Shure E500PTH Sound Isolating Earphones
Manufacturer: Shure Inc. Part number: E500PTH
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're the type who prefers uncompressed or lossless formats, require low-profile headphones, and don't mind investing in high-end headphones, the Shure E500PTH should be on your short list.
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CNET editors' review
Shure E500PTH Sound Isolating Earphones price range: $549.99
- Reviewed by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 08/01/2006
The good: Shure's E500PTH 'phones offer exceptional sound quality with a three-driver design that's previously been available only for hundreds of dollars more; comfortable and do a great job of passively blocking out noise; includes push-to-hear control; multiple ear adapters and a nice set of accessories.
The bad: Pricey but a solid investment; switch on push-to-hear controller feels cheap.
The bottom line: If you're the type who prefers uncompressed or lossless formats, require low-profile headphones, and don't mind investing in high-end headphones, the Shure E500PTH should be on your short list.
Shure is no stranger in the fledgling in-ear style headphones market. The E series, which include the "low-end" $109 E2c's and the midrange $319 E4c's has made its mark in a world of brands such as Ultimate Ears, Etymotic, and more recently, Creative and Sennheiser.
The E500PTH 'phones (announced at CES) 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. Ultimate Ears' custom-fitted UE-10 Pros and UE-7 Pros both offer a triple-driver design, but they cost $900 and $850 respectively, and they don't offer the universal fit of the E500PTH headphones. That is, the UEs' ear fittings are custom molded, so they can be used by only one person.
We fell in love with the E500s' sound immediately, listening to everything from Roots Manuva to John Coltraine 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. Quick listening tests versus the sub-$100 Creative Zen Aurvanas and the $250 Ultimate Ears Super fi 5 Pros proved that you get what you pay for, though the Super fi Pros certainly give you lot of bang for your buck. Further sessions listening to Bob Dylan and Ulrich Schnauss in lossless and several CDs confirmed that these are the best in-ear style headphones on the market for less than $600 (I haven't personally listened to the UE-10s).
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-colored 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 easier to untangle than the Super fi Pros' superthin cable. The E500 system is modular, with the main earphone cable reaching only 19 inches. An extender cable adds an additional 3 feet, an ideal length. Or you can attach the push-to-hear adapter that fits between your headphones and audio player. This remote-size controller (about 2.5 by 1 by 0.5 inches) 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. Shure intends to sell a version without the push-to-hear controller, but gave us no firm date.
In addition to the aforementioned cables, you also get a 9-inch extension cable, a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch stereo adapter plug, a cleaning tool, a level attenuator (a small adapter 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.
User reviews
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"First rate" solution; pricey, but if you care, worth it
by mrspeakers on August 7, 2006
Pros: Great sound, flatter profile
Cons: Overly large, cheap feeling Push-To-Hear device
Summary: I'm an audio engineer, and have about six sets of headphone and earphones, including Shure e4c, Sony MDR V6, little Panasonics, Bose Quiet Comfort 2.
The fit and finish ...Summary: I'm an audio engineer, and have about six sets of headphone and earphones, including Shure e4c, Sony MDR V6, little Panasonics, Bose Quiet Comfort 2.
The fit and finish of the Shure are top of the pack; light, but clearly extremely high quality construction.
The Push To Hear device is way larger than I would have expected, and feels cheap. That's a dissapointment.
Sound: The first impression was that the bass was boomy and a bit over-blown (I'm a bass fan). However, within two days, the sound completely transformed; the bass became taught and well balanced, and blends incredibly smoothly throughout the who range. THere is no discernable gap or hole where driver overlap/interference detracts from the sound.
In listening to old-favorites, on CD, AAC (192K), or 128MP3, EVERYTHING was audible. I have listened to some of my source material for years, on the highest-of high-end gear, and this little beauties were so revealing I was hearing not just a little, but a LOT, or ambience, detail, production overlays (and yes, CODEC artifacts, especially with MP3).
I was simply floored by the level of detail. Not the least of reasons being that, in a sense, these phones are not in-your-face tipped up with sizzly treble (like the Panasonics or Sony's), and the midrange is so clear and free of grain that at first, I thought detail was *missing* from some of my recordings.
This was a surprise, as vocals which used to have a bit of grain, or cymbals and snare drums, sounded almost soft. But, the incredible detail and transparency makes it clear that many of these "details" were sizzle and hash created by the drivers in the other phones.
Needless to say, in comparison to the Bose products, the Shure's provided a more compact travel solution, better noise reduction, and vastly superior, more transparent and extended audio.
The PTH was usefull for knocking about in the office, I could talk to people without "unplugging" myself. I just wish it were more compact and solid. But, this is an extra, it's not the reason for existence for a product such as this.
This is without a doubt the best headphone/earphone I've ever heard. Improve the PTH, and it'd be a 10 for sure. Thanks Shure!15 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worth Every Penny! You WILL NOT be disappointed.
by 1tl1 on August 4, 2006
Pros: Amazing sound from these! HIghs and lows were brilliant
Cons: Almose need a bigger carry case.
Summary: I have had the E3c's and upgraded to the E5c's. I didn't think I could find another earphone that could make my extensive traveling listening experience any ...
Summary: I have had the E3c's and upgraded to the E5c's. I didn't think I could find another earphone that could make my extensive traveling listening experience any better. Well, the E500's were amazing from day 1! I just returned from a trip and had the e500's block out every conversation around me on the plane and the PTH was great for having to answer the flight attendants questions. I heard some notes and nuances with these that I simply did not get even with the E5c's. As I said, there are alot of accessories supplied with these and carrying everything makes the case a bit snug but once I get all the cables and sleeves sorted, I have no doubt it will be much more manageable. You will be completely satisfied as I am!
6 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Couldn't Sound Better!
by drmarcr on August 17, 2006
Pros: Fabulous sound, very comfortable!
Cons: PTH device is a bit big and cheap feeling. Battery keeps falling out.
Summary: I started with Shure E3c's. I discovered sounds coming from my iPod and other devices I never had heard before. I moved up to E5c's and again even ...
Summary: I started with Shure E3c's. I discovered sounds coming from my iPod and other devices I never had heard before. I moved up to E5c's and again even more came through.
The E500PTH has actually imporoved on the audio. Also, they are more ergonomic. I have worn them for 18 hours non-stop and they are very, very, comfortable. They are actually more comfortable than the custom ear pieces I formerly used.
The PTH device is a bit cheap-feeling. Also, the battery cover is of a poor design and I have now lost 3 AAA batteries!
Moreover, although the PTH is great for listening to conversations, the music does not pause automatically. Thus, if listening to a book for example, one loses one's place. However, the PTH, while clever, is not really integral to the headphones. Thus, I use it rarely and could care less.
All in all, these are the greatest. Even better than my Sennheiser 580's...and a lot more comfortable (especially) in hot weather.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wow these are the best sounding IEMs ever
by phatfos on February 28, 2007
Pros: Sound, comfort,
Cons: Price! These suckers will hurt your wallet and force you to buy something nice for the wife!
Summary: Well people, you're looking at $500.00 in ear monitors ("IEM"). Either you are rich, or you really, REALLY appreciate high quality audio.
First things first, DO NOT BUY ...Summary: Well people, you're looking at $500.00 in ear monitors ("IEM"). Either you are rich, or you really, REALLY appreciate high quality audio.
First things first, DO NOT BUY THESE IF YOU LISTEN TO 128 ENCODED MUSIC!!!! I cannot stress enough how "not worth it" these will be if you're going to listen to audio that has been compressed to 1/8 its original size. If you want to listen to 128k stuff (the bitrate music sold on itunes is encoded at) then save yourself $400 and get a pair of $99 IEMs, like the Etymotic ER6, or the Sure E3g. With the entry level IEMs you will notice a HUGE difference over the ear buds that came with your ipod AND, more importantly, you can spend the extra cash on something you will appreciate.
I would not call myself an audiophile, but I spend a disgusting amount of money on audio equipment. I feel I am able to discriminate between what is good and what is crap. These IEMs are top of the line. I've owned the Etymotic ER-4p; I've owned the Sure E5c; I've owned the Sennheiser HD 650. I feel that these IEMs are best described as a â??blendâ?? of best features of each of the above-listed headphones. The E500s can compete with (or beat) all of the phones Iâ??ve owned in the past in almost every category (sound, ergonomics, portability, comfort). They have accuracy and detail that is right on par the Ety's. This is saying a lot given the fact that the Etyâ??s are â??Referenceâ?? phones. The Etyâ??s are used by sound engineers and professional musicians BECAUSE THEY ARE SO ACCURATE. So, in my opinion the E500s are VERY ACCURATE. The E500s are more balanced and natural sounding than the E5c, which, in my opinion, are a little muddy in the low end. The E500s are as comfortable and, for what itâ??s worth, look better than the E5c. Finally, the E500s can also compete with the 650's in sound reproduction, and given the 500's considerable size advantage, I'll grab the Shures over the Senn's if I'm going anywhere outside my home.
Ok, so right now I'm listening to Norah Jone's new album â??Not Too Late.â?? I imported the album in â??Apple Lossless,â?? which brought most of the songs in at 690-750kps, and each track weighed in at about 25mb. Given the high resolution audio, I also send the bits through a SoundBlaster ZS Notebook card, which really makes a difference through the E500s. All I can say about this setup is â??WOW.â?? Iâ??m truly amazed at the detail, ambience, and presence of the recording. Iâ??ve listed to the album about 10 times in the week and a half that Iâ??ve had the E500s (Iâ??m a law student, so I have a ton of time to sit and listen to music while I read) each time Iâ??ve noticed something new, some little detail that I didnâ??t hear before. This is because the E500s bring out EVERYTHING in the recording. Iâ??ve also listened to some of the stuff my girlfriend bought off of itunes at 128k, and I must say the difference in sound is like going from tape to CD I think (Iâ??ve never compared the two b/c I donâ??t own tapes, but I know the resolution difference is similar). The details at 128 arenâ??t there, and, frankly, neither is the depth or ambiance. Which brings me to the point of this review, these IEMâ??s should come with a disclaimer discouraging purchase by anyone who plans to use them to listen to music encoded at less than 256k. You WILL notice a difference, whether youâ??re a casual listener (with a lot of money) or a discriminating audiophile. Of course, if youâ??re in the latter group, you already know this and you wouldnâ??t buy $500 IEMs in order to listen to crap-quality audio. So, if you REALLY love music, and you want to hear ALL THE MUSIC that your favorite artist put onto your favorite CD, buy these and listen to the music at a high (preferably lossless) bitrate. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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If you want the best - this is it.
by pctower on April 1, 2007
Pros: Sonically the E500s are audiophile quality and extremely comforable to wear.
Cons: None - they are expensive but you get what you pay for.
Summary: I have been an audiophile for over 40 years (and I mean super hi-end Stereophile Class A type stuff) and I absolutely love the E500s. I love them so much ...
Summary: I have been an audiophile for over 40 years (and I mean super hi-end Stereophile Class A type stuff) and I absolutely love the E500s. I love them so much that I recently purchased a second pair having left my first pair on a US Air flight (reported to US Air that I had left them on the plane w/i 1.5 hours after landing and never heard back - US Air gets a zero rating from me - and it's my Phoneix "home town" airline).
Noise isolation is wonderful and with all the different earplugs supplied I can't imagine anyone would find he or she could not wear these comfortably.
How do they sound? In a word - "spectacular". Clear, well balanced from top to bottom. They are what I believe any audiophile-quality reproducer must be - extremely detailed without sounding "clinical"). In short, the E500 earphones are for music lovers.
I have owned Vandersteen speakers for over 20 years. I currently have a pair of 5A's. For those of you who know about those speakers, I consider the E500s to be the 5A's of portable earphones.
Haven't tried the push-to-hear feature, so I can't comment on that.
I love sitting on planes watching many around me proudly and carefully (they break easily) take out their Bose headphones from their beautiful carrying cases and plop these cans on their heads for all to see and "wonder in awe at". All the while I'm quietly and unobtrusively enjoying my music in a way that the Bose-ites could only dream of.
PS: My E500s are coupled with a Creative Zen Vision:M 60GB - which I also had to replace having left my Vision M 30GB on the plane along with the first set of E500s.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Best Earphones On The Market... You can demo them yourself at my store...
by JamesTNYC on August 3, 2006
Pros: The Best Sound Money Can Buy
Cons: None. Some may say the price, but it's an investment. If sound is important to you, this is the only way to go.
Summary: I work in a CD/DVD/Electronics Store in Grand Central Station, Manhattan, New York City. We sell all the Shure earphones including the new E500's. You can come ...
Summary: I work in a CD/DVD/Electronics Store in Grand Central Station, Manhattan, New York City. We sell all the Shure earphones including the new E500's. You can come by and test them yourself. Until you hear them, you will never know how good earphones can sound. Triple Driver technology is amazing. Shure offers a 2 year premium full warranty if anything goes wrong. You can't lose. Come by the store and ask to check them out. You won't be sorry.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Well worth the cost. Imparts a pleasurable 3D sound.
by Mr_PictureMan on December 28, 2007
Pros: Best overall balanced sound of any headphone I've used
Cons: Wire connections at the ears a little weak
Summary: These are by far the best headphones I have ever used. Well balanced sound with excellent clarity. Excellent bass, midtones, and treble. Very easy to pick out different instruments and ...
Summary: These are by far the best headphones I have ever used. Well balanced sound with excellent clarity. Excellent bass, midtones, and treble. Very easy to pick out different instruments and voices because the audio soundstage is much more 3 dimensional than with any other headset I've used.
Bass -- nice and full but not overstated. If I want more base, I go with my Bose Quiet Comfort 2 set. For even more base, I go with the Quite Comfort 3 on ear set. If you're a base head, then I think the bose might be a better way to go, but you'll lose the treble.
High tones -- these produce the clearest crash cymbal and hi hat sounds I've heard of any head set I've tried. Very bright. The only other thing I've tried that is as bright are the Sony MDR-D777.
Noise isolation -- these work better than the Bose QC2 and QC3. Noise isolation is about the same as the QC2 and QC3 using the silicone tips. Using the foam tips, noise isolation is better. Mind you nothing will get rid of all the noise as you pick it up through your bones, but if I really want to eliminate noise, I put these on and then put the QC2 over them.
Sensitivity is excellent. I can play at low volumes and everything is clean. Raise the volume and outside noise is all gone and pure listening pleasure is the experience. I won't go anywhere without mine.
I can pick out sounds and parts of the music I couldn't hear with other head sets.
I can actually hear the difference in sound quality between MP3s compressed at 128, 160, 192, and 320. So much so that I now just use everything uncompressed in WAV format to maintain CD quality sound. Apple AICC format is not as good.
The push to talk is so so. The thing picks up too much noise as it rubs against my shirt, so I think it's a waste of money.
The wires are a bit stiff and after daily use for 4 months wrapping the cords around the back of the ears, the insulation and wire started to fray at the connections.
The good thing is that the units have a 2 year warranty. So I sent the set back to Shure with the request to have a more flexible wire and 2 weeks later, they sent me a new set with thinner wires. I've used these daily for 4 months now and no fraying yet.
I highly recommend these over all other sets if you want to have a balance, clear, rich sound with excellent base and excellent high tones with a 3 dimensional quality to the sound.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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There is a God, afterall.
by turnituptoeleven on July 12, 2007
Pros: MUCH improved bass compared to the e4s. Treble and mids are incredible
Cons: A little much for a starving college student, but hey: Life takes sacrifice.
Summary: Firstly, let me say I'm a sound snob. Hate BOSE, always have. I own a pair of B&Ws, as well as a set of AKG 1000s. The ...
Summary: Firstly, let me say I'm a sound snob. Hate BOSE, always have. I own a pair of B&Ws, as well as a set of AKG 1000s. The problem w/ the AKGs is they're so bloody bulky that it's not fun to go anywhere, adn the problem with the Bs, obviously, is they're sodding speakers. (Amazing ones, at that.)
I was going to go all out and get the UE10s, but saw these bad boys on ebay for sub 300. Three drivers at less than 300?
Yeah, I got them. Anyway, I'd always liked the e4s, but mine broke about a year ago. After that, I got the UE Super fi. 5s, but the cord was too thin.
Let me say, these are amazing. I'll probably keep my AKGs for home use. The sign of a good device is there is no room for interpretation. No "If there wasnt so much artificial bass" (BOSE) No "It's a little treble heavy" (e4s)
The e5s are a true Godsend.
One important thing to remember is that IF YOU DON'T IMPORT YOUR MUSIC LOSSLESSLY, THEY WON'T BE WORTH THE DOUGH. I garauntee that, w/o a doubt in my mind.
If you do import losslessly, or just use a CD player, my Jesus, you're in for a treat.
I popped in Siamese Dream and played the whole thing through three times. Then I hooked up my iPod, and switched on Surfer Rosa, then What's the Story Morning Glory...
Damn. That's how I spent my whole day. With those four albums. If you know what you're doing, you'll love it.
If you're just another amateur *******, leave it to the pros, and go buy a pair of Triports like all of your sister's best friends.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wow. Best IEM on the market?
by mors-uk on June 21, 2007
Pros: Amazing sound, build quality, comfort, PTH device
Cons: Haven't found one yet. Price?
Summary: These are the most amazing headphones I've ever heard. Period.
They blow my Shure E4G's away and I didn't think that was going to be possible.
The ...Summary: These are the most amazing headphones I've ever heard. Period.
They blow my Shure E4G's away and I didn't think that was going to be possible.
The most amazing rounded sound of any IEM I've ever heard.
Build quality is top notch, they really are the business. The accessories are great, even the box they come in is brushed aluminium!!
Comes with a good range of tips, and little extension cables.
The PTH is awesome, the microphone picks up things I can't even hear without these heaphones in.
I managed to pick some of these up for £150 off ebay when they retail for £400 over here, but after hearing them I owuldn't hesitate spending the full £400 on buying another set if anything happened to these.
You will not believe the difference between these and any other IEM on the market, and I mean even even the other top of the range products from Shure, Ultimate Ears, Westone etc.
Amazing.
Buy them!!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awsome item. Though earbuds are hard to get to stay in, have to cut the long white ones to fit.
by silverwolf_5 on May 6, 2007
Pros: Awsome sound, Love the extra volume control.
Cons: Had to cut earphone cover smallest to fit, sitll falls out when working out (sweat), wish they could upgrade sleeves for better comfort and fit.
Summary: I replaces the back hook on the silencer part with a clip used on a walkie-talkie, so I could clip it to my workout outfit. The metal slid clip on ...
Summary: I replaces the back hook on the silencer part with a clip used on a walkie-talkie, so I could clip it to my workout outfit. The metal slid clip on it won't hold and this way I can clip it anywhere and it will stay. I love my sure earphones, I needed them to drown out overly loud workout classes at my club, and with the added volume control If I need to I can raise the volume level louder for this purpose, but all in all I have been able to keep it at a lower level than I had needed to before with my old earphones. I still don't like the sleeves. I tried them all and ended up cutting the long white ones down to the smallest, and they still slide out when I sweat during my workouts. So I hope they come up with something more form fitting, the foam ones are awful. and the grey and other ones don't fit my smaller ear cannal. Oh well I will figure something out..glue may work--Haha! just kidding.
These are well worth the price. I got mine from ebay for over 150 less than listed at most sites. Would be one good place to look for one.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Shure Inc.
- Part number: E500PTH
- Description: Evolved from personal monitor technology road-tested by pro musicians and fine-tuned by Shure engineers, the E500PTH offers unparalleled acoustic accuracy. Triple Hi-Definition Drivers - one tweeter and two woofers - deliver precision highs and the richest lows, for an auditory experience rivaled only by live performances. Included sound isolating sleeves block over 90 percent of ambient noise. Combined with a low-profile ergonomic design and modular cable options, interruptions from the outside world are minimized - so you can focus on your passion. And on occasions when you must tear yourself away from the music, the included Push-To-Hear Control activates a VoicePort microphone, allowing conversation without removing your earphones. Designed for the audiophile, E500PTH earphones are ideal for a premium listening experience either at home or on the go.
General
- Recommended Use The noise canceling feature blocks the din on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport.
- Product Type Headphones
- Additional Features Gold-plated plug
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear canalphone
- Headphones Technology Balanced armature
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
- Response Bandwidth 18 - 19000 Hz
- Sensitivity 119 dB/mW
- Impedance 36 Ohm
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Manufacturer info
- Shure Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Shure Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.shure.com
- Address:
5800 West Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL. 60714-4608 - Phone: 1-847-600-2000
- Email: info@shure.com
- Fax: 1-847-600-1212
