Shure SE846 in ear headphones Review

Specification:

  • Quad micro drivers
  • True subwoofer performance
  • Three (3) Interchangeable filters; Warm, Reference, and Bright
  • Interchangeable MMCX cable
  • Metal nozzle and sleeve
  • Sturdy storage and portable carrying case
  • Variety of accessories

 

Reference:

  • In-ear monitor (IEM)
  • Low impedance: 9ohms
  • Quad balanced armature drivers
  • Frequency response: 15-20,000Hz
  • Low pass filter for True Subwoofer Performance
  • Sensitivity: 114dB

 

Shure SE846 Unboxing Video

PACKAGING:

Unboxing the Shure846 is one of my most satisfying experiences. For the price, it surely deserves an extra touch, and I’m happy to report I’m not disappointed. It comes with a black sleeve for the inner box which displays the 846s physical beauty. I have the clear housing so it displays the architectural layout of the quad driver. Inside the sleeve is the well-thought-off thick and durable black box that is labeled with a silver “SHURE” branding on top and a printed “SE846” label on the front side.

Upon opening the black box I’m greeted with a phrase “An earphone with true subwoofer performance”. Well, does it? Hmm, let’s find out in the sound department. Under the lid hides the paper works for instructional manual, warranty, and others. Inside is a clear plastic box with a Shure branding cleaning cloth, a very sturdy, vacuum sealed carrying case which I think is good for long travels. Upon opening the clear case is a surprise.

Read: Westone W60 Signature Series 6-Driver Earphones Review

 

 Accessories:

Inside the clear carrying case on the right, I immediately saw the beauty of the 846 which sits snugly on a rubberized foam core with the pre installed memory foam tip and the shorter MMCX cable terminated to a 3.5mm TRS plug.

Next to it on the left is a smaller black portable carrying case for the IEM. Again, it is one of the most practical, rubberized feel protection cases I’ve seen. Opening it comes a hand full of accessories.

-Different tips like memory foam, silicone, triple flange, with different sizes, S, M, L.

-A secondary cable but a longer one so there’s an option to switch depending on your preference.

-Short adapter with an inline volume control

-cable clip

-Two pin adapter for airplane travel

-Quarter inch adapter

-small metallic capsule vault that stores the filters; black for warm, white for bright and the tool to be used for changing the filter. Blue filter (reference) is pre installed on the 846.

 

Build and Design:

Shure 846 is a sure winner here for being well thought-of design and a solid built. For the clear version, it includes the not so common black cable on most of shure846 smaller siblings including the colored version of the 846. The Shure846-CL ships with a sturdy built transparent coated Kevlar weaved cable with MMCX connection terminated to a 3.5mm TRS plug.

The unit speaks for itself. With the transparent shell displays the layout of the quad drivers that are meticulously and neatly arranged with the low pass filter then channeled to the metal nozzle which houses the interchangeable filters and secured with a metal ring collar. A genius engineering I truly appreciate how Shure engineers worked hard for it. The so acclaimed low pass filter I can only imagine “how it fit in there?” kind of feeling.

Sound Quality:

After quite some time using it about 100+ hrs it is time to write how they sound.

It is pre installed with the Blue-Reference filter. Freshly out of the box impression will leave a mark for their claim of a true subwoofer. Yes it is there and it is present. The first IEM with a true subwoofer, it can go way down low. Clean and well controlled mid bass punch. The good thing, is not over lapping other frequencies. Vocals sounded clear just the way it should, not so upfront and not laid back either. So clear you can even hear the singers breathing. Highs are not harsh with every detail you can hear. Cymbals and snare hits is so present and realistic without harshness. Sound stage is wide compared to other IEM.

White-Bright filter in comparison to reference filter, extends the high frequency, the difference is there. Bass punch is softer, more sound stage, more detailed. Cymbals and snare hits is more forward this time. Vocals are as crisp and detailed.

Black-Warm filter reduces the higher frequency, more emphasis on low and mid bass. Warmer presentation and treble is minimized but still present.

With a low impedance of 9ohms, you can easily plug and play it to any smart phone or dedicated music player even without the need of an external amp.

Sounds so good you’ll be immersed to the music you are playing regardless of what genre or sound signature you prefer. The Shure 846 is so mature and with the use of the interchangeable filters to suit your sound preference, it is so versatile and ready to take the challenge.

 

 

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

  • Superb Sound Quality
  • True Subwoofer Performance
  • Interchangeable Tuning Filters
  • Clean and Detailed Engineering Looks (Shure 846-CL)

Cons:

  • For the Shure 846 Clear shell model, some reports of discoloration/turning yellowish on the clear shell and cables over time, but keep in mind they have this for more than 2-3 years of usage.
  • Changing the filters may take some time 2-3min. Some may find it cumbersome. But you’ll be doing it one time or two but once you find the right filter for your preference you won’t keep on changing it.
  • Some may find it expensive for normal listeners, but serious Music Enthusiast will love this for the price.

Check Shure Products Shop for all Options

 

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