After years of using Etymotic earbuds (first the ER-6is and then various telephone headset versions), I grew frustrated with how they always break when the cable frays at the point where it connects to the miniplug jack.
Because they have a $35 replaceable cable and sounded good in an in-store trial, I switched to the Shure SE-215s.
In terms of sound quality, I think they are very similar. Maybe a bit more bass, but the same high-fidelity rendition of all sorts of music, podcasts, and audiobooks. They are also similarly good at excluding external noise, and nearly inaudible to people beside you, even at high volumes.
The one significant downside is the weird design. The Etys definitely take getting used to, because of how deeply they sit in your ear canals. The part of the Shures that actually goes inside your ear is more comfortable, but the process of putting them in (which requires a weird half twist and putting the cable over the top of your ear) is still strange after a few weeks.
I also find that they stay in place less well than the Etys when I am walking around.
All told, I am happy with the Shures and will report on how long they last, whether I eventually get used to the insertion procedure, and anything else of note.
Related:
- Replacement Etymotic mc3 earbuds
- The durability of Etymotic ER6i headphones
- Review: Etymotic ER6i headphones
After at least four cable replacements, one of the actual drivers in my first set failed today, with the bulb-shaped part that goes in the ear breaking off from the rest of the driver and getting lost.
I guess that’s a pretty respectable endurance for a pair of earbuds that I carry most of the time, use at the gym, etc.