Shure, one of the nonpareil players in the headphone world, has launched plenty new cans to sooth your ears with sweet, sweet melodies. The upgraded drivers are advertised as introducing more punchy and accurate sound in a more fashionable package, and we have to agree that these headphones live up to the publicity.
Across the line, Shure’s new generation of products have been bit by bit sneaking into major retailers, finding a place between the 40 flavors of Sony’s $10 USD junk-grade cans and the over-hyped, super expensive Bose TriPorts. If the normal person knew of these gems hiding in plain sight, it would be hard to keep them in stock.
The Shure SE310s are packed in that plastic bubble-wrap packaging that says, “We hate our customers!” Luckily, after prying your new toys from the case, you are only seconds from fantastic audio. Accessories included in the “box” are a semi-soft carrying case and earpiece fitting kit. Admittedly, the headphone wire is very short, designed for use with pendant-style players that are worn around the neck rather than MP3 players held in armbands. Needless to say, Shure also includes an extension cord to bring the length to an acceptable, standard 2.5ft.
The cords used by the SE310s are thick and resistant. Other companies manufactured their in-ear earphone with thinner cord so as to decrease the noises caused by the cord brushing against clothing. (These small collisions are conducted up the cord and amplified by the design of the canalphone.) A thicker cord means more forceful bouncing of the cord in the air with movements, but Shure uses a nice, absorbing insulator, reducing the transmission of micro-vibrations. The outcome is a pleasant reduction in mechanical noise and a significantly solid-feeling product overall.
Also noteworthy: There is a marked change in Shure’s sleeve-fitting options, and it has taken top place as our favorite option when it comes to pure ergonomics. The new higher-density, black foam sleeves easily fit deep into the ear, seal quickly, and are siginificantly comfortable, making them the most pleasing option we’ve encountered from any manufacturer by far. As an added bonus, they’re colored black, so ear gunk doesn’t show too easily, feel great, and after a month of extensive use, they still maintain their malleability. But enough with aesthetics and design… check out the links for more information. By the way
