It's always a pleasure to use fancy in-ear style headphones, so we were thrilled when Shure's E500PTH Sound-Isolating Earphones arrived in the office. The AU$799 pair may be for serious audio heads only, but they produce such dynamic sound that we can't say they are overpriced. In addition to its triple-driver design, the E500PTHs include a push-to-hear adaptor that allows you to have a conversation with someone without pulling out your earphones. While in-ear 'phones at half the price offer nearly the same sound, the E500PTH set takes portable sound to a new level.
Shure is no stranger in the fledgling in-ear style headphones market. The E series, which include the "low-end" AU$179 E2cs and the midrange AU$479 E4cs has made its mark in a world of brands such as Ultimate Ears, Etymotic, and more recently, Creative and Sennheiser.
The E500PTH 'phones take the E series to a new level with its triple-driver design -- basically three tiny high-definition speakers, a tweeter, and two woofers in each earphone (sensitivity at 1kHz, 119dB). Integrated passive crossovers keep the highs distinctive from the lows.
We fell in love with the E500s' sound immediately, listening to everything from Roots Manuva to John Coltrane on an iPod. Tight, rich bass and razor-sharp highs were expected, but the midrange surprised us with distinctive power and clarity. Instruments typically buried in sound pop out; acoustic guitar riffs hover then dissipate; spoken voice is almost spooky.
They are also comfortable to wear and very low profile, and they block out ambient noise extremely well (Shure claims 90 percent of external noise is blocked out). The triple drivers are sheathed in a lightweight and shiny gunmetal-coloured plastic, and a variety of earphone sleeves come bundled. I prefer the yellow foam sleeves, though you also get translucent PVC, rubber, and triple-flange options in a variety of sizes. The attractive earphones are shaped to conform to the ear, so they don't stick out. Like other Shure 'phones, the cable is designed to wrap around the ear down the back.
The E500 cable is durable and easy to untangle. The E500 system is modular, with the main earphone cable reaching only around 50 centimetres. An extender cable adds an additional metre, an ideal length. Or you can attach the push-to-hear adaptor that fits between your headphones and audio player. This remote-size controller has a built-in microphone; activate the switch, and your audio will fade into the background while the microphone connects you audibly to the external world. The AAA battery-operated controller includes a volume adjuster, and the mic picks up sound really well. Basically, this technology keeps you in touch with the external world without having to remove your headphones. It's a useful extra, but for the sake of portability, I personally wouldn't use it.
In addition to the aforementioned cables, you also get a 23-centimetre extension cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm stereo adapter plug, a cleaning tool, a level attenuator (a small adaptor that controls master volume), and a sturdy oval carrying pouch. If you're the type who prefers uncompressed and lossless formats, require low-profile headphones, and don't mind investing in high-end earphones, the E500PTH headphones should be on your short list.
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