If you're looking for bass and good sound isolation, and don't really care about the way they look or the over-the-ear cord thing, the SE215s will do you well. If you're looking for accuracy, clarity and a more understated look, we'll have to stand by our long-time favorites ... the ER-6i's.
Basically, the Shure SE215 is a steal, but you'll likely have to mess with them a bit in order to properly nail down the fit. Again, the cable eventually seems to break in and the earphones become secure, but don't say I didn't warn you about the first few times you wear them.
Perhaps the most impressive test here, though, was classical piano, where we were treated to a rich, dramatic sound, with even the excellent-sounding Altec Lansing headphones unable to match the bass presence.
That famous Shure sound is present and correct here too, with rich bass and warm, full mids. The high-end is not quite so impressive, but the same can be said of higher-end models in the series.
You would never know these are only a single dynamic driver. They are well built. The fit kit is awesome with a variety of tips to choose from. They are comfortable. They isolate sound beautifully. They easily match $300.00 models of other brands. They dominate the under $100.00 market which latley has become flooded with top notch competition from many manufacturers especially new ones. I've got dual drivers, hybrids with balaced armature and dynamic drivers, and these stand up to all of them. The sound stage is nice, the bass is good, and there is no distortion. I bought these for the gym so I wouldn't lose my expensive set and they are excellent for that purpose.
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90
April 24, 2014
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The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
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90
January 30, 2014
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The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
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100
July 23, 2013
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A gadget unicorn - Engadget
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90
January 29, 2013
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The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
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100
November 11, 2012
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Nice pair for me. Offered more than i expected!
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80
August 11, 2012
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My first set of audiophile (kinda) buds. They sound amazing, but the bass is overwhelming in some situations. I can't seem to find the perfect EQ setting that's built into my iPod touch.
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80
April 24, 2012
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There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - Engadget
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70
April 4, 2012
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A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - Engadget
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90
March 21, 2012
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Good strong bass but not muddy. Mids and high clear but not crisp enough for my taste. For the price I got them for ($99) they are excellent. The wires that they come with are thick and seem durable though I find the bulky jack incompatiable with alot of cases I use with the Iphone. Since the wires are replaceable I ordered the iPhone compatiable to have the mic and inline volume control. With that the headphones are far more useful.
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90
January 24, 2012
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The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
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80
January 3, 2012
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So far I am very pleased with these headphones. The overall sound quality is impressive given the relatively low price point. While decently well balanced don't expect perfection. The wrap-around ear wire seems to put a bit of pressure away from the ear if not bent just right, creating some issues with fit. After some fiddling you will likely get a good fit, however. The foam ear-pieces create a much more secure fit, as well as better noise isolation, but can be slightly annoying to remove and replace if you experience the occasional required social interaction.
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December 31, 2011
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A gadget unicorn - Engadget
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December 25, 2011
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Great earphones. They are noise isolating to block out all outside noises. Good crisp sound quality and bass. Have a cool design and good have nice foam or rubber earbuds. For 99$ they are worth the money. They have a 2 year warranty for defects that will come in handy. Also the whole headphone jack cord is replaceable if the headphone jack gold starts to come off after wear. They are worth the money for the sound quality and for noise isolation.
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80
September 7, 2011
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There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - Engadget
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100
August 1, 2011
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I've never listend to such amazing sound quality
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July 29, 2011
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I bought these on amazon for $100 a few weeks ago and I love them. I used to have the shure se110 and they were great but the cord broke. These allow you to buy a new cord without have to buy all new earbuds if the cord breaks which is great. The sound quality is excellent and they come with 3 sizes of two different types of ear socks.