Here my 2 cents comparison between the Encore and SE5U.
I bought the Encore directly from Noble, while I found a set of pre-owned SE5U at an excellent price, not sure I would have bought a brand-new set at this time.
With the standard cables I feel both earphones cannot fully express their potentials, I found 2 cables that make a real difference, for the Encore the whiplash TWag V3 T and for the SE5U the whiplash TWau Reference V2. My considerations are based using these cables, with other cables like the Linum super bax I found the SE5U to be too dark and the Encore limited in the treble, it didn't add any sparkle like the Twag does.
Encore
Resolution, clarity, treble extension, I found it very sharp, full of details, but sometime aggressive in the mid and treble depending on the song. I understand why this is not the right ciem for people who are treble sensitive. Soundstage is spacious, but also that one depends on the cable, but not as the SE5U.
I really enjoy listing to Bill Evans and Dire Straits; the Encore makes the instruments shine.
SE5U
First thing I noticed is the bass, strong, full of details, the treble is more natural and less bright than the Encore. The soundstage is very spacious and well separated, vocals are full body with warm tone. The overall signature is more organic and warmer.
I love listeing Amber Rubarth - Sessions from the 17th Ward with the SE5U