(This will be my first review due to very little detailed review for this product at headfi)
Disclaimer: This is my first review. I am new to this, very little technical stuff/audio terms is used in this impression.
Please be reminded all of this is very subjective per person and musical preferences.Picture: (copyright of ShureASIA)
Shure SE 425: Technical Specifications(c/o Headphone.com)
Acoustic Seal: Closed
Driver Type: Balanced Armature
Ear Coupler Type: IEM
Coupler Size: Small
Cord Type: Straight Y
Detachable Cable: Yes
Impedance @ 1kHz: 37 Ohms
Isolation: -12dB ~ -20dB
Connector Type: 1/8
Headphone Type: In-Ear
Frequency Response Graph (c/o headphone.com:) (Compared to Etymotic ER-4s)
Comparison graph between se420 and se 425
Feeback comparison from Shure: (I emailed shure regarding what key changes was implemented betwen se420 and se425)
Attached is their email feedback:
Though the specification looks the same, the sound tuning of the drivers are actually different between SE420 and SE425. Sound from SE425 will have more high frequency extension while the balance between high, mid and low frequency remain natural. -
ShureHongKong-customer serviceWe didn't change the sound quality of the SE420 too much, as it has been a customer favorite for the last three years. The changes made to the SE425 acoustic network resulted in a slightly more defined high end, but the overall signature and balance is very close to its predecessor. - shuretechnicalservices - HongKongEquipment: Sansa Clip+ (no amplification)
Tips used for the impression: Stock Medium Shure Foam sleeves
Musical Preference: Vocals (Sarah Brightman, Mariah, Maria Callas, Nana Mosoukouri)
Pop Rock (Maroon 5, Greenday, Journey)
R&B/Hiphop (Jay Z, Rhinna, Beyonce)
Classical (Vivaldi, Prokiev)
Initial impressions: One of the main things if you read about the se420 and se425 model is the sound signature for this model is a "flat response" as defined by Shure.
Sound signature as per SHURE.asia website describes this sound as "balanced and accurate"
My take on this sound signature is THE "quality will vary" depending on the recording that will be used for your reference.
Musical examples:Blueprint by Jay-z: Bass, instruments, vocals and other electronic sounds is well defined, very coherent and rhythmic.
Stand out song: Empire state of mind
American Idiot by Greenday: Guitar and drums are well executed, detail is really nice, with "Shure trademark" smooth and clear sound. (Though compared with my other earphones or headphones, I wish that the bass will have more earth shaking sound) - Though if the recording calls for it bass will be present but merely as part of the total sound and not a particular highlight
Songs that stand out: Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Jesus of Suburbia
Hairspray (Original Movie Soundtrack): Very lively and engaging. Vocals stand out. Example: Good morning Baltimore and Welcome to the 60's
--I sometimes think this smooth sound almost border to being boring...; But please don't mistake this sound as not good as it is still very musical and is simply a matter of how you like to hear your musicSound Reproduction per frequency range: Low: When I think of this range, I just think of the thump. It is present if the recording requires, it will be felt and heard. (Hip-hop music for this type of sound signature is not recommended if you want the exaggerated earth shaking, heart-pounding sound)
Mid: All I can say is this IEM reproduces life-like sound. I am simply
happy; the sound is really nice and defined. Very clear all across. Strings sound excellent (I am more into this sound signature)
Highs:
I have no idea how this sound at all. ? (I can't make an impression for this) If you ask me if cymbals do shimmer or bells tinkle in your head. I would say not really but still present. -This observation is compared to the SRH440 I have which is I consider has bright presentation.
Sound stage: Spacious and Airy (Though still in the head sound)
Isolation: Is Good to above average: Traffic noise is drowned out but you can still hear engine noise
Ergonomics/Fit: It is quite difficult to put on due to shape and size. But once properly placed is fits very snugly. Cable is very heavy but seems durable. (Kevlar reinforced - what can more can you say). I will you post pictures of how it fits in my ears.
Value: It is expensive ($300). This is a middle-end product placement not a flagship model but on the expensive side. I have no point of comparison on price/performance since I own full size and on-ear headphones. Though, in the long run having a replaceable cable will save you a lot more. It is cheaper than the se535 model (Phil retail: P21K).
Warranty: Manufacturer's warranty in Southeast Asia is only 1 year
Summary: I like this earphone a lot. This is very balanced across all the frequency range; nothing is emphasized. I think this may not appeal to a lot of people since this have a tendency to be boring due to very smooth transitions from low,mid and high. I would still describe this sound as warm of neutral.
**Interesting note of this earphone is at the SHURE.UK website this is their recommended earphone for stage monitoring for vocal, guitar, and piano. (Check what earphone best fits you test)For more information and comparison of the different Shure IEM lines: Please check this video
Please check this article for insight of one of the designers of Shure earphones.
http://themacfeed.com/2009/10/untitled/*Hopefully this will help you out in making your choices.
