Shure SE846 lacking bass?

[Staysurreal444]

So I've been using the SE846 for 3 months now and they have yet to live up to the seemingly universal praise regarding bass. I mean, the bass is fine, but only just. I find that the bass is seriously lacking presence. Is it possible that I've gotten a defected pair of earphones? How would you suggest I go about testing the earphones to better gauge whether or not these earphones are functioning properly? Before anyone asks, I'm using the large foam eartips and I always ensure I've got a perfect seal.

 

[yong_shun]

This is weird because the bass of SE846 should be strong. One possible root cause might be the sub woofer BA driver is dead.

 

[serman005]

I am assuming that this is both sides equally (?).

 

[PaganDL]

Hi Staysurreal444,

Just out of curiosity, what is your source quality? Is it at least CD quality? Have you checked with other quality sources to make sure?
If the bass response is lacking as you say, why have you now only noticed & can anyone else you know verify this?
Am I assuming there was a demo prior to purchase or possibly not?

While I have never owned the 846 just yet, in demos & extensive testing, I found no issues, new & with units been around a long time.

 

[spark plugs.]

In returned my SE846 because the bass is definitely not up to the hype. Definitely clean and fast, but not low and in your chest bass.

I should also note that mine had significantly lost bass when the nozzle wasn't properly screwed in.

 

[Staysurreal444]

In returned my SE846 because the bass is definitely not up to the hype. Definitely clean and fast, but not low and in your chest bass.

I should also note that mine had significantly lost bass when the nozzle wasn't properly screwed in.

That pretty much mirrors the impression I get of the bass from these earphones. Very clean and fast, but lacking depth and presence. Thanks for the input. It's good to know my se846 aren't defected. Did you end up going with a different pair of IEMs?

 

[onevstheworld]

Just because the bass doesn't rattle your fillings doesn't mean it isn't good... very much a matter of preference.

Balanced armature drivers usually struggle to deliver that thumping bass (they cannot move much air). From what you describe, you'd probably be better off with a dynamic driver. Campfire Audio Vega (or Lyra II) would be my suggestion there.

 

[FastAndClean]

Just because the bass doesn't rattle your fillings doesn't mean it isn't good... very much a matter of preference.

Balanced armature drivers usually struggle to deliver that thumping bass (they cannot move much air). From what you describe, you'd probably be better off with a dynamic driver. Campfire Audio Vega (or Lyra II) would be my suggestion there.

you should try earsonic velvet, it will destroy your opinion about balanced armature bass

 

[PaganDL]

Hi FastAndClean,

I haven't tried the Velvet...yet, one day perhaps but you are definitely right, balanced armature bass does work very well, it's just a matter of tuning & source synergy.