Our Verdict 
Not the most promising looks, but the Shures are assured music-makers
For 
Open, balanced and engaging
Against 
Not the greatest lookers
Reviewed on

‘Chunky' is the word we'll be using here.

A chunky cord and chunky driver enclosures distinguish the Shure SE102s, but they're comfortable enough and not all that heavy.

Sound is chunky too – to an extent.

Low frequencies are robust but not overblown, and there's excellent detail retrieved, in the midrange particularly.

Open, balanced and poised, the SE102s are a composed and engaging listen – they're expressive and involving enough to make the best of whatever you choose to play through them.

More after the break

On balance, in fact, ‘poised' is the word that best applies