened them. Hmm. Cool packaging. I stuck them in my ears, plugged them into my iPhone... and was lost in pure musical bliss.

These puppies blocked out the world around me... and I was in a musical wonderland, full of snares and strums and cymbals.

Finally. I found them. The perfect earbud.

I've spent a full day with them now. The true test, at least for me, was how well they blocked out the ridiculously loud subway and PATH trains in the New York City metro area. Bottom line: they do a phenomenal job....

This morning, I'm on the PATH train, heading into the World Trade Center... and I'm listening to a U2 track and notice a slight melodic rumble. "Hmm... must be the sound of the train... but it's odd that it goes so well with the music..." The train pulled into the station and stopped... but the melodic rumble continued. "Wait a frakin' second! Not only is that melodic rumble part of the music -- it was so subtle that I had never heard it before -- AND I heard it over the roar of the train!"

Wowza. If that doesn't convince you to but these, nothing will. Read more ›