Shure SE530 vs. SE210 vs. iBuds + iPhone Initial Impression

Finally decided to keep track of my aural journey on a separate blog. Looking back at this sinful hobby that started not too long ago, I've decided to keep track of my impressions on the various kits and rigs that is currently in my possession. First off will be the combo of my iPhone 3G against the various buds that I have tested thus far.

iBuds:
I guess with the default buds that come with the phone itself, I can't really ask much of it. To begin with, I find the build rather flimsy and definitely not something that is built to last. Not being an in-ear type of bud is my other gripe, meaning that music tends to leak out of the phones. Bad for 2 reasons, one being the fact that I am probably disruptive to others when I am listening while commuting and secondly, that outside noise starts to 'blend into my music'. The buds itself sounds very harsh on the highs and bass is nearly inaudible. Instrument separation is poor as everything meshes together. Music sounds to be like muzak to be more precise. Bereft of details, all the songs seem to just be blaring past my head.

SE210:
Having tasted the iBuds, my first real 'investment' was the SE210 as a set of beginner buds. Substantially more expensive so the point was whether if it is all worth it. For starters, the olive foam buds snugly fitted into my ears was an interesting experience. The sensation was like having my ears underwater and ambient noise blotted out. Surreal for a moment. That was when I started going into the music. The music came out clear as crystal and I was hooked to listening. Old tunes that I was always listening to in the past were given new life! The previous mish-mash of instruments playing is now clear as heck and details that were buried cleared up allowing me to pick up details that I've never noticed were there. Listening to Alice In Chains - No Excuses. The previously muddied bass is now extremely clear and rounded. Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine picked out the bass lines and clearly articulates the interplay. Testing the IEM even further with some rap, Eminem - Guily Conscience now allows me to clearly pick out the background sound effects and dialogue. Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven revealed some flute/folk intruments playing in the background that was previously unnoticeable.

In short, the leap was astounding.

Build of the SE210 was really good too. Hard rubbered buds gave it a solidity that implies solidity for rugged use. Excellent :)

SE530:
SE530 was my next step up, being a triple-driver IEM and top line in Shure's offering got me pretty excited. Same old Shure buds that I have gotten accustomed to but the build here is a bit more fragile looking/feeling. Bulkier bud for sure to house the 3 driver units, but also hardened and chromed plastic. On one hand, it definitely looks more refined (and expensive) but on the other hand it felt fragile, indicating that these babies need care (lest it be scratched or subject to other abuse). I worry that the chrome coating may flake at some point in time but heck, that was moot. Aural pleasures are what I was seeking!

Upon first listen, the impression was with how 'wide sounding' these are compared to the SE210. I was feeling a vertigo-ish effect to be honest. I attribute this to my ears being accustomed to the SE210 sounds. This effect stands out especially with the tracks from the 2009 Beatles album remasters where stereo separation on most of their tracks are very prominent. It definitely took me a bit of adjustment time there. Once I've more or less settled in to how these buds sounded, my reaction was somewhat mixed. Did it sound better? I would say it is a qualified 'sort of'. The instrumental and vocal details remain by and large the same, but the separation here stand out. While the SE210 offers the detail, it doesn't allow me to visualize the stage and placement of instruments clearly. These pair of buds reveal no more details in my opinion, but offers a different presentation, separating instruments and placement of vocals clearly. I attribute this to be one of the strengths of the triple-driver design. Bass lines on these buds sound fuller too and the high notes just a tad bit crisp, but it really takes analytical listening to really tell the difference.

I didn't experience this upgrade in a revolutionary way compared to my initial move from the iBuds to SE210 and that perhaps took away some of the polish of this whole experience. Bottom line with these are the fact that I dished out the dough for a different presentation, with the sound details possibly reaching a point of diminishing return. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the results and liked the added visibility of the soundstage, adding a new dimension to aural pleasures. If for no other purpose, I can appreciate now the wonder of music and sound in a whole new perspective.