Brand new Shure 530 - can't use!

[Opentoe]

Literally just started using my newly delivered 530's. Used the stock foam tip which felt ok but I wanted to try the other sizes. To my disappointment I could not get the foam black tips off because they were actually stuck to the post. I coud actually see the black inner foam/glue ripping away from the main foam piece and it coated the entire plastic post. I have a couple of choices here. Pretty upset that these fairly high end expensive IEM's are presenting this problem. If I can't switch the tips, I really can't listen to them. I can return them for a refund. I can return them for another set. I can rip the foam tips off and then try to clean the posts as good as I can. It has to be some kind of glue or whatever. While the headphones might be perfect, I just still may return them because if I can't get all the glue/sitcky crap off the posts them I'll eventually be liable and never get warranty issued down the road maybe. Frustrated, but nothing I can do.

If people are really interested I can maybe grab some photos. Maybe some people won't even believe me, but once you see a picture you'll then understand exactlywhat the deal is.

Frustrated Mike.

 

[priest]

I've seen more than one thread on this problem. Have you tried doing a search? I'm pretty sure there's some way to deal with this, so don't despair just yet. I think it involves putting them in the freezer or something. I'm serious. But look for those threads.

 

[shigzeo]

if you pinch tightly and slowly twist, they should come off... however, i agree, they are a bugger to remove.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

I know, it feels horrible trying to take those tips off. When they finally loosened from the post, they did so with a resounding *crack* which made me flip out for a second.

The best way I found out is to use your t-shirt to get a firm grip on it, then keep twisting one way or another. Good luck.

 

[Opentoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know, it feels horrible trying to take those tips off. When they finally loosened from the post, they did so with a resounding *crack* which made me flip out for a second. The best way I found out is to use your t-shirt to get a firm grip on it, then keep twisting one way or another. Good luck.

Oh I can remove the black foam tip easily, but the inside of that black foam isn't going anywhere. It's stuck on that tube and would need some effort to get it all off. Unfortunately I have the option to return them and pretty sorry if this has been a known issue and not corrected by the manufacturer. That's a big reason why I order from Amazon even if it is a little more money. 30 day return policy. Just from a sample test with the stock tips I'm already liking the sound and response of the Westone's. That doesn't mean the 530's do not sound good. They do sound very crisp and sharp.

 

[iponderous]

This is a common problem and I really don't know why Shure hasn't redressed it. I can recommend the freezer solution, which I understand was suggested to a Head-Fier by a Shure technician. It worked for me and it does not harm your SE530's in any way. Place your SE530's in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for around 30 minutes. Then remove them and gently but firmly twist the tips in one direction. You will most likely hear a click or crack, which means that you have "broken" the adhesion between tip and sound tube. The tips will then come off and you won't experience this problem again when swapping tips in future. Good luck with it.

 

[DeusEx]

You can try biting it off. It works. Keep your tongue back, don't apply pressure, just pull it off with your front teeth. I've tried it as a last resort, when I don't have time to nicely take them off.

 

[big_sound]

Grab with a towel and twist, just be shure to hold the headphone straight and don't twist down like I did! Crack!

 

[Judge Buff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeusEx /img/forum/go_quote.gif You can try biting it off. It works. Keep your tongue back, don't apply pressure, just pull it off with your front teeth. I've tried it as a last resort, when I don't have time to nicely take them off.

ROTFLMAO! A technique for the ages... I've taken insulation off of wiring the same way forever!

 

[Beyerfan70]

I really feel for you bud,them black foams are the most stupid tip ever invented.
I lost 2 pairs of se420's because of them,2 pairs!!!
They are completely useless and should be took off the market completely.
And yes you will have the problem again because i did,and since then i've never used them again.
Hope you get em off.
And when you do throw them away,they do more harm than good.

 

[Spyro]

I'd call Shure customer service and ask them for advice and ask who you spoke with so you are on record with them that there was a problem in case it does break.

That barb on the nozzle is great for silicone sleeves but terrible for foams.

 

[Opentoe]

It sounds so weird, just stick your headphones in the freezer. I gave that a try and that rubber/glue seal must have binded into one or something. They aren't coming off and I've given some good elbow grease. Just wouldn't expect this problem on these IEM's. It's ok, I just wont get the chance to listen to them with a beter fit. I do get a pretty good seal with the black foam on there now but since they're new wanted to get a good sense of what they are about compared to my W3's

 

[Opentoe]

I've tried everything I could. These black foam tips literally have glued themselves onto the tubes and won't come off without scratching everything up. Frustrating, really wanted to give these a listen this weekend.

 

[talisman42]

YIKES!

I love the black foam, so far they have been working well on my W3s. I recently had my SE420 replaced but I've been having trouble with the foam on this pair. I'll try again if I can remove them. I usually use my shirt to twist.

edit: no problems here

whew

good luck with yours


Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyerfan70 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really feel for you bud,them black foams are the most stupid tip ever invented. I lost 2 pairs of se420's because of them,2 pairs!!! They are completely useless and should be took off the market completely. And yes you will have the problem again because i did,and since then i've never used them again. Hope you get em off. And when you do throw them away,they do more harm than good.

 

[pdupiano]

Go with the freezer trick, its what Shure recommended right? or slowly twist in one direction until they come off. The foam tips are used just to transport the se530's safely, the real issue is it goes through a lot of temperature fluctuations so the silicone/rubber thing whatever its made out of hardens and basically sticks onto the shaft. So you gotta carefully twist it out or do the freezer thing