Hands-on with Shure's audiophile-friendly E500PTH

If you happen to bump into us on the street in the next few days and we can't make out a word you're saying, well, here's why -- we recently had the opportunity to spend plenty of quality time with Shure's latest pride and joy, their flagship E500PTH earphones. Shure's been talking up the E500 for the better part of this year as a "new paradigm" in personal sound, but audioheads (with the prerequisite $500 to burn, that is) have only been able to find 'em in the retail channel for a few weeks now. Much like the E5c before it, Shure bills the E500 as the be-all, end-all solution to portable reference-quality sound reproduction, thanks in no small part to the three -- count 'em, three drivers in each bud. But unlike the E5c, the E500 has an arguably more compelling trick up its sleeve: its unique push-to-hear (PTH) module, which allows the wearer to switch between audio input and ambient sound at the flick of a switch. While our poor, buzzing ears are recovering from the constant barrage of sweet sounds they received in the name of conducting a proper writeup, we figure we'd hunker down and actually get this thing written, so read on for our full pictorial review.

First off, we'd like to give Shure props for presenting the E500s in packaging materials worthy of their lofty sticker price; you'll find none of that ridiculous, seemingly bullet-proof plastic here. Open the outer cardboard shell and you're greeted by an attractive brushed natural metal box sporting a black metal lid. Of course, this box is not your carrying case, and after you open the packaging for the first time you may never see it again, but it's always nice to get immediate positive reinforcement of your pricey investment.

Before we go into the finer details of the E500's sound reproduction, let's get the push-to-hear module out of the way. The bottom line: it works as advertised. The module, which Shure sells independently of the buds for $60, consists of a Swiss Army Knife-sized pod with a switch, a green LED to indicate PTH is active, and accepts a single AAA battery (included) for operation. PTH volume is controlled via a wheel on the module's side, inset sufficiently to prevent accidental changes.

When enabled, audio input (your music, that is) remains barely audible in the background, but the mic input takes over the lion's share of what you hear. The effect is a bit weird and requires some getting used to, because it seems as though you're listening to a low-fidelity recording of everything around you -- but hearing what folks nearby are saying is easy enough. The mic itself is located in the female jack, the end you'll plug your earphones into; the location's good because it's positioned far enough away from your mouth to reproduce your own voice at an excessive volume, though we found it had a tendency to flop around a bit against our clothing, leading to some static sounds.

We've got four niggles with the PTH unit, none of which are sufficient to deny it our undying affection. First, the switch is a bit difficult to operate, and feels like it could realistically wear out before terribly long with heavy use. We would've much preferred a toggle button with PTH on when pressed in, off when out; something to that effect. Second, we thought the unit felt just a little cheap. The wiring is definitely of sufficient gauge for a product of this caliber, but the switch module itself feels like lightweight, flimsy plastic, and the battery door popped open of its own accord on a couple occasions. Third, all told, it's pretty flippin' big. It more than doubles the traveling size of your earphones and is somewhat inconvenient to wear on your clothing, meaning it's best left behind unless you know you'll be in a situation where it's helpful. Fourth, having PTH gave us a problem we'd never had with in-ear buds before; interruptions don't mean removing the buds. You have the luxury of leaving them in for many hours at a time if you so choose, and in the process, they can become extremely uncomfortable. Also, did we mention people seem to think you're kind of a jerk when you don't take out your earphones when talking to them?

Now on to the buds themselves. They're attractive, feel exceptionally well built, and for their bulk they're surprisingly comfortable in the ear. The quality and depth of sound reproduction is frankly mind-blowing, and seems to almost taunt the user to kick the volume up a few notches. For comparison, we pitted the E500 against Sony's venerable $50 MDR-EX71SL and to Shure's own $200 E3c.

The Sony EX17SL is a popular, serviceable headset that we use ourselves for regular duty in situations where neither sound isolation nor reproduction are of the utmost importance (say, jogging). When put up against the E500 there's simply no contest, but this is a situation where "ignorance is bliss" definitely applies. We had no idea just how bad the Sonys were until we plugged in the E500s, and since, using the Sonys has actually become an unpleasant experience. In other words, if you own EX71SLs, don't try the E500 unless you plan on buying it.

The distinction between the E3c and the E500 is much finer, and definitely open to some amount of argument and interpretation. The E3c is an excellent headset by all standards, but it has been occasionally faulted for lacking low-end punch -- this has lead some to bill it as being well suited primarily for classical music. That being said, it's still a far better set of phones than the average iPod user will experience (for any kind of music) and features superb sound isolation, particularly when paired with the optional triple-flange buds. Needless to say, with three individual drivers, the E500 delivers all the low (and medium and high) end you could possibly want. We also perceived sound isolation to be slightly better, though we didn't conduct a blind test and it could've just been the price difference talking to us. So do the E500s sound better? Yes, absolutely. We even found them to fit our ears better. But are they worth the extra $300 over the also very good E3cs? That's very hard to say, and depends on the listener's ears, intended use, and budget. We strongly recommend you track down a brick-and-mortar retailer and try them all for yourself before committing the cash.

The E500 comes with an strong bundle of accessories, including an inline volume limiter, an extension cable (great for use when you're not toting the PTH module), a variety of foam, triple-flange, soft and hard buds, a 3.5mm to 1/4-inch adapter, and a hard carrying case. The case is oblong and lacks Shure's typical center spool in order to accommodate the PTH module, which is a shame -- the spool is the best feature of the cases included with their lesser models. Without it, expect the occasional tangle. For $500, we'd have liked Shure to include both case types for the times the PTH stays at home.

In the end, yes: the E500s are simply the best earphones we've ever tried, and one of the best experiences we've had listening to music, period. Alas, the price tag will keep 'em firmly planted in the niche market. At the PTH module's more palatable $60 cost of entry, though, it's a worthy upgrade for owners of any buds tired of undoing their setup every time they get a tap on the shoulder. Just be warned, if it's a good friend or your significant other, do yourself a favor and pull out those buds anyway.

[Derek @ Aug 28th 2006 12:09PM]

I want a pair of these so badly! I have e4c's and I am not that impressed with their sound. I fell like these would be much better from how the reviewers are talking about them. $500 is pretty pricey though, so I'm not sure that I want to spend that on some earphones.

[Dahamu @ Aug 28th 2006 1:32PM]

That is to expensive!

[bpc @ Aug 28th 2006 12:17PM]

Awesome. I've loved every minute I've had listening to my E2cs, and I can only imagine how many people I'd be willing to punch in the face for a pair of E500s. My only complaint about my Shures is that, despite giving me half a dozen earbud options, I couldn't find a good size/shape bud that fit comfortably and snugly in my ear. I ended up taking the nice black squishy foam ones off my Koss in-ear phones, and now my Shures look and sound even more badass. I'm pretty sure I'll have to win the lotto now and get a pair of E500s.

[n8diggity @ Aug 28th 2006 12:41PM]

So the whole point of Push-to-hear is to put the music in the background and amplify the voices of people around you? I can't say I would ever use that kind of feature. It IS rude to not take your headphones off when talking to someone face to face.

[sdfjkl @ Aug 28th 2006 1:07PM]

If they'd actually continued the thought and taken their earphones + microphone + little box with a button and added some bluetooth A2DP/headset/handsfree into it, that'd be actually a smart idea and I could just be convinced spending up to 250$ on the whole thing. But 500$? For a feature that is a nice gimmick but definitely not a real criteria for buying the product. Nah.

[ChrisXS @ Aug 28th 2006 12:56PM]

I own the black E4 headphones ($180 shipped online) and love them. The PTH technology is definately welcome in many situations. In fact, if I had PTH, I'd use foam ear pieces more often as they offer advantages over the flexible silicone.

Chris: If I see you on the street, I will mug you for your Shure E500's.

[Enzo @ Aug 28th 2006 1:13PM]

Hey sdfjkl, they're not $500 just for the box.

[Awesom-o @ Aug 28th 2006 1:16PM]

I love my E2c's, and I bet these are great too.

But as for the spool, I took mine out.

I find it much quicker and easier to wrap the cord around a couple fingers and put it in the case.

[Brian @ Sep 11th 2006 7:35PM]

I'm and in-ear monitor fan. I also have a pair of Shure E4s and a pair of Ultimate Ears super.fi 5 EBs. The Shure gets all my in-ear time while the UEs are on the bench.

I'm not an audiophile, but I have a nice home stereo rig. What I notice with the E4s is you can hear everything, including instruments that may be drowned out by even the quality home floor-standing rigs. But the E4s seem to have a particular channel depth. Its as though the vocalist or solist is standing out in front and the other players to right and left are standing a few feet back. This may be exacting reproduction but it a different kind of soundstage than one is accustomed to with conventional cans or straight-up loudspeakers. I wonder if the E500s have a different soundstage presence than the E4s?

- Brian

[Richibald @ Aug 28th 2006 4:22PM]

Remarkably comprehensive and balanced review. Objective informative sparsed with a delightful levity and honesty. I am absolutely sick to sink my meathooks into a pair of these like anyone else but somehow your review brought me back to reality, without offending my enthusiasm for this fascinating technology so impossible so little time ago.

Keep up the great work Engadget!

[Hammo @ Aug 28th 2006 1:42PM]

Excellent item. I heard of a guy at a company team event about two weeks back who had a pair in his pocket (along with his ipod and his phone) when the canoe he was in overturned. Please learn from his misfortune - these arent waterproof. :-)

In other news - anyone ever tried these?:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/ces200211.htm

(USD$15k per pair when they wer eavailable.)

[rene @ Aug 28th 2006 2:22PM]

one of the best things I ever did was to buy a shure earphone last year... I'm sure you don't speak a word of brazilian portuguese, but this informal review I published is amazingly similar to yours http://www.usina.com/euuso/som/

[tvBilly @ Aug 28th 2006 7:53PM]

Before you shell out all that money, you might want to check out (listen to) the etymotic earbuds. Many people (me included) think they sound far, far superior to any Shure. Etymotic makes a $100 version and a $330 version.

[astutefool @ Aug 28th 2006 4:34PM]

I bought a pair from Harrods as soon as they came out. I upgraded from a pair of B&O A8, which had excellent detail but these are something else. The depth and richness of lows is fantastic, and the highs are crystal clear. Every time I listen to music with them it is an experience in itself. They are well built and less conspicuous than the A8s. All the different sleeves are great and the case is very tough. Often with expensive electrical buys the sparkle wears off quite quickly but these are still as special as the day I bought them.

[Manatee @ Aug 28th 2006 4:39PM]

I've had the E500s about a week now, and I love them. I also have the E4c and the Etymotic E4P. I find the Etys a bit more precise, but they don't have the depth and full sound of the E500. The Shure E4c sounds closer to the E500 than the Etys, but when I listen to the two Shure models back to back, the E500 is the easy winner -- at higher volumes. At lower volume, there's not much distinction between the Shure models. You have to crank up the E500 a little to hear the difference. The sound is rich and full. If you listen to live recorded music, it really roars.

The Push-to-Hear is pretty cool too. I like to keept the sensitivity turned all the way up, and play "spy" with it. The mic picks up sounds from far away. It's fun for a while. ;-)

I find the E500 buds very comfortable. I've slept in them a few times (with the soft gray tips), and they still feel good when I wake up. I could wear them all day, but people at the office wouldn't be able to get past the distraction of talking to me while I'm wearing earphones. It would be kinda geeky anyway.

Are they worth $500? Well, for someone like me, who rides a $7000 bicycle, they are. If the price would strain your cashflow, I'd say stick with a lower Shure or Etymotic model. You can always buy the PTH thing separately and use it with other buds.

[Jonathan Worrel @ Aug 28th 2006 7:03PM]

I personally own a pair of Shure E5c's, and I can't tell you how AMAZING the sound quality is. I have read many reviews saying that these have almost the same exact audio reproduction that the E5c's do, but that is all based on user opinion. I read this review and I noticed that the Push to Hear module is a separate piece. Now that I know that it is separate, I might consider purchasing one for my E5c's.

[Soyale @ Aug 29th 2006 10:32AM]

To the people who already have these earphones, what are you using to drive them?

I'm curious if the same rule of thumb for buying serious home stereo applies to earphones. In other words, does paying $500 for earphones make sense if you're driving them with [a cell phone/cheap MP3 player/iPod]

[j thomas @ Aug 29th 2006 9:06AM]

love the e4's i have and definatley better than the e3 and the mdr71. i use the soft grey tips, but the tips get stuck in ear sometime and i have to use tweezers to get them out.

[alexander s @ Aug 28th 2006 10:52PM]

Not to be a fanboy, but you guys are really producing some fine reviews today.

The Optimus is a slight letdown, and you let that come through in the review. These headphones are very nice, but very very expensive and oh-look, the case isn't as good as the one that's included in lesser models from the same manufacturer. I, for one, welcome our new.... erm, that is. I, for one, appreciate the tenor of these reviews.

[astutefool @ Aug 29th 2006 12:04AM]

Any Shure, tvBilly? Expand on that ...

[Ebzy @ Aug 29th 2006 5:41AM]

to all you guys with the e500...

can I be your friend please?????

[Manatee @ Aug 29th 2006 7:37AM]

I should note that the most annoying thing about the case that comes with the new E500 is that you have to take apart your assembly of buds, cable, and PTH to fit them in the case. In its "plugged together" state, it doesn't fit in the case. How annoying.

I usually just keep the whole thing attached to my iPod nano, and stuff it all in my pocket. Probably the best way to carry it otherwise would be to use a small camera case, like one of the small Lowepro models.

[Chris @ Aug 31st 2006 9:16PM]

I sell the e500's at my store. They sell themselves. When someone comes up to me and asks about them, all I really say is that they are the best ear buds in the world. Period. Having heard all of the Noise Canceling head phones, I would rather go with the Shure e500's any day. They fit almost everyone, have rich high end tones as well as well balanced lows. I just love when the ignorant customer who isn't well rounded in the music department, complains how there is no bass. Well these are clearly the type of people that have 3,000$ systems in their cars containing 3-5 subwoofers that essentially shake the whole car. If thats what you're into then these ear buds arent for you at all. Then you have the other type of people who appreciate music for what it is, whether its Ozzy Ozbourne or Paul Oakenfold or even 50cent, you will almost always find these earbuds spectacular, and they are nothing shy of great. At my store we have received three shipments in a one months period, and we only have one pair of e500's left.

Like most of you, I also choose not to wear the PTH microphone. All I can say is that if I am listening to music, why would I want to hear anything or anyone else.

The audio of these earbuds is as I've said before spectactular and are clearly best earbuds in the world. I've tried on hundreds of head phones and buds, and these are the best bang for the buck. Most people think 500$ is a little steep for their pockets, but put into consideration how much you guys and girls probably spend on alcohol and dates that only leave you to have periodic late night sessions with your hands throughout a six month period, then you can come back to me and tell me that they arent worth 500$.

And half of you audiophiles who also complain about price...well, I would also bet a few big bucks that you are the guys driving BMW's Porsches and other fancy cars, and complain about putting premium gasoline in your car.

You want serious earbuds, you should get the Shure e500's. You want quality that wont be rivaled for the next 5 years, you should get the e500's. You want exclusivity as far as audio, you should into the e500's. Out of the 100+ Shure e500's I've sold...None have been returned, and theres a reason for that.

Also, for you guys that complain that they dont fit well. Shure is willing to make a MOLD of your ear so that you get the perfect bud, designed for your ears and your ears only. I bet you guys didnt know that either!

:)

[Chris @ Aug 31st 2006 9:26PM]

[b]To the people who already have these earphones, what are you using to drive them?

I'm curious if the same rule of thumb for buying serious home stereo applies to earphones. In other words, does paying $500 for earphones make sense if you're driving them with [a cell phone/cheap MP3 player/iPod][/b]

I can also guarantee you that it makes no difference what audio device you are using to play your music. These are buds are great. Shure also makes the I-series which are buds that can be used for listening to music via your phone (2.5mm jack) or standard audio (3.5mm jack). Shure has the audiophiles all around the world covered with their products.

;)
Chris

[Manatee @ Sep 5th 2006 10:10AM]

A funny thing I keep doing with the PTH... the phone will ring at my office, and I click the PTH and pick up the phone -- and hear nothing.

I forget that the sound comes from the microphone hanging at my chest. I need to rig something so I can plug the phone directly into the "system". ;-)

But seriously, I just have to remember to pull a bud to answer the phone. It's no big deal, really. With my other buds, I have to fold my ear over and stick the bud into the ear canal just right to get a solid seal. Not so with the E500. They're shaped just right so that I just have to stick them in my ears, and I have a perfect fit. No ear-folding needed.

[seanV @ Oct 2nd 2006 1:48PM]

I've had the E500PTH's for a few weeks now. They were an upgrade from my excellent E4c's that I used with custom Sensaphonics earmolds. Now I really thought the E4c's were the cat's ass but the E500's are truly astounding. They are everything the E4c's were but with more bass and more definition and I didn't think that was possible. I'll get to all the goodies in a second but first a comment about Shure headphones and the "Bass" issue. It's not that any of the Shure headphones lack bass, it's that they lack the kind of boomy, 12" sub in the trunk type bass that most of us mistake for quality sound. The entire Shure lineup of headphones more accurately reflect the audio experience of listening to near field recording studio monitors. Anyone who's ever been in a recording studio will know what I mean. The bass is there but it's a full, rich part of the music that doesn't overwhelm everything else. Besides, these are headphones. Did anyone really expect their spine to quiver from the bass output of a headphone!? They can't move that much air. You want to feel the bass? Turn on your stereo. 'Nuff said.
Having lived with the E500PTH's for a few weeks I have some thoughts. First of all, as said above they sound incredible. That was to be expected. If sound quality is your only motivation then don't hesitate for a second to buy these. However, I'm not quite as thrilled with a few other things.
1. The E500PTH are being marketed to the audiophile market to be sure and it looks like Shure has decided to abandon the "Professional" look and feel that came with earlier models. I miss the sturdy right angle connector that the E4c's had. The multi cable connector is annoying if you never plan on using the PTH unit. A clean, straight cable version of the same drivers would be a nice option in the future as I think many will find the PTH module a novelty,as I have.
2. The Shure site says that the E500PTH's come with the same cable fit system as the e5's that secure the wire around your ear with a molded cover. They don't. In fact with the connector so close to the headphone these are very hard to wear with the wire running down your back as the connector creates an annoying bump on your spine when you sit. You really need to wear them with the cable running down your front, especially if you are going to use the PTH module.
3. Finally, I've already had some trouble with the E500PTH's failing on me. I worked out yesterday and worked up quite a sweat. All of a sudden the left earbud cut out. It didn't work at all. When I got home I read on the Shure site that moisture from your ear can leak back into the bud and cause it to stop working. I called Shure and they assured me that the unit would dry out over the next 24 hours or so but that's unacceptable. What happens the next time I go to the gym? My headphones won't work for a day after each workout? I paid over $600 Can. for these and to have them cut out because I worked up a sweat is nuts. I'm still waiting for the one bud to dry out and start working again. If it doesn't come back to life in the next 24 hours these are going back to Shure! Hopefully this is a one time glitch and not a design flaw. Maybe custom sleeves from Sensaphonics will help too but I a bit broke after buying the earphones so the sleeves will have to wait. At least I don't have to have the molds made again. Oh ya, custom sleeves are worth every penny.
Thoughts?

[karl @ Nov 22nd 2006 3:17PM]

seanV, your quibbles are ridiculous. the 90 degree angle of my e4s is annoying, because sometimes they won't stay over my ear. i had e2s before and the angle was much better for the wire to basically sit where it had to, instead of me having to brush the wire back over my ear. i think shure was listening to its critics when they went back to an angled wire out of the earphone instead of the right angle.

how much do you sweat? if you got moisture into the actual earphone, that isn't a "design flaw." it's your own fault. if you got moisture into ANY headphone/earphone, of course there's a greater chance of it failing. electronics + moisture = bye bye.

[Andre @ Oct 8th 2006 3:15AM]

I have bought the E500's a couple of days ago, and I already own a pair of E4c's. These E500's surely beat the pants off the E4c's! I do not have much use for the switchable microphone, but on the airplane it was usable enough to answer he flight attendant with the throw of a switch: "some red wine please!".Once you put them in you want to keep listening!

[jgrey @ Nov 30th 2006 5:49PM]

I have this E500, Westone UM2 and Etymotic ER-4p, and ER-4p still remains to be my favourite. Those of you who prioritize beautiful high frequency over base, I recommend Etymotic ER-4p. It's much cheaper as well and I recommend fitting a Westone UM2 foam on ER-4p to maximize base.

Still, E500 is good, no doubt about it. They managed to pull off 'E5c' with low impedance in E500. Very nice. It is on the heavy (as in the base) end though, so much so that for me it seems to drown the highs. You can deal with that if you have an equalizer, but in which case you could just use Etymotic's ER-4p and boosting base.

But, if you like music that relies on base and if you can't stand music without feeling the base shaking your skull, then don't get ER-4p. E500 is much better for that.

[jmgmcg @ Aug 6th 2007 12:40AM]

So far the e500 are excellent although I am not used to in ear phones. This is my first pair other than Ipod phones. I find, as good as they are, except for over or on the ear phones, they come in 3rd in terms of pure range. I guess I expected them to rival over the ear phones. For my 62 year old ears they do not. I am a bit unsettled with the slight suction feeling in my ears while wearing them. I had to do a lot of experimentation with my Ipod EQ's to find an acceptable sound. The Gen4 eq's are generally better on the high end and the gen5 Ipod EQ's are better on the low end. I find the Gen 5 somewhat muddy overall compared to the Gen 4EQ's. Maybe I have muddy ears. Also I may have some crappy sounding 128 bit mp3's that arn't all that great. I know I have some hearing loss but not much so keep my comments in perspective. Still experimenting but so far they are very good, probably not worth as much as I paid.

[Disposabl3 Hero @ May 24th 2007 5:48PM]

I've got a pair of the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 pro and was wondering if anyone knew how they stacked up against these. They're a dual driver earbud, and they were pretty much the competition for the Shure e4c's.

[ahmad @ May 24th 2007 7:46PM]

ok