Shure SE425 Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Dual High-Definition MicroDrivers, 3.5mm Plug with 1/4" Adapter, Metallic Silver

2019-01-30T11:11:13

Update 190130. Bottomline: The SE425 Wireless Earbuds definitely have a catastrophic design flaw caused by moisture leakage making them highly susceptible to fail. This is the third pair of SE425s that I have owned since Christmas 2018. As I detailed in my original review, the first two pair failed after heavy workouts producing a lot of perspiration. I decided to give a third pair a chance hoping it was a quality control issue, and I had just unluckily received two malfunctioning pairs. With the third pair, I paid particular attention to keeping both the earbud wifi and controller modules as moisture free as possible. I always clipped them to the outside of my workout shirt vice tucking them inside, and if running outside, I always ensured they were outside my most outer layer of clothing. Within two weeks and just after a heavy cardio workout, the earbuds began to fail just like the previous two: it begins with a distortion in sound quality or loss of control from the command module and ends in an inability to turn on or off or charge. I was willing to give these the benefit of the doubt earlier due to their outstanding sound quality and isolation, but they are an epic fail if you plan on working out in them. Whether it is today, tomorrow, or a month to a year from now, the Sure SE425 will fail due to moisture penetration. Best to return them before the warranty runs out, and you are left holding the bag. Original Post: I am a huge fan of Sure earbuds and have used the wired SE315 for several years while conducting all kinds of workouts - long runs, short sprints, elliptical, rowing, spinning, lifting, etc. The sound quality -- measured in clarity and base output -- is fantastic whether I'm listening to angry, high energy, or cool-down music. The wrap-round in-your-ear placement provides great sound isolation as I can't hear anything other than my music at one-third volume. The fit is permanent, and they have never fallen out regardless of how hard the workout has been. I wanted a wireless version, so I bought the SE425. The SE425 provided even better sound with the same great sound isolation and fit as the SE315; however I believe they are not as perspiration resistant as the company claims. This is well documented by various reviews of this product, but I wanted to see for myself. I have owned two pairs. The first started having recharging, sound quality, and command problems right after my first hard run - no problem with light workouts prior. Returned them and got a replacement. The second pair suffered the same issue during my first heavy spin class. I am returning these and getting a replacement. I suspect the bluetooth module is highly susceptible to moisture. Normally I would just give up on these, but I so love their sound quality, fit, and sound isolation. I am hoping the perspiration problem is not a design flaw but a quality assurance issue. There are numerous reviews with folks using them during workouts with no problems, and my friend has been using the same model for 6 months working out as least as hard as I with no problems thus far. I will update this review appropriately after I see what happens with the third pair.

David G.

2018-12-19T08:07:08

These headphones are a major step up from most other headphone brands around the same price range, Shure is a top tier brand for sound equipment. The sound quality is exceptional with nearly flawless clarity. I hear things in the music I listen to that I hadn’t heard before and were never aware of. This alongside the convenience of having both bluetooth and direct input options with two handfuls of different choices of sound isolating ear pieces and a quarter inch converter make these headphones excellent for any musician, no matter what instrument they play. The sound isolating ear pieces function nearly the same as having regulr ear plugs in, and having music playing through them at the same time makes them on par with earphones that have noise cancelling capabilities.All that being said, I have one complaint about these headphones, and it is the bass response. The headphones have very little bass output and when I boost lower frequencies they distort without becoming much louder.

Cullin M.

2018-06-10T19:56:05

I bought this IEM because my old Shure IEMs that I used for live performances broke. The cable eventually cracked. So my first desired feature was one that had a replaceable cable. Check. I also wanted a Bluetooth option I could use for running, exercise, or just general activities. The Bluetooth cable works great for this. Last week I was on the river fishing and was able to take a phone call without having to dig my phone out of my waders. Terrific. Overall the sound quality is great, though I would say it is balanced and not bass heavy. Folks who like a lot of bass in their music may want to look elsewhere. For my purposes though, it is a versatile, compact, and high quality product that will pretty much replace all my other headphones for most purposes.

Sergio M.