[AgentXXL]

You will get the refund fast. I got mine the next day. I would not buy another set. Yes you get to keep that one whenever it manages to reach you and maybe you will be happy with them or they release a firmware update to fix some issues. I am really happy with the $24 set. The battery life and range is good. You just need to buy 2 pin to MMCX adapters but the wings are soft and flexible which would be perfect for you to sleep with. The Fiios aren't worth $150. IF you are going to spend that I would just get another TW2 set so you always have one charged. 4 hour battery life is rubbish. I get 6 with the $24 set.

To be fair, that 4 hr battery life has shown to be a defective. Others are reporting 6 - 8 hrs depending on the attached IEMs and volume level. I'm more concerned with the issue that the earhooks don't charge if the door of the case is slightly open. That I can 100% agree on as something they need to fix. As for the app differences, hands-down the Shure Play app wins.

I haven't used the environment mode on the TW2 enough to judge its quality when compared with the Transparency mode on the AirPod Pro 2nd gen, which so far I find performs better than anything else I've tried. The ease of use of their adaptive mode and the fact that they seem to drain fairly evenly is a win for them, compared with the TW2 on which the active earbud drains considerably faster. That to me is a big fail on Shure's part - it should automatically switch the active one between earbuds to keep them draining evenly. And literally all of us would agree that they should design these BT adapters with changeable ends so you can use MMCX or 2 pin or whatever comes down the road.

Based on similar features from other products, Apple has done an impressive job with the capabilities of the AirPod Pro 2nd gen. Certainly they don't sound as good as the SE846, but that can change with future models. And really, I just want decent quality when mobile - very few of us would use Bluetooth for critical listening. My use case is even more specific, as I really like having my mobility to do things around the house while listening, but have grown to love watching movies, TV, YouTube, etc using IEMs or headphones.

I likely won't purchase the UTWS5 2025 but hope that it does get delivered once the strike is settled. Instead I'll keep watching for a decent deal on a pair of BT capable fullsize cans. The contenders so far are the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Max. Hard to justify the ~$200 CAD price difference between the the AirPods Max and the Bose QC Ultra. And the Sony XM4 are even ~$200 cheaper than the Bose QC Ultra. Sony $278 vs Bose $469 vs Apple $647 (all in CAD) with the post Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales that run until end of the week.

 

[mattclarke18]

To be fair, that 4 hr battery life has shown to be a defective. Others are reporting 6 - 8 hrs depending on the attached IEMs and volume level. I'm more concerned with the issue that the earhooks don't charge if the door of the case is slightly open. That I can 100% agree on as something they need to fix. As for the app differences, hands-down the Shure Play app wins.

I haven't used the environment mode on the TW2 enough to judge its quality when compared with the Transparency mode on the AirPod Pro 2nd gen, which so far I find performs better than anything else I've tried. The ease of use of their adaptive mode and the fact that they seem to drain fairly evenly is a win for them, compared with the TW2 on which the active earbud drains considerably faster. That to me is a big fail on Shure's part - it should automatically switch the active one between earbuds to keep them draining evenly. And literally all of us would agree that they should design these BT adapters with changeable ends so you can use MMCX or 2 pin or whatever comes down the road.

Based on similar features from other products, Apple has done an impressive job with the capabilities of the AirPod Pro 2nd gen. Certainly they don't sound as good as the SE846, but that can change with future models. And really, I just want decent quality when mobile - very few of us would use Bluetooth for critical listening. My use case is even more specific, as I really like having my mobility to do things around the house while listening, but have grown to love watching movies, TV, YouTube, etc using IEMs or headphones.

I likely won't purchase the UTWS5 2025 but hope that it does get delivered once the strike is settled. Instead I'll keep watching for a decent deal on a pair of BT capable fullsize cans. The contenders so far are the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Max. Hard to justify the ~$200 CAD price difference between the the AirPods Max and the Bose QC Ultra. And the Sony XM4 are even ~$200 cheaper than the Bose QC Ultra. Sony $278 vs Bose $469 vs Apple $647 (all in CAD) with the post Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales that run until end of the week.

You can probably put some Velcro or rubber band to keep the lid closed. That is an easy fix. Their app sucks, Shure wins there. I ordered a 2nd set of the cheapos for a Xmas present and got them in like 7 days. They didn't use postal system. I like being able to use my expensive IEMs with BT I am sure next year you will get the 2025's and you can test the battery life on them. They did not sound bad. I agree Shure needs to fix the active/inactive system so it automatically flips on its own to equalize battery life. I don't do anything Apple, not for me. For $24 + $20 (adapters) you could use the 846s on that cheapo set I have. Hard to beat that price. I tried the Fiio planars and those need a lot to drive to get to sound somewhat ok. CA Supermoon are easy to drive. When I had the 2025's I did use my MKIIIs which have ESTs which like power but can use them on the cheapo and get good battery life.

 

[Vamp898]

The SE846 Gen 2 won the VGP 2025 Gold Award

Old but Gold ^^

 

[mattclarke18]

The SE846 Gen 2 won the VGP 2025 Gold Award

Old but Gold ^^

When are you going to pick up a Gen 1?

 

[audionooby]

The SE846 Gen 2 won the VGP 2025 Gold Award

Old but Gold ^^

What is VGP and where can I find the list of categories/winners?

 

[Vamp898]

What is VGP and where can I find the list of categories/winners?

https://vgp.phileweb.com/vgp2025/

 

[Vamp898]

When are you going to pick up a Gen 1?

There are currently no plans^^

 

[mattclarke18]

There are currently no plans^^

When I find one in classifieds at a good price and condition I will buy a set. Have not see any lately. I have a really good cable I can use so can use on 4.4mm.

 

[Vamp898]

When I find one in classifieds at a good price and condition I will buy a set. Have not see any lately. I have a really good cable I can use so can use on 4.4mm.

But keep in mind that 4.4mm has double the impedance of 3.5mm or even more.

Example: 3.5mm 0.6Ω :: 4.4mm 1.5Ω

Simply because you have two amps. If you have two amps and two completely separated circuits means you have at least 2x the impedance.

As the SE846 is very low ohm with ~9Ω, that means you should go with an as low output impedance as absolutely possible. So my personal recommendation would be to go with 3.5mm

 

[mattclarke18]

But keep in mind that 4.4mm has double the impedance of 3.5mm or even more.

Example: 3.5mm 0.6Ω :: 4.4mm 1.5Ω

Simply because you have two amps. If you have two amps and two completely separated circuits means you have at least 2x the impedance.

As the SE846 is very low ohm with ~9Ω, that means you should go with an as low output impedance as absolutely possible. So my personal recommendation would be to go with 3.5mm

That is not a problem. I have a conx/ termx cable so can do all three of the terminations. The cable has ". 073" ohm impedance. I plan to use on TW2 most likely. Like I did before. Now have two good DAPs too. This time I know and have the right tips to use - Westone P tips.

 

[Vamp898]

That is not a problem. I have a conx/ termx cable so can do all three of the terminations. The cable has ". 073" ohm impedance. I plan to use on TW2 most likely. Like I did before. Now have two good DAPs too. This time I know and have the right tips to use - Westone P tips.

Not the cable, the amp. There are exceptions though (It depends on the implementation. Some makers put a lot of effort into the 4.4mm but not a lot of effort into the 3.5mm and vice/versa. Its a rule of thumb and in the end, depends on the source you use.

.073Ω sounds physically impossible for an cable^^ Very good high quality cables have around 0.75-0.6Ω so i assume, its 0.73Ω instead of 0.073Ω (or this number is not for the actual cable but a single component inside the cable (sometimes makers advertise with the impedance of single strands or whatever))

But that doesn't change. So this cable will have 0.73Ω on 3.5mm and 4.4mm. You have to check your source on which port it provides the lowest output impedance.

As the SE846 is very sensitive, also make sure to use it with an source that does not have a lot of power, otherwise you'll end up using a very low volume where the sound quality is the worst.

This is for your DX180

As you can see. 3.5mm has the lowest output impedance and 2Vrms on Low Gain (which is still kinda high for low gain...) so 3.5mm on Low Gain would provide the highest possible sound quality for the SE846 on the DX180

 

[mattclarke18]

Not the cable, the amp. There are exceptions though (It depends on the implementation. Some makers put a lot of effort into the 4.4mm but not a lot of effort into the 3.5mm and vice/versa. Its a rule of thumb and in the end, depends on the source you use.

.073Ω sounds physically impossible for an cable^^ Very good high quality cables have around 0.75-0.6Ω so i assume, its 0.73Ω instead of 0.073Ω (or this number is not for the actual cable but a single component inside the cable (sometimes makers advertise with the impedance of single strands or whatever))

But that doesn't change. So this cable will have 0.73Ω on 3.5mm and 4.4mm. You have to check your source on which port it provides the lowest output impedance.

As the SE846 is very sensitive, also make sure to use it with an source that does not have a lot of power, otherwise you'll end up using a very low volume where the sound quality is the worst.

This is for your DX180

As you can see. 3.5mm has the lowest output impedance and 2Vrms on Low Gain (which is still kinda high for low gain...) so 3.5mm on Low Gain would provide the highest possible sound quality for the SE846 on the DX180

Thanks for the info. It's great to have someone like you who knows their stuff. I would not use high gain for sure as it would likely blow out the BAs. Using that on my primary set and sound is fantastic but it's not a sensitive IEM. I just bought a used Cayin Tube DAP that has less power than the Dx180 and looking forward to that tube sound. Sold the Dx320 and all Amp cards so don't have tube card anymore. Yes even on low gain the Dx180 packs a punch.

 

[AgentXXL]

I must have the worst luck with audio gear lately. The Canada Post strike is over - workers went back yesterday but it will take some time to work through the backlog. My Fiio UTWS5 2025 adapter was refunded as it was long past the expected delivery date. It still might show up but the tracking number isn't even found by Canada Post yet.

In the meantime I've been using the Shure TW2 a LOT and earlier today heard a large 'pop' from the right side and then nothing. I put it back in the charger and it's been stuck on red for over 3 hrs, so likely it's another defective. That's 2 defective sets in a row. Sigh... I'll probably just return it and wait until there's a proven alternate. The uneven drain on the TW2 is atrocious; both it and the disconnects really need to be addressed. But the Fiio UTWS5 2025 also isn't living up to expectations for about 1/3 of the reviews/forum posts I've read, so that's a pretty large percentage of dissatisfied customers. Glad I got the refund.

Maybe I'll just buy another pair of AirPod Pro 2nd gen since they work very well, with very few disconnect/reconnect events when compared with the TW2. Their shorter battery life is the main drawback, but at least they drain a lot more evenly. As mentioned previously I was also looking at full size Bluetooth cans as an option. I've done some in-store testing with the AirPods Max, Bose Quietcomfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5.

None of those top 3 contenders at the ~$500 CAD price point really stood out. Plus they were all heavier than I expected. I've had neck surgery to correct spinal cord compression by the vertebrae on my left side and likely will need another surgery in the next few years as the right side is now flaring up. That makes wearing heavier cans less ideal. I did also try the Focal Bathys and I actually prefer the Airpods Max and Bose QCU over them. Plus they're Focal so overpriced and double the cost.

I'd just love to find a really good quality TWS adapter as they and my SE846 IEMs will put far less strain on my neck, due to their lower weight. Heck, if it was a proven reliable product I'd even be willing to spend up to that same $500 CAD that I allocated for the fullsize cans. Oh well, off to start the return process for the 2nd set of TW2.

And for those wondering, I still haven't made any headway with a 3D printed and then CNC milled replacement shell for the SE846. Still plan to make a few more attempts but I think it's just that my 3D printer isn't up to the task when trying to use the smaller 0.2mm nozzles on the extruder. My printer is a Ender 3 S1 Plus which has a nice build volume, but it just doesn't seem to handle smaller detailed 3D prints very well. I'm considering a replacement 3D printer but my Ender is only 2 years old - pretty jealous of the results I've been seeing from the Bambu models so they're at the top of my list of contenders.

 

[audionooby]

I must have the worst luck with audio gear lately. The Canada Post strike is over - workers went back yesterday but it will take some time to work through the backlog. My Fiio UTWS5 2025 adapter was refunded as it was long past the expected delivery date. It still might show up but the tracking number isn't even found by Canada Post yet.

In the meantime I've been using the Shure TW2 a LOT and earlier today heard a large 'pop' from the right side and then nothing. I put it back in the charger and it's been stuck on red for over 3 hrs, so likely it's another defective. That's 2 defective sets in a row. Sigh... I'll probably just return it and wait until there's a proven alternate. The uneven drain on the TW2 is atrocious; both it and the disconnects really need to be addressed. But the Fiio UTWS5 2025 also isn't living up to expectations for about 1/3 of the reviews/forum posts I've read, so that's a pretty large percentage of dissatisfied customers. Glad I got the refund.

Maybe I'll just buy another pair of AirPod Pro 2nd gen since they work very well, with very few disconnect/reconnect events when compared with the TW2. Their shorter battery life is the main drawback, but at least they drain a lot more evenly. As mentioned previously I was also looking at full size Bluetooth cans as an option. I've done some in-store testing with the AirPods Max, Bose Quietcomfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5.

None of those top 3 contenders at the ~$500 CAD price point really stood out. Plus they were all heavier than I expected. I've had neck surgery to correct spinal cord compression by the vertebrae on my left side and likely will need another surgery in the next few years as the right side is now flaring up. That makes wearing heavier cans less ideal. I did also try the Focal Bathys and I actually prefer the Airpods Max and Bose QCU over them. Plus they're Focal so overpriced and double the cost.

I'd just love to find a really good quality TWS adapter as they and my SE846 IEMs will put far less strain on my neck, due to their lower weight. Heck, if it was a proven reliable product I'd even be willing to spend up to that same $500 CAD that I allocated for the fullsize cans. Oh well, off to start the return process for the 2nd set of TW2.

And for those wondering, I still haven't made any headway with a 3D printed and then CNC milled replacement shell for the SE846. Still plan to make a few more attempts but I think it's just that my 3D printer isn't up to the task when trying to use the smaller 0.2mm nozzles on the extruder. My printer is a Ender 3 S1 Plus which has a nice build volume, but it just doesn't seem to handle smaller detailed 3D prints very well. I'm considering a replacement 3D printer but my Ender is only 2 years old - pretty jealous of the results I've been seeing from the Bambu models so they're at the top of my list of contenders.

Weird - I’ve had none of these issues with my TW2. Maybe I’m not using it long enough in a single session to run into uneven draining. But I’ve had absolutely no disconnects or pops or other issues. It’s been perfect. I wonder if these are specific somehow to the sources or your power supply or environmental things like temperature or something.

 

[mattclarke18]

I must have the worst luck with audio gear lately. The Canada Post strike is over - workers went back yesterday but it will take some time to work through the backlog. My Fiio UTWS5 2025 adapter was refunded as it was long past the expected delivery date. It still might show up but the tracking number isn't even found by Canada Post yet.

In the meantime I've been using the Shure TW2 a LOT and earlier today heard a large 'pop' from the right side and then nothing. I put it back in the charger and it's been stuck on red for over 3 hrs, so likely it's another defective. That's 2 defective sets in a row. Sigh... I'll probably just return it and wait until there's a proven alternate. The uneven drain on the TW2 is atrocious; both it and the disconnects really need to be addressed. But the Fiio UTWS5 2025 also isn't living up to expectations for about 1/3 of the reviews/forum posts I've read, so that's a pretty large percentage of dissatisfied customers. Glad I got the refund.

Maybe I'll just buy another pair of AirPod Pro 2nd gen since they work very well, with very few disconnect/reconnect events when compared with the TW2. Their shorter battery life is the main drawback, but at least they drain a lot more evenly. As mentioned previously I was also looking at full size Bluetooth cans as an option. I've done some in-store testing with the AirPods Max, Bose Quietcomfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5.

None of those top 3 contenders at the ~$500 CAD price point really stood out. Plus they were all heavier than I expected. I've had neck surgery to correct spinal cord compression by the vertebrae on my left side and likely will need another surgery in the next few years as the right side is now flaring up. That makes wearing heavier cans less ideal. I did also try the Focal Bathys and I actually prefer the Airpods Max and Bose QCU over them. Plus they're Focal so overpriced and double the cost.

I'd just love to find a really good quality TWS adapter as they and my SE846 IEMs will put far less strain on my neck, due to their lower weight. Heck, if it was a proven reliable product I'd even be willing to spend up to that same $500 CAD that I allocated for the fullsize cans. Oh well, off to start the return process for the 2nd set of TW2.

And for those wondering, I still haven't made any headway with a 3D printed and then CNC milled replacement shell for the SE846. Still plan to make a few more attempts but I think it's just that my 3D printer isn't up to the task when trying to use the smaller 0.2mm nozzles on the extruder. My printer is a Ender 3 S1 Plus which has a nice build volume, but it just doesn't seem to handle smaller detailed 3D prints very well. I'm considering a replacement 3D printer but my Ender is only 2 years old - pretty jealous of the results I've been seeing from the Bambu models so they're at the top of my list of contenders.

I have heard a pop before with TW2 and the cheap one. I have had no issues with either. You just don't have good luck. Cheap one I get 6.5 hours of battery life. TW2 more than that. Below is a cheap one. I don't know how good it is but it's cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDY9L8W..._csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw&th=1