Shure SE115 Sound Isolating Earphones - Headphones (in-ear ear-bud) - Black

These new in-ear models from Shure replace (and represent a substantial improvement over) their SE110s, which for all their merits had some overly-prominent faults. Firstly, a complete inability to handle higher volumes (I actually had to set the volume limiter on my iPod). Secondly, a real tendency to distort female vocals - Joanna Newsom's voice sounded appaling (although it's a matter of opinion whether this was down to the headphones) and Adele Bethel (Sons and Daughters) frequently overpowered them completely. Finally, they were simply too 'bright' - they failed to keep control of the high end and the bass was not as well-defined as it ought to have been.

I couldn't be happier to report that these problems have all been solved! The sound retains a similar character to the SE110s, although it is a shade more neutral (thankfully). They continue to provide exceptional sound isolation - even busy roads are kept from intruding on your listening pleasure. They are also comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to the enclosed 'fit kit'. (As with the SE110s, any complaints that they lack bass is indisputably the fault of the listener not fitting them properly.)

If you keep your music files in high bitrate MP3 or a lossless format (and whyever not, with memory so cheap to come by these days), these headphones will mine them for details like players' fingers on instruments and breathing you didn't even realise were there. It's this attention to detail combined with their outstanding imaging and timing that gives the SE115s their ability to provide a really enjoyable listen. Shure have done a sterling job of tweaking an already very good set of earphones and making them brilliant.

Really, it's a fight between these and Beyerdynamic's DTX-80 for best earphones sub-£100. You will never regret buying either, but I'm backing the Shures. Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

I've been a fan of Shure's previous model, the E2C, for quite some time. I have had several pairs which I either lost or they died from natural causes. I have also tried a few other brands but found the E2C the best in their price range.

When my last pair of E2C's died I began to consider the SE115's. My biggest concern was the jump in price - an extra £20 (or 40%). I eventually decided to go for the SE115's and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. The most noticeable improvement was the quality of the Bass, which is far more pronounced, producing a more balanced sound. Still the same good build quality and noise insulation.

Overall I think they are great, but I think that budget will play a big part in the decision making process.

Many people report canal in-earphones to be uncomfortable. They do feel a bit alien at first. Do read the instructions to make sure you are inserting them correctly. Make sure you are using the correct size, drop to a smaller bud size if needed. They do become more comfortable after time as the buds bed in. I'm a big fan of canal earphones, they block out most noise very well, but I can still hear the announcer when I travel on the tube and trains.

Having had a pair of over-the-ear headphones for several years now, I decided to go back to some in-ear headphones when mine finally broke (RIP. They served me very well). I've never spent more than £30 on a pair of headphones before and really spent some time to look through various websites and reviews to help with my decision. After going through lots and lots of options I decided to go for these (Shure SE115). The reviews were excellent and I managed to find them elsewhere for £60.

First thing about them is that they isolate noise from the outside very, very well. I was very impressed. Walking along a busy road with these on I couldn't hear any of the traffic that was passing by - these ranged from cars to buses. All I could hear was the music. Brilliant!

I'm using these with my iPhone and a mic extension lead and it works and still sounds great. I've had real problems with my last headphones as I could not hear the other person when taking a call - but because these headphones are pushed in (and stay in) I could hear perfectly.

So... mostly great. However... some things that I don't like. First is that you are recommended to wear the wires around the ear. Not sure what the long-term problems are with this, but we'll see. Wearing them with the wires looped around the ears isn't uncomfortable, by the way. I just worry that there's more stress on the wires. Next up is the 3mm jack. It's quite bulky and it doesn't fit comfortably when I clip the mic to the top of my shirt.

I guess there are minor gripes. Overall the headphones are really good. I am very happy to have spent the money on these. They come with a 2-year warranty, which you have to register for - but worth doing for the price that you pay for them.