Happy to say I'm part of the se846 club !
This has been a real eye opening past few weeks, going from the Ref 1 to the se846 I did not see coming...this is where I say a BIG thanks to warrior1975 for loaning me them which ive had for the past week or so
top man!!, & for giving me the opportunity to really have a serious test run. More on that in abit.
I'm not keeping his pair by the way
I visited my local store this morning, Where I traded my Ref 1's for Shures, and paid a small difference, all the way with a massive grin lol
I'll share some comparisons with the ref1, won't be near as good as moedawg's as he did an awesome job of that recently, awesome read!
On first listen with the 846's I noticed clarity is a lot better then the Ref 1 straight away, highs sound laid back and lack richness compared to the se 846, the detail on the 8's treble is amazing, crisp, full and clear. The highs being amazing is not my favourite part of the Shures though , as they could do with extending for more air (the white filter is too peaky for me, sticking with the blue filter). The difference is that the Ref 1 treble is now sounding veiled, narrower, less detailed and not really anywhere near as exiting as the Shures high end. However I take nothing back with the enjoyment I got from the Ref 1, they are still great iem's.
With the mids se846's are lush and forward (very clean and clear), so ORGANIC and can be orgasmic at the same time ! It's an amazing connection to the music. I also notice they are strong, forward with silky detail. The Ref 1 are scaled back, whilst still nice, hasn't got that forward projection and lacks rich strong detail in what the Shures do.
Ref 1's bass sounds bigger in space, but sounds boomy and a little clouded now. se846's is tightly controlled with stronger punch! and the sub bass finely pronounced and elegant, sub is totally separated from the other frequencies, and extremely clear!!! Best I've heard yet. Ref 1 is just a little messy, maybe abit over the place but still enjoyable, just not as satisfying.
Se846 Soundstage is tight and very wide, maybe not as wide as the Ref 1, but better in instrument separation, very analytical placement which is additive listening to well mixed songs. It's like being front row in a concert, you are engulfed in a spectacular soundstage, so intimidate you want to touch it. However i would say the sound is maybe closed in your head a little more compared to Ref 1, but still very open compared to most iem's ive heard.
So there you have it, Its honestly weird because I did not like them months ago when I tested them out only briefly & due to wrong tips I now discover. Using the large grey rubber tips I get perfect isolation and fit, I can move my head around fast and they won't fall out, perfect for jogging. Lol Really did not see this day coming 2 weeks ago, again thanks to Warrior for letting me hear them first. I felt bad but excited at the same time, knowing that I really prefer the 8's I have to let the Ref 1's go. That's how it is I suppose, best choice I have made
The Shures have my full recommendation, they are the most organically rich iem experience i have the pleasure of owning
