Shure SE535 better isolation than Westone W40?

[NewPairOfBoots]

I've researched a fair amount, and based on my budget and a few other factors the SE535 and W40 seem to be the two IEM's I am leaning toward most. From what I've read about the soundstage and overall pleasingness of the sound I'd probably go for the W40, but I have heard that the SE535 has better sound isolation. Both are important to me. What I'm wondering is HOW much better the 535's isolate. If it's a noticeable difference then that definitely factors into my decision. Thank you.

 

[Slashfury99]

The difference in terms of isolation is noticeable in a side-by-side comparison, the SE535 reaches deeper into the ear than the W40. But it's not as large as the difference between a universal and custom IEMs.

If you are not going to compare these side-by-side, I don't think the isolation is going to matter much since they are both still IEMs that provide ample blocking of outside noise, and you are not going to know exactly how much one isolates compared to the other.

I say consider sound first, then isolation and fit, because the latter can be slightly remedied with different tips. Of course, the safest way is to go to a shop to test them.

 

[NewPairOfBoots]

Thank you, that makes sense. So the W40 still isolates pretty well? This may sound really dumb, but I've used really cheap IEM/earbuds my whole life, and the current pair I'm using is a generic-looking pair of skullcandies. It doesn't block outside noise very well. Would the W40 isolate better than that? (forgive me if that's a dumb question - I have never had experience with nice IEM's)  
 
Also, testing them out sounds like a great idea. Any idea where I can test out either (if not both) of these IEM's? I've googled and tried finding where to test them, but have been unsuccessful. Maybe I just didn't use adequate search terms though.

 

[Slashfury99]

The W40 would definitely isolate better than the generic earbuds or cheaper IEMs. Both the SE535 and W40 have cables that go over and behind your ears, providing a more secure fit in your ears. You can also use the foam tips provided with the product for better isolation.

As for the testing, it depends on where you live. Here in Singapore/Malaysia, we can go to a local headphones store, e.g. Jaben, and ask for test units or samples. Generally, a shop that specializes in selling audio products do have samples for you to try. Alternatively, you can buy from Amazon, try them, and if you don't like them, return and buy the other. A less effective method, but it is an option.

Also, don't worry about asking stupid questions. Everyone has to start out somewhere, right?

 

[NewPairOfBoots]

Awesome, thank you so much for helping me out. I'm trying to search for headphones/audio stores near here in Idaho Falls, ID and am not really finding anything sadly.
 
Would you say that the W40's isolation would be sufficient for outdoor enjoyment? When faced with the chatter/noise of students walking around and mingling of a university campus? Or would the SE535 be more suitable for outdoor environments?
 
To be perfectly honest, I am actually not sure which I would like more as far as sound goes, I'm mainly just basing it on general consensus that most people seem to prefer the 4R/W40's sound over the SE535 so it seems to be the safer choice perhaps. I wish I could test them out haha.

 

[Slashfury99]

I would say that the W40 is sufficient, but if you're still skeptical, then the SE535 would be a more comforting choice. As for the sound, I guess all you can do is hope you like it, pretty much what I do most of the time for newer IEMs.

 

[NewPairOfBoots]

Sweet, thanks for the input! I'm thinking I'll go with the W40

 

[serman005]

  Sweet, thanks for the input! I'm thinking I'll go with the W40

Unfortunately, your closest place to try on these IEMs is likely to be Boise, a ridiculous drive for you. Oh well. amazon is always a good option as you can return anything you don't like. You could even order both and see what you think. Then send one back. Just a thought.

 

[Dulalala]

If the isolation is not up to your standard, changing the tips can help a lot. I don't particularly find that the stock silicon tips for Westone's IEMs isolate as well as Shure's tip, but I find them a lot more comfortable. Though both of the stock silicon are easily beat, in isolation and comfort, IMO by Comply foam tips. If you can get them, that's what I recommend. 

 

[NewPairOfBoots]

Gotcha. So it's not the construction of the IEM itself that causes the W40 to not have as good of isolation as the 535, it's just a result of the stock tips that it comes with?

 

[Dulalala]

  Gotcha. So it's not the construction of the IEM itself that causes the W40 to not have as good of isolation as the 535, it's just a result of the stock tips that it comes with?

Mostly yes. Well it also depends on how well the W40 fits in your ear.

 

[NewPairOfBoots]

Does the W40 typically not fit in people's ears that great?

 

[Dulalala]

  Does the W40 typically not fit in people's ears that great?

Not sure but I wasn't specifically referencing the W40, just using it as an example.