Image Courtesy: Shure

Tired of your tasteless earphones? Want something that sounds better? Well, Shure may have something to sooth your senses with its mesmerizing (and rather expensive) pair of E5c earphones. The E5c are an addition to Shure’s high-end line of earphones that include models ranging from E2c all the way to E5c. The E5c earphones include Sound Isolating Technology and dual driver performance drivers. According to Shure, the earphones weigh approximately 1oz with a comfortable fit and a natural way to block excess noise.

Instead of packing an actual noise blocking technology, Shure has its Sound Isolating Technology that supposedly does the exact same thing as noise blocking technologies, but without the need of additional circuitry or architecture enhancements. As the name suggests, the Sound Isolating Technology uses its natural fit design to nestle in the ears deeply enough to block the entry of additional noise. This not only blocks the excess sound, but it would also allow you to listen to music or other audio applications at a low volume levels, thereby protecting your hearing in the long run. Shure’s dual drive performance drivers would allow you to listen to audio similar to the way professionals experience it with dedicated speakers for highs and lows with refined pitches and notes.

According to Shure, you would get a personal fit kit with a pair of disposable Foam Sleeves, a pair of Triple Flange Sleeves, three pairs (small, medium, large) of Flex Sleeves, and three pairs (small, medium, large) of Soft Flex Sleeves to ensure a personalized fit. Shure also advertises a secure in-ear design, which would let the sleeves snuggle in nicely to make the perfect fit.

Furthermore, Shure will provide you a carrying case and a level attenuator to allow you to listen comfortably from high-output audio sources. The price for these earphones is $499.000.

Initial Thoughts: From what we’ve experienced previously with Shure’s E3c earphones, they do in fact fit in nicely and snuggly and retain the shape of your ear (temporarily) to block unwanted noise. Since the earphones are inserted so deeply inside the ear, the natural Sound Isolating Technology most positively work, which is thankfully great, or an architecture improvement internally would’ve either added to the already expensive price tag or lowered the quality of the earphones. Moreover, the integrated technologies combined with superior sensitivity and impedance frequencies should yield in a satisfying listening experience.

Needless to say, we’ll be anxious to test these earphones when we receive them in our lab. The price tag clearly suggests that Shure doesn’t intend these earphones to be used by anyone; they are not inexpensive and shouldn’t be purchased unless audio related applications are a critical aspect of your profession. Even the standard pair of earphones that cost less than $100.00 will serve you just fine if you can’t depict the difference from one pair to another. The E5c are designed for professionals or those that can differentiate between pitches, exaggerations and other components of audio, and desire a nearly perfect pair.