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Info on Shure SE530 Bass Performance?

post #1 of 23
1/3/09 at 3:04am
Thread Starter 
Hello guys. I've been scavenging through this ingeniously helpful site for the better part of the last week searching for some IEMs that would suit me perfectly. I previously employed the V-Moda Vibe Duos before the right bud went out, and received the Monster Beats (full-sized) for Christmas. I realize both of these may be considered a little bass-heavy, but I'm not necessarily a bass-head.

I'm interested in returning the ($350!) Dr. Dre Monster Beats and purchasing some high-end IEMs. I've taken notice (not unlike most new-posters) to the Shure SE530, Westone 3, and Seinheisser IE 8. The SE530 are by far the cheapest (Amazon) and the only thing stopping me from buying them right now are concerns that the bass is (for lack of a better word) sub-par.

I wouldn't call myself a bass-head but I do appreciate adequate bass. I'm not really looking for comparisons to Westone 3/IE 8 (as i haven't heard them) but rather more detail on the SE530's performance in this area. My music is entirely comprised of Hip-hop/R&B (not necessarily "rap"). Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 23
1/3/09 at 3:09am
go grab those se530s. Just the right amount of bass for your genres, and very good quality.

I'd say it has amazing bass but not bass heavy.
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post #3 of 23
1/3/09 at 3:37am
Thread Starter 
Thanks. I'll probably do that, just wanna hear some more experiences. On a different note, anyone know if Shure demos its earphones at CES? That would be a great chance for me to try them!
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post #4 of 23
1/3/09 at 3:39am
I don't know if they demo "earphones" at ces but they always have product there and they are releasing 4 new products there so who knows
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post #5 of 23
1/3/09 at 3:42am
I own the SE530 and the IE8 and while I like them both, for your genres I'd recommend the IE8.

If you buy from ADMP3UK using coupon code "listenlive" on checkout they will not cost much more than the SE530.
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post #6 of 23
1/3/09 at 3:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by james444 View Post
I own the SE530 and the IE8 and while I like them both, for your genres I'd recommend the IE8.

If you buy from ADMP3UK using coupon code "listenlive" on checkout they will not cost much more than the SE530.
Does that site ship to the U.S? Not to keen on buying from a foreign site.

Also, what, in your eyes, makes the IE8 more worthy than the SE530? Thanks!

EDIT: Would you guys recommend the Comply tips vs. the included Shure tips?
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post #7 of 23
1/3/09 at 4:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry Wang View Post
...

I'd say it has amazing bass but not bass heavy.

^^I agree with that statement^^
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post #8 of 23
1/3/09 at 5:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xirus View Post
Does that site ship to the U.S? Not to keen on buying from a foreign site.

Also, what, in your eyes, makes the IE8 more worthy than the SE530? Thanks!
They ship to the U.S. and some head-fiers have ordered the IE8 there. Just do a search on "listenlive".

I'm not very good in describing headphone characteristics in detail and english is not my native language, but I've been listening to both IEMs for quite a while now. IMHO the SE530 is more analytical and IE8 is more emotional. I like to hear every little detail in a jazz piece and the exact placement of instruments in classical music with the SE530, but I *love* the huuuge soundstage and the bass slam of the IE8 with Hip-hop and Rock, it's just so more fun than with the SE530. This does not mean that any of these is bad with any musical genre, just that they have different strengths while having no real weaknesses. Hope this explanation is helpful for you!
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post #9 of 23
1/3/09 at 5:57am
SE530's are incredible headphones, and have stood the heed of time. With these new headphones such as the IE8 and Westone UM3, while I am sure they are great headphones, they are perhaps 'overhyped' being new here, which does happen quite alot with certain products here. Namely things such as portable headphone amps really have taken off around here recently for prior examples. I can't recommend anything I haven't heard, but the SE530's are amazing. Tight and articulate bass that's not over powering. Its very involving and precise, and with a good quality recording and source, you can tell where each detail is coming from. Are they as good as the IE8's and W3's? - Only owners of all three can answer that, and there are only 1 or 2 at this stage.

I suggest you either take the W3's or SE530's, due to your location they are MUCH cheaper than Sennheiser's. Owners of both have said its a matter of taste, one is not necessarily better than the other, it's just their coloring. From my understanding the SE530's color music less, meaning they don't add their own sound to it. The SE530 is more clean and analytical, the W3 or IE8 more emotional? That remains a matter of opinion. Thats the issue here at head-fi everything is an opinion, and in this hobby you have to try everything to get the result.

Good Luck!
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post #10 of 23
1/3/09 at 6:21am
The SE530's bass is just ok, it's nothing to write home or be impressed about. The IE8 and Westone 3 has superior bass for sure, and I think you should be looking into those 2 instead.
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post #11 of 23
1/3/09 at 6:27am
Double post, mod please delete this.
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post #12 of 23
1/3/09 at 7:28am
I would dispute that, as would numerous owners of either IE8's and 530's or W3 and 530's or all three in fact. You really need to talk to people who own at least two of the IEM's in question.

I suggest you read this topic here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/i...ne-3-a-387555/

Someone such as Againstthegrain would be most suited to answer any questions you have from EXPERIENCE, rather than SPECULATION.
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post #13 of 23
1/3/09 at 1:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scytheavatar View Post
The SE530's bass is just ok, it's nothing to write home or be impressed about. The IE8 and Westone 3 has superior bass for sure, and I think you should be looking into those 2 instead.
LOL just OK hehe man this forum is starting to get a bit weird. there is no way the SE530 bass is 'just OK' I havent heard the IE8 (planning to get some) but i've owned the triple-fi (didnt like them) and currently own the SE530 and W3 the W3 IS more of a bass monster, and I do prefer it. but for that price I would get the SE530. they are fantastic IEM's and I would still be blown away by them every day if it werent for the fact that I bought the W3. I still get them out every day or two for a listen. the W3 are more touchy in regards to source they really are finicky. the tips are very important too. I say get the SE530 though; but there is one issue. there still are cable issues (sorry guys but there are) shure have great warranty support though. and I use my IEM's CONSTANTLY, so maybe it has to do with that; although I did look after them very well.
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post #14 of 23
1/3/09 at 1:12pm
^^ i agree with that, how somebody can call the se530 bass just ok is mad, although it highly depends on source, the se530 can handle massive bass aslong as massive low end is fed into it.

regarding the cable issue, i dont know, ive had mine replaced and it seems much less likely to split because it dont stiffen like the old one. however it is ofcourse a downer they are not replaceable as cables do wear naturally over time.

just make sure you break your earphones just before you had them 2 years and you will ave a new pair for free lol.

edit: the key word to remember here is ''feed'', no headphones are going give heavy low end with the wrong source, however if you have a very heavy on the low end source then the question you have to ask is can the headphones handle the low end.

i have not heard the IE8 but i am willing to bet if you go full blast with your source the se530 would go a lot further than the IE8 before distortion occurs. bearing in mind distortion occurs when too much is happening at one, and being only single driver its more likely to get congested and fail.
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post #15 of 23
1/3/09 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by noremedy View Post
I would dispute that, as would numerous owners of either IE8's and 530's or W3 and 530's or all three in fact. You really need to talk to people who own at least two of the IEM's in question.

I suggest you read this topic here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/i...ne-3-a-387555/

Someone such as Againstthegrain would be most suited to answer any questions you have from EXPERIENCE, rather than SPECULATION.
I have heard the SE530 endless amounts of times, for hours, and never have I been really impressed by its bass. When it comes to quantity and impact the Westone 3 and IE8 are certain superior, when it comes to tightness the Triplefi10 and ER4p are certain tighter. The SE530 to me just isn't on the same level as the top IEMs when it comes to bass. So I want to be able to praise the SE530, but after hearing the other IEMs I really can't. The SE530's bass is just ok, nothing more, nothing less.
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