Shure AONIC 5 Wired Sound Isolating Earbuds, High Definition Sound + Natural Bass, Three Drivers, Secure in-Ear Fit, Detachable Cable, Durable Quality, Compatible with Apple & Android Devices - Black

Nicest earphones ever so well designed

These are replacing a set of Shure 425 that I've used for years. One of the bodies of that set cracked in half. They received heavy use on airplanes, and I slept with them in, so the forces cracked the body at the seam.I liked those so much, I bought this upgraded (5 series) version. I'm an audiophile (NAD, B&W, Beyer Dynamic, Audiotechnica) and expect excellent sound quality.I love these for airplanes, where I spend a lot of time. I use them primarily for listening, not having conversations. If I need to record or webcast in loud environments, but this mic (if you get that cable) is suitable for a phone conversation or meeting, but not for a recording or presentation in loud surroundings.Key elements to getting the sound isolation (they're NOT active noise cancelling, they're sound isolating) is to select the right ear foam size. Then, squeeze the foam down and insert into your ear. Think about putting the cork back into the bottle of wine; make sure the initial insertion gets a little bit in fully, then twist the cork in further. If you don't get that initial full insertion, then you can't push it in further. The twisting motion really helps. The malleable part of the cable goes behind your ear. Make that snug and the foam insert stays put in your ear.On a plane, I can barely hear announcements when I have these in and volume at about 50% level. (I use a Sony Android phone which has a mini-plug jack.) I can't hear the flight attendant speaking to me. I remove one ear bud. If the person has a loud speaking voice, I could pause the music and communicate. But the sound isolation is effective. When the volume is up to 70% on the phone, I can barely hear anything else.Would strongly recommend if you have an audiophile ear, and frequently spend time in loud environments where you want to be blissfully isolated from that sound environment. Caution that the mic on the mic-specific cable doesn't have the same caliber of sound isolation / directionality. So, they're primarily a listening device and not a recording device.

Instrument separation and clarity is just perfect, stay away from brands such as beats, sony or bose, Shure is just on a complete different level, the included cable is kinda annoying and bulky but there's plenty of options out there if you wish to replace it

Short review is that these are quality headphones. Not perfect if you ask me, but real good. Sound for the most part is top notch.First off I am not use to headphones like this. I use wireless ear buds, you slip in and done. Took some time to figure out how to get this just right in my ears, some time. Still don't think I have it exactly right. The instructions just have one drawing, not much help. Course you need to pick the foam insert that fits your ear.In the instructions it says to gentle twist and pull off the pad. Either because they are brand new, or some one put glue on the inserts, I had a pretty difficult time getting the pad off, gentle did not work. Pretty much smashed them up good getting them off. Thankfully the pads are memory foam, so they go back to normal shape. Also putting on different pads was a pain, really took some work. Just hard to get the plastic shaft all the way on, on the one side. But you will probably only do this once. But the pads are quite comfortable, I like that.Once you had them in the right place, they do have very good sound. Pushed in far enough they do have deep bass. Everything else is right on track, from high to low. Only thing to me, and my daughter mentioned it without me saying anything, is that the highs are too high some times, almost painfully high in parts. Also cranked up, I did not hear any distortion.Can't say these will be my go-to phones, only because they are a pain to get in my ears just right. Maybe one I figure that out, I'll use them all the time. Shouldn't be tough to use, right?I am not a professional in music, so I can't say the price is good or bad, but you are getting high quality sound, so if that's your thing, these could be a bargain. And I am guessing they will last.

I own the SE112 - SE215 and love the versatility of wired and wireless. purchased AONIC 5's looking for improvement in the sound signature and was disappointed. In my opinion the AONIC 5 sounds very neutral and flat. Not much from a boom - pow and bang preceptive in the overall sound. Returned and purchased SE846 and have not looked back.

Yes, they’re expensive. But Im telling you I have no regrets. Over the past few years I’ve owned Bose Quiet Comfort, Sennheiser Momentum, Shure Aonic 215, Bang & Olufson H95 and Beyerdynamic DT770. I listen to a lot of music, movies and pod casts. The Bose were good but lasted less than 2 years before one side just stopped working. The Sennheiser Momentum are built to last, great features and great sound but they’re just not that comfortable after an hour or two. The H95’s were good but just good and for $800 you’d think they would surprise you. I first bought the Shure 215 and really like them. Then I lost one of the ear pieces. If I could kick my own ass, I would have. I decided to replace them but this time I bought the Shure Aonic 5. I paid $689 to get the bluetooth adapter. I know it’s a lot of money but, they are sturdy and built to last. Im hoping it’s my last pair for a long time. I will be updating this review. The sound quality of the Aonic 5 is unmatched in its price range and below. To get something better you’d have to spend nearly a 1k. It mids are strong and clear and the highs are crisp without sounding tinny and the base is perfectly balanced. The bass gives you that solid thump without sounding like a pair of Beats.If you’re going to invest the money into a pair of Shure earbuds, go the extra mile and get the bluetooth adapters. They are very comfortable and wrap your ear to keep them in place. If you wear your earbuds for extended periods of time, the quality of sound is very important to you and you demand quality and durability then you want the Shure Aonic 5 with bluetooth adapter.