[MRT-Man]

I really liked the sound AND the confort (small enough to fit all inside my ear) of my KSE1500 but I sold it because I goot feed-up with multi-pieces system ( AK100 + Mojo + KSE1500).

 
The KSE1500 obviously isn't the best IEM to use with a Mojo... but personally, I plug it into my AK120II and I don't find that combo too bad in terms of portability. 
 
Anyway to answer your question, I quite like the Empire Zeus. It's certainly not as good as the KSE but it's got a good amount of detail, nonetheless, and from my recollection it has a well balanced sound.

 

[audionewbi]

Mojo and poly is what I have on my mind. Plug it in and hide it in my bag with my mobile as a remote.

 

[Mimouille]

Mojo and poly is what I have on my mind. Plug it in and hide it in my bag with my mobile as a remote.

I really don't like the KSE with Mojo...way too aggressive. Much prefer LPG or WM1Z

 

[audionewbi]

I really don't like the KSE with Mojo...way too aggressive. Much prefer LPG or WM1Z

I want something that is less bulky. I find LPG too aggressive, WM1A is a good option but way too bulky. 1Z would be the sweet middle ground.

 

[Mimouille]

I want something that is less bulky. I find LPG too aggressive, WM1A is a good option but way too bulky. 1Z would be the sweet middle ground.

But 1Z is the same bulk as 1A and much heavier...

 

[phonomat]

ZX1 is still a good option for smaller and lighter.

 

[audionewbi]

But 1Z is the same bulk as 1A and much heavier...

Just trying to make you feel good

 

[Mimouille]

Just trying to make you feel good

Oh don't worry I have the Tera which works well with KSE1500 for portable

 

[bmichels]

Did someone mesured how long the KSE1500's battery really last (using Line-in) ?  
 
(Since the battery is not swapable, this may be a major concern during long flights)

 

[jscmd2000]

About 6.5 hours depending on how you set the volume, +/- EQ, etc. I commute using it 30 min each way and a charge lasts me slightly more than a week. Better than most of my other stuff.  I am afraid to charge it using anything other than the charger that came with it. I broke my AK380cu amp by charging it in my car... it sizzled and popped

.  KSE is only 3x the price!

 

[bmichels]

  About 6.5 hours depending on how you set the volume, +/- EQ, etc. I commute using it 30 min each way and a charge lasts me slightly more than a week. Better than most of my other stuff.  I am afraid to charge it using anything other than the charger that came with it. I broke my AK380cu amp by charging it in my car... it sizzled and popped

.  KSE is only 3x the price!

 
thanks

 

[MRT-Man]

Bad review of the KSE1500 on The Verge: http://www.theverge.com/headphone-review/2017/4/19/15327204/shure-kse1500-review-electrostatic-headphones
 
He doesn't like them because the sound "alien, and not in an immediately charming way". I agree that they sound different than other IEMs, but to my ears, it's because other IEMs are crap while the KSE1500 sounds exceptionally good... 

 

[audionewbi]

Bad review of the KSE1500 on The Verge: http://www.theverge.com/headphone-review/2017/4/19/15327204/shure-kse1500-review-electrostatic-headphones

He doesn't like them because the sound "alien, and not in an immediately charming way". I agree that they sound different than other IEMs, but to my ears, it's because other IEMs are crap while the KSE1500 sounds exceptionally good... 

If he doesn't like well he doesn't. Audio is complicated hobby.

 

[raypin]

Mm..while I still desire my KSE (I still consider it as top tier in terms of SQ), I think his review is spot on. It just does not connect in terms of emotion. It can be boring to listen to at times.

 

[MRT-Man]

I totally disagree. The detail and clarity give me a lot of emotion, and makes me feel more connected to the music -- because the normal veil that's typically there, with other headphones, is removed. My eyes literally teared up when I first heard some of my favorite tracks for the first time on the KSE.

But clearly, it's a matter of preference. To each their own.