Shure SE530 review

Terrific noise-isolators with an extremely snug fit offer astonishing detail but ar eprone to a litle sibilance at the top end Tested at £235.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Ultra-snug fit and among the most effective noise-isolators we've tested, but not quite best in class

Pros

  • +

    Better value now

  • +

    exciting, detailed and attacking sound

Cons

  • -

    A little sibilance at the top end

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

We last tested these Shures back in April 2007, when we came to the verdict that, although they were the best in-ears we'd heard, they weren't quite the best value.

They are now available for £100 less, but there are also new rivals from Klipsch and Sennheiser, so what's the story now?

Well, the Shures are still very exciting, detailed and attacking, but they also produce a little sibilance at the top end that the Sennheiser IE8s and Klipsch X10s avoid.

Still, while not everyone will get on with the extremely snug fit either, the SE530s' noise isolation is still second-to-none.

Nevertheless, if it were our money, we'd opt for the Klipsch X10s for detail, or the Sennheiser IE8s for comfort and scale.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test