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Today's Bonus:
- Frequency Range: 22Hz - 19kHz
- Sensitivity: 109dB SPL/mW
- Impedance: 29 Ohms
- Weight: 31g (1.1oz)
- Input Connector: 3.5mm (1/8")
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The SCL4 should replace my E2 and I was unsure whether I should spend the extra money. After a 4 weeks use period I can only recommend these earphones. Crystal clear sound, perfect impedance match to MP3 player output stage, sturdy metal housing, small but perfectly shaped for convenient wear.Two warnings for potential buyers:
1. sound quality heavily depends on the fit. The foam sleeves that come with the SCL4 are perfect, much better than the ones for the E2. Squeeze them properly before inserting, and allow for 10sec to expand them properly and produce a tight fit. Don't use too small sleeves.
2. These earphones will mercilessly reveal deficiencies of the sound souce! Don't blame the phones.All in all, an excellent set of earphones. I've been a long time user of Shure E3, and I was waiting for the price of SCL4 to drop a little.
In comparison to E3, SCL4 really enhances the high and low range, maybe a little to much. If one is into good mid-range (i.e., vocals, lead guitars, etc.), E3 may sound more "true".
But at this price range, it's all about the listener's preference. For rock and jazz, you may want to boost high and low range sound anyway. Depending on the mixing level, some high range sound such as hats and cymbals may even sound enhanced or artificial. That is how "fatigue" sets in, and you definitely don't want that when you are stuck in a plane. Like anything though, you will get used to it somehow. And the differences are not something that you can not overcome with equalizer settings. (I used "Latin" setting on the iPod.)
When I first did the A/B test, SCL4 definitely stood out. But one may say that SCL4 may sound too "sweet", and there is such thing as too much sweetness in sound, as one may get tired of it.
Surprisingly, the bigger difference is in the type of attachments that come with the earphones. I've tried them all, and the yellow foam is the best, no contest (for both E3 and SCL4). I wouldn't even bother trying other options, and they do sell extra foams if they get dirty.
One more tip: It is true that the sound gets better as you play the set. If you bought a new set, just leave it on for a few days until the set is fully broken in.
With the foam attachment, you won't even hear a crying baby next to you, and the sound of music would be better than some expensive sound system. I never fly without it.
Update (April 3, 2009)
After a few months of use, the set is fully broken in, and it sounds even better than when I wrote the first review. I use it constantly when I fly, and sometimes I never take it off for 5 hour flight. No sound fatigue, or no pain in your ear when used with foam set. I'm very happy with this product.I had returned my E4C's just 2 days short of the two tear warranty expiration because the wires, when worn over the ears, had been cracking. I just received a new set of SCL4's and they're incredible. Brilliant high, deep bass and excellent sound isolation. Highly recommended! Outstanding, fast service. Shure fan forever.I really like the sound of these headphones. They are very clear and fit well with the right ear foams.
I have had one issue with all of the Shure headphones. The cord that goes over the ear wears out and the cable starts to tear and then the sound goes out. I wish they would find a way to reinforce that area as these are not low cost headphones. One plus is that Shure has a very good warranty service.
