As a Stax enthusiast and SR-009 owner, I'm following this thread with great interest. My personal issue, is that I won't use anything that's remotely uncomfortable to me. (Note that the "to me" is very subjective; I can't even wear a shirt with a label that has not been removed...so any even seemingly mild discomfort/irritation bothers me) Where am I going with this? Shure needs a custom-fit option, for say, $399 more. To me, the only IEM's that I could tolerate were customs; I just can't get comfortable with any generic fit. Another interesting option would be a form factor such as that of the Koss Porta-Pro...while they are not IEMs, they are damn comfortable, light and very portable...without looking silly. After 15 years, I still use my Porta-Pros; they are by far the most comfortable on-the-go heaphones I have.
The cable needs a 5-10 year guarantee...and Shure's written word that replacement after-warranty would be $199 max. This is an expensive, proprietary cable design, hence there will likely be no aftermarket replacements for the wire...so Sure must include a 2nd tier of customer service, similar to when you buy a Lexus vs. a Toyota and expect concierge-level service on the former. In my younger (I'm now 58) "portable" days, I went through so many portable headphones due to cable issues, mostly due to me forgetting the cable was there and pulling something that wasn't meant to be pulled. Absent-minded, with ADHD and forgetful? Yes. Part of life?...also yes.
So, in sum...a word to Shure to make sure my purchase is secure (feeble attempt at alliteration), as well as, being comfortable for all:
1) Develop a 2nd version, with a Koss Porta-pro form factor (comfortable on-ears), and/or custom tips (CIEM).
2) Make the warranty and customer service far superior to that of more generic Shure products. (overnight shipping/replacement on warranty work, 10 year warranty on cable, etc.).
The warranty issue will tip sales into the volume Shure needs to make this more than just a statement product that doesn't have the bean-counter bottom line needed to justify the 8 years of development. Case-in-point: When Toyota first came out with the Prius, they warranted the batteries for an unprecedented 8 years in order to alleviate perceived customer fear that they would have to replace their batteries (at $4,500) during the normal life of the car. The Prius was a game-changer and disruptive technology, and progressive consumers bought-in once their initial fears were put to rest. These IEMs are also game-changers, if they live up to the expectations...thus, Shure needs to re-a-Shure its customers that they won't be left with a $600 repair bill if the cable gets damaged with normal wear-and-tear (that in the portable world, can be quite a bit if you use these daily).
Address these issues, and if they sound as good as the pre-market hype (unfounded or pre-market hype is a common, unfortunate trait of our digital age that can only be addressed by personal trial)...then, please take my money! - Lorne
