shure kse1200 vs stax

Like the KSE1500s', the KS1200SYSes' drive-units feature a virtually massless diaphragm suspended between two back plates, with a 200V polarizing voltage across the plates. Shure Incorporated, 5800 West Touhy . Connect to your phone, computer, or audiophile playback system using the included 1/8" cable, and the Shure KSE1200 is sure to reveal nuance and dimensionality in . Cons: . I selected a playlist of my usual speaker demo tracks and carefully advanced the volume control Up to this point, inserting the KSE1200s felt much the same as my old SE315s, but as I advanced the volume control I discovered a weird psychological connection to my jaw: the more I advanced the volume, the more my jaw dropped! The resultant soundwaves are coupled to the user's eardrum via a small tube. From left: Beyerdynamic Xelento, Noble Audio Kaiser Encore, Campfire Audio Solaris and Shure SE-846. If youre crazy enough to spend this kind of money on headphones and youre looking for headphones as portable as they are transformative dont hesitate. In conclusion, the KSE1200s are exceptionally transparent and detailed earphones, with perfect balance, extension and resolution, and I've certainly not heard anything else as capable or competent. Well, one of the reasons is that the electrostatic transducer requires a very high biasing voltage typically several hundred Volts and in the past that has generally required a mains power supply, which isn't very convenient for listening on the move! As an audio reviewer, sometimes one revisits a previous review in which they waxed poetically about how great a piece of gear was and wonder, did we just get caught up in the moment? The payoff is a headphones system that is among the most accurate weve ever encountered. One electrode carries the signal from the source while the other carries the inverted signal so the voltages and currents on the two electrodes will be equal and opposite at any given point. Would you guys consider the bass to be anemic on the Shure KSE1200/1500s? Essentially, each micro-driver consists of a tiny membrane suspended between two miniature plates. This was not the case with either the KSE1500 or KSE1200SYS earpieces, which played the low-frequency, 1/3-octave warble tones on my Editor's Choice (CD, Stereophile STPH016-2) cleanly and with full weight down to 32Hz, provided the sleeves were making good seals with my ear canals. At $2999, the KSE1500 was and is pricey, and recently Shure introduced a less-expensive electrostatic headphone system, the KSE1200SYS ($1999), with the same amplifier and earpieces but just an analog input. The better the recording, the richer the experience, and in a lot of ways you really dont know whats coming in your own library, simply because most headphones dont have the accuracy and sheer sonic magnification required to understand exactly whats been recorded. That doesnt make them superior but it does offer a very different window to the music. Audiophiles were slightly late to the party on the headphone side but there are thousands of IEM users in N. America who swear by the SE846; Ive been a user for almost a decade and they have a permanent place in my travel and gear bag when I perform. I have the KSE 1200 and I have to disagree with one of your negative points. Summing Up Like the KSE1500, the 1200 tout a claimed frequency response of 10Hz-50kHz, with a maximum SPL of 113 dB. . And the KSE1200 are no exception. The Shure KSE1200 consists of a pair of 10Hz-50kHz noise-isolating electrostatic earphones, an acoustically transparent, low-capacitance Kevlar cable, and an audiophile amplifier. Technology marches on and that created a dilemma for Shure; whilst the energizer and earphones kept pace with the market the 24-bit/96kHz DAC started to really show its age and was no longer competitive with other products in the market. Cable length 92cm. 2. ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. A 'balanced armature' (or BA) transducer employs a tiny bar or armature which is balanced at its centre on a pivot, with one end sitting within a magnetic field from a permanent magnet. That amp now has only one input, a 3.5mm jack. A slide switch next to the USB port can be used to reduce the input level by 10dB, if necessary. The black-finished amplifier is about the size of a pack of playing cards. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The clean, clear highs in "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," from Bill Frisell's classic East/West (16-bit/44.1kHz ALAC ripped from CD, Nonesuch 7559-79863-2), allowed the cymbals to breathe, while the resolution of the subtle reverb on Frisell's electric guitar in the opening was simply delicious. Nevertheless, the cables are still very flexible and the usual sliding 'cable cinch' can be used to hold them securely at the back of the head. Yes, at two grand the KSE1200 are still astronomically expensive, but believe us when we say that, for the serious audiophile, these are a bargain. The brand may have vacated the phono cartridge category where it had some excellent products for many years, but it is pushing rather hard with its second generation products in the headphone and earphone verticals, including the SE846 Gen 2 Sound Isolating Earphones that we just reviewed and the very intriguing Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System. I returned and instead went with the KSE1200. (Beyerdynamic T1,G1 balanced und Audio-GD NFP-28.38- balanced Headamp ) bieten nicht ganz diese Auflsung des Shure KSE1200 aber dafr mehr Druck. The obvious question, then, is why hasn't this technology already taken over the monitor speaker and headphone market? The KSE1200s are terrifically responsive too, managing to track transients and the dynamic envelope of a note with unusual agility. The KSE1200's amplifier is housed in a nicely machined black aluminium case with dimensions of 59 x 93 x 21 mm (WHD). What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. This was just some sitcom rambling (a great sitcom, mind you) yet the voices were smooth, and luxurious even, and this from a YouTube clip. These singledriver electrostatic Sound Isolating earphones provide an astounding level of clarity and detail for the most discerning audio aficionados. If you're expecting similar levels of bass you will not be satisfied here. The cable length seems to assume the amplifier will be pocketed, but although a couple of wide rubber 'amp security' bands are provided (presumably to minimise case scratching), Shure don't supply a belt hook or pouch, which seems a bit stingy given the price of the system. . Needing an extra pocket for the amplifier module. All of these produce music in a less fatiguing way than their counterparts. Some of this is down to their electrostatic nature. Electrostatic panels or drivers offer a level of transparency that conventional drivers cant achieve. Simply put, Shures electrostatic earbuds are the best, most accurate in-ear headphones weve ever heard. Conventional IEMs also start to roll off in the top octave. KSE1200 UPDATE (with some thoughts on form factor) And it includes the amp! Vido: kek. The front panel includes a large volume knob that doubles as the on/off switch, two LEDs, a 3.5mm input port, and the port for the earpiece cable. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty. Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System, Best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, and more, One of Sonys best 55-inch OLED TVs just got a massive price cut, Amazon sale drops the price of this 70-inch 4K TV to $500. Technology. The premium KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System is an electrostatic earphone and amplifier system for use inline with portable media players. Very few companies have done it well over the past 80 years. Shure Earphones Shure Headphones Shure Earphones Shure Headphones Shure Incorporated was founded by S.N. For a music source, I connected the amplifier to the headphone output of my Crookwood mastering console and, with the amplifier volume turned right down, I adjusted the Crookwood output level to get a steady green light on the level meter with no ambers. With the PS Audio I used a 2m-long, RCA-to-3.5mm AudioQuest Coffee cable. If I go for the 1500 thats my entire budget gone for cans such as the lcd4z or possibly the stax 007mk2 but I would need to get the carbon to go with the 007s. The tonal balance was extremely accurate and it made listening to the violin and piano a rather different experience because most IEMs cant get the timbre correct the Shure KSE1200 are superb in that regard. File quality matters, so we use only hi-res and CD-quality music files. We play Radioheads Everything In Its Right Place and are astonished at the clarity on offer. How does the technology even work in the context of a pair of earphones? Other than the Stax portable IEM system, for which I have not read any high praise, the KSE are the only full range single estat driver IEM system that I know of. It comes down to sound quality. Shure's KSE-1200SYS IEMs certainly don't sound too polite, but their extended highs lack any hint of brightness or brittleness, and their superbly natural midrange and well-defined low frequencies make them a must-hear product. Shure are one of the most respected and familiar manufacturers of earphones, with their own range of sound-isolating models starting at under 50 (for the SE112GR), and extending up to nearly 900 for the SE846. The short lengths of cable connecting each KSE1500 earpiece to the yoke are stiffer and heavier than those of normal in-ear monitors (IEMs), which makes inserting the earpieces tricky. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Then you can measure 2200vpp on any of the meters you desire. Why are they more accurate sounding? Rechargeable battery providing up to 12 hours of operating life. Electrostatic headphones have particular electrical requirements that mean they cant simply be plugged into any old headphone output. The scrape of the Guiro wasnt just audible, it was palpable, as if it was resonating next to our right arm, while the twangy guitars rang inside our brain, sunken deep into a chasm of studio sound, as though our skull was a carefully treated control room. . The tonal balance is excellent, and the bass is nigh onto unbelievable. Shure dazzled the audio world back in 2016 with the release of the amazing KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System. With the Pono set to fixed output level, its output lit the signal LED red on peaks; rather than use the Shure's 10dB pad, which resulted in too much attenuation, I adjusted the volume to three-fourths of full; the LED then turned from green to amber only on peaks. The earpieces themselves are pleasingly slim and lightweight at just 44g, and are actually pretty much the same size and shape as most conventional Shure earphones. The high tones are as stretched as possible. Go and buy a quantasylum qa401 for $450. Another sophisticated transducer technology that's occasionally used for high-end loudspeakers and headphones is the electrostatic transducer. Shure claim external sound isolation can reach 37dB with well-fitting earbuds, and I don't doubt it. Thats amazing considering the high regard in which we hold those headphones. Like very good monitor speakers, the sound isn't 'instantly impressive' at all, but careful listening quickly reveals just how well balanced, and how revealing, these earphones are. Hidden under the earphones, which are presented neatly in a foam cradle, is a cardboard box containing sets of 'soft-flex' rubber, soft-foam, and triple-flange earbud sleeves, each of which come in three different sizes. You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address. Enter the Shure KSE1200. Wondering if we could do even better, we end up with our reference Naim NDS/555PS music streamer combination feeding directly into the Shures (using a suitable adaptor cable). Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence. All contents copyright SOS Publications Group and/or its licensors, 1985-2023. When hes not on the road for the latest speaker, TV, or headphone event, he makes his home in Portland, OR. Make sure to grab this TV before it completely sells out. Shure Tech Portal open_in_new. Now, Shure has a new earphone in the SE Model Series: SE112 at $49. Report. Youll need something that offers a higher quality signal to get the most out of these shockingly accurate earbuds. KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphones are labeled KSE1500. Stereo imaging is also solid and stable, too, with binaural sources delivering a very realistic soundscape, and I found the cables transmitted almost no mechanical noise at all along to the earpieces. Apart from the KSE1500 (which essentially just add more features and options for more money), there arent many headphones worthy of comparison to the KSE1200. The high quality earpieces have a permanently attached cable with a cloth housing from the jack to the splitter and rubber strands from the splitter up. It comes in black only. Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Price. That trait may sound impressive with certain genres of music, but it also affects low-end agility and tunefulness in most cases. And its glorious. There are two LEDs. The electrostatic transducer modules are encased in transparent bodies (although there's nothing interesting to see), and the cable entries have the usual stiffened sections which can be shaped tightly behind each ear. It includes the amp AudioQuest Coffee cable Kaiser Encore, Campfire Audio Solaris and Shure SE-846 is has. Tonal balance is excellent, and I have the KSE 1200 and I have to disagree one. That amp now has only one input, a 3.5mm jack the 1200 tout a claimed response! # x27 ; s warranty Shure SE-846 is the electrostatic transducer question, then, is has. The black-finished amplifier is about the size of a note with unusual.... Have done it well over the past 80 years will not be here! 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Leading independent guide to buying and owning Hi-Fi and home entertainment products ) it... With a maximum SPL of 113 dB guide to buying and owning Hi-Fi and home entertainment products window to music! In-Ear headphones weve ever heard products featured on headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer #! We play Radioheads Everything in Its Right Place and are astonished at the clarity on offer input level by,... Monitor speaker and headphone market providing Up to 12 hours of operating life down to electrostatic.

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