Monster Turbine vs. Shure SE210 review w/ PICS
Jan 14, 2010 at 7:56 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 10

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So seeing that its kinda hard checking out personal review of these IEM I thought I'd share my opinion

The Shure SE210 would run around 50$ more than the Monster Turbine in local distributor... And honestly, I don't think it's much worth it...

Well, these 2 IEM are not bad at all, they are both good IEM, just @ different places.

[First thought]
First thought from the Monster is the dynamic, really makes you engage into the music, makes you feel it, very fun to listen too!! This little sucker has a very articulate bass the deep rumble-type bass as well as nice punchy bass, you won't miss a bassline with this in-ear that is guaranteed!!!

The Shure isn't bad, the 2 things that I like most about them is this; it has more of an airy feel, and the mid-range is more liquidy and transparent, another thing is that the transient response seem to be a tad better. Bass is decent, nice punch, but missing some low low notes... Worst thing about these is the highs! man, the highs shokes a LOT, even if you EQ them they will sound harsh and nasty quickly. Another thing, they tend to sound more relaxing, although there isnt much dynamics...

[After more listening of the 2]
You must know, that the biggest difference with the 2 is this; the Monster has a lot more headroom, it's able to output lot more without bottoming out/distortion/ear fatigue, etc. Also, it responses better to EQ, you can play a lot more with it, you can even make it sound kind of like the Shure. Basically, the Monster has a better/more powerfull driver in there hands down, it sounds more healthy and more powerfull, you have to turn up the volume more than the Shure though, (less efficient), but the Shure bottoms out quickly before the Monster do...
Kind of like a 160wrms bookshelves vs a 90wrms bookshelves
I hope you understand my point

Build Quality;
Monster takes it hands down, it feels super solid, its made out of metal, i dont think I could break it so easily where as the Shure, I am nearly afraid just by changing the silicone thingy, its made out of plastic and seems very fragile!!

Fit;
I must say the Shure holds better and more easily than the Monster, it's also lighter so it won't really want to fall off, the Monster is heavier due to the metal housing, but with the right technique you can make it fit nice and steady only with lil more time.


Monster Turbine ;

Pros:
*Very dynamic
*Awsome Bass
*Highs are great
*Very responsive to EQ
*Very capable/strong driver
*Volume before distortion/ear fatigue

Cons:
*Could be more airy
*Could use a better midrange
*Could use a lighter housing

Awsome for bassy song, dirty south/e-40, R&B, rap/hip-hop, even classical, with good EQ, for heavy dance music you might want to cut a little bass, itll help a lot for better transient response, sometime the bass can be overwhelming, but its not a big problem because going negative in the EQ is a LOT better than positive anyway, especially for bass!!

Shure SE210 ;

Pros:
*Great midrange
*Airy sound
*Nice transient responce especially in the midrange (fast)
*Great fit
nothing much else that comes in my mind!

Cons:
*Unacceptable high frequencies
*Cant play much with EQ because of next point
*Easily over-driven/weak driver
*Could be stronger built
*Shy bass
*Over-priced

Relaxing, laid-back music will sound great with these!!



I ended up keeping the Monster!

**Keep in mind that this is compared to each other, the Shure SE210 might be a LOT better than a LOT of IEM out there**

Pics are comin!

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Jan 14, 2010 at 8:05 AM Post #2 of 10
I agree with you for the SE210. The highs can sometimes sound very harsh. And I wouldn't say they are boring, but rather relaxed. I always fall asleep with them. They're VERY comfortable, and have a very nice "Shure signature" mid range that I love. Definitely not the best out there, hence why I ordered the RE0. Originally, I was gonna try the Turbine as well to compare with these, but it doesn't seem like a pair that I would like as well because I'm not a fan of bass. I prefer better midrange than bass, however I prefer highs to be good, which was a bit disappointing for the SE210. Too bad my return date has passed
frown.gif


Hopefully the RE0 that is being shipped right now will sound better (as they are well known for the highs).

SE210 is definitely not worth it at MSRP. However if you see them on sale, it's not too bad.

dL
 
Jan 14, 2010 at 8:13 AM Post #3 of 10
I tried to convince this to a friend of mine to get the Turbines instead of 210. I am gonna have to send this review in an e-mail to him.
Thanks
 
Jan 14, 2010 at 8:34 AM Post #4 of 10
Ironically, the instruments do sound nice on the high range, but the vocal and the snares and drums can sound really irritating.

While the Turbine is more dynamic (according to OP), don't forget about the comfort, microphonic etc. I think the Shure wins on that one. OP can confirm with this.

dL
 
Jan 14, 2010 at 9:03 AM Post #6 of 10
it's true, I shouldve said more relaxing than boring! I changed it! As for the microphonic, I havent had a problem with neither yet... The Shure is indeed more comfy and lighter, better structure, makes it part of your ear!! But like I said, the Monster does the job with more tweaking and finding the right spot, for example, passing the wires over the ear helps a lot...

I wonder if the higher Shure model are more dynamic and with better highs! but then again price takes a big leap after the SE210...


Pics are up
 
Jan 17, 2010 at 11:30 PM Post #7 of 10
just a heads up, I went training with these and with the ear tip that comes with the monster tend to slide out of ear after a while, but, I tried the Shure's eartip, and it sticks in the ear a LOT better!!! i think its silicone, monster is rubber , not sure, but a nice difference ...
 
Jan 18, 2010 at 2:59 AM Post #8 of 10
Quote:

Originally Posted by dL. /img/forum/go_quote.gif
<snip>

SE210 is definitely not worth it at MSRP. However if you see them on sale, it's not too bad.

dL



x2, Too expensive as they are for what they really offer. You can certainly get better sounding IEM's for less (for example the Etymotic ER6i). Although the Sure accesory pack that comes with the 210's is quite good.

cheers!
 
Jan 18, 2010 at 5:20 AM Post #9 of 10
I am glad I returned my SE210. Now I'm awaiting for the RE0 to arrive. Meanwhile Il'l enjoy my Apple in-ear dual driver earphone.

dL
 
Jan 18, 2010 at 10:26 AM Post #10 of 10
Monster in my book is a truly reprehensible company and one of the few companies that I will never buy anything from on principle alone. That said, that didn't stop me from demoing these at an airport display setup.
I thought that they were OK. Definitely not better than a triplfi or SE530 for certain. They seemed like an average addition to the IEM landscape. At least they weren't charging their customary outrageous prices.
 

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