Shure SE535 Review

Durability

4.0 Great

The casing is durable plastic, it’s strong enough to withstand everyday use while keeping the in-ear headphones light.

The detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable link to the earpieces using gold-plated MMCX connectors to lock in place but also provide a 360° rotation. This rotation, along with the “memory” wire, enables you to direct the cable over and behind the ears.

Because the cables are detachable this will greatly prolong the life of your earbuds. As cables usually break first you’ll simply replace them. You can even combine different types of cables. You can get a cable with an in-line microphone and use them for calls as well.

Comfort (Isolation)

5.0 Perfect

SE535, just like other models from Shure, use the same behind-the-neck design. This ergonomic design has a low-profile shape with an optimized nozzle angle for exceptional comfort, that is proven to work in other Shure models.

It might take you a while to get used to it but in a while you won’t want to wear them any other way.

Because the earbuds themselves are light they don’t create a lot of irritation even after long hours.

The selection of eartips is also pretty good so you’re sure to find a pair that will fit you comfortably.

Noise isolation is also great as with all in-ear monitors. Just make sure you pick the right eartips for your ear size. Pick too small and you’ll leak a lot of background noise in and out while losing bass.

Shure claims you can effectively reduce ambient noise by as much as 37dB which is very good. This might mean you won’t hear what people around you are saying, but this isn’t such a bad thing.

Features

4.0 Great

The earbuds connect with the 3.5mm plug, as well as 1/4″ (6.3mm) and airplane adapters which provide wide compatibility with consumer and audio devices. Whether you want to use these on your old CD-player or your newest MP3 player, you have a way to plug them in.

Detachable in-line volume control is included for lowering high-output sound sources for the highest quality sound. This will make you happy even if you’re an extreme audiophile.

But keep in mind there’s no in-line microphone. You can buy a separate cable and plug it in though.

Additionally, with the earbuds and all the plugs, you get a compact and durable case for storage and transportation. You want to keep your precious audio gear safe.

Sound

4.5 Almost Perfect

Shure’s experience with in-ear monitors really shows here, each of the earpieces has triple high-definition MicroDrivers. This is more than most high-end earbuds have.

1 tweeter and 2 sub-woofers. This creates a new range of frequencies that you can’t hear in cheaper IEMs.

The sound is superb even for audiophile standards.

The treble is clear and detailed with almost no sibilance even at higher volumes when distortion is normal.

The middle range really comes out and makes you hear things you’ve not heard before.

The bass is rich and detailed. No muddiness we’re used to from cheaper models.

Overall, the sound quality is almost perfect. They have a balanced sound signature and microphonics is not really a problem.

You will want to cancel your Spotify account once you start using these because you’ll hear all the “compression” they do.

The only problem is the price. At around $500 you’ll have to go deep into your pockets to afford these. And if you’re not an avid audiophile it might not even be worth for you.

Shure SE535 are serious in-ear monitors that are greatly praised by many experienced audiophiles.

Related articles:

• Best noise cancelling earbuds

Specifications

Matija Ferjan

Matija Ferjan is a seasoned audio enthusiast reviewing headphones since 2015. He has personally tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds. He’s an active member of the Headphone Audio community and a true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones.