[ostewart]

Just got my SE535, review sample that I can keep, I like them but they do have their weaknesses, like too forward mids, highs dont sparkle enough and bass extension isn't the best.

But they do have excellent clarity and soundstage.

 

[ostewart]

Just got my SE535, review sample that I can keep, I like them but they do have their weaknesses, like too forward mids, highs dont sparkle enough and bass extension isn't the best.

But they do have excellent clarity and soundstage.

 

[Spyro]

I agree weith you assesment.  I think they are kind of boring.  For being that neutral, and for the price, they should at least have MUCH more transparency which is almost "poor."

 

[Saraguie]

I agree weith you assesment.  I think they are kind of boring.  For being that neutral, and for the price, they should at least have MUCH more transparency which is almost "poor."

Hmmm just had a listen again. They sound pretty good. Different strokes
for....... I guess

 

[Audio-Omega]

I received mine today.  Initial impression is that they are not bassy and bright.  Can they be worn not over the ears ?

 

[mclover]

They are designed to be worn over the ear due to how the cable enters the ear pieces, wearing them over the ears also diverts the weight of the earpieces over the temple-ish areas. Try to use your IEM's worn over the ear for a week, the benefits will quickly show (less microphonics mainly).

 

[Swimsonny]

Just got my SE535, review sample that I can keep, I like them but they do have their weaknesses, like too forward mids, highs dont sparkle enough and bass extension isn't the best.
But they do have excellent clarity and soundstage.

Mids are forward but far from too forward, they are forward but lush. If they were fatiguing and hard to listen to then that'd be too forward, try adding maybe 5-6 DB to them and then mayb that's be too forward.

However other parts are more than true, extension is poor on both ends and texture/impact lacking in lows and treble lacking sparkle. I also think clarity is lacking against cheaper IEMs such as Etymotic series, rock it r-50 and Heir 4.Ai quite noticeably.

More to come. Also think treble was more sparkles on the 530 while bass and mids are slightly better with 535.

 

[truckdriver]

Connected to my Apple DAPs, my conclusion concurs with randomkid. That is  mids too forward for a believably balanced sound.
 
Connected to my Galaxy S2 using Poweramp (Tone-on) the mids are fine. The treble is nice because I turn it up. The bass is good on most songs that don't have the super deep sub-bass notes. Even those are audible, they just don't rattle the bones (as I would like on occasion).
 
As for the 530 535 comparison, I think the treble and mids are better on the 535, and the bass is ever-so-slightly more "apparent" on the 530. On the S2 at least, the sound-stage of the 535 is much wider and deeper than the 530. Maybe the bass sounds slightly more prominent on the 530 because the sound-stage is more "intimate" (if you will).
 

 
 
Again, those impression are from the S2. The Apple DAP plus Headstage Arrow 4G is revealing something a little different.

 

[bluemonkeyflyer]

I love my SE535's. They make a nice complement to my ER4P/S and Triple Fi 10's and sound great to me right out of my iPhone 4S as well as amped from my Dacmini. Many different delicious sonic flavors.

 

[Audio-Omega]

Is there a softer or more flexible cable than the stock ?

 

[ostewart]

Just ordered the 6N OFHC spc cable off eBay, lets see if it's any good when it arrives.

 

[XDT]

The Shure headset cable is also softer and lighter, if you need the control and microphone.

 

[Spyro]

Quote:

However other parts are more than true, extension is poor on both ends and texture/impact lacking in lows and treble lacking sparkle. I also think clarity is lacking against cheaper IEMs such as Etymotic series,

  Completely agree.  When I spend $500 on an IEM I need more than a great midrange and a "so-so" bass and treble.  I would even take UM2 over the "535"

 

[Fernito]

Quote:

Mids are forward but far from too forward, they are forward but lush. If they were fatiguing and hard to listen to then that'd be too forward, try adding maybe 5-6 DB to them and then mayb that's be too forward.
However other parts are more than true, extension is poor on both ends and texture/impact lacking in lows and treble lacking sparkle. I also think clarity is lacking against cheaper IEMs such as Etymotic series, rock it r-50 and Heir 4.Ai quite noticeably.
More to come. Also think treble was more sparkles on the 530 while bass and mids are slightly better with 535.

 
Quote:

  Completely agree.  When I spend $500 on an IEM I need more than a great midrange and a "so-so" bass and treble.  I would even take UM2 over the "535"

Wow, at first I thought I was alone. Now I see I don't

 

[Brooko]

I think you'll find the SE535 Ltd Ed fixes some of the short comings of the standard 535.  Better top end, and slightly better bass extension.  I just wish they had a little more bass impact.  Bass texture is good though.
 
Still think they are overpriced for what they are though (although saying that ... I have no intention of selling mine ..... still love them).