Four balanced-armature drivers, each in a second-generation 3-way system, make the new SE846s a high-quality set of in-ears for sound gourmets with the wherewithal in their wallets. The individualisation of the sound performance also means users with different sound preferences will be happy. They impressed throughout with strong attenuation of external noise, deep bass, high speech intelligibility and detailed sound. Because of their characteristics, these in-ears are suitable for hi-fi enjoyment at home or use on the road, as well as professional use on stage and in the studio as recording headphones for performers. The RRP of 1,129 euros may initially seem daunting to some prospective buyers. But if you value the above-mentioned advantages, the sound quality, sonic flexibility and wide range of applications put the price-performance ratio of the Shure SE846 in a good light.
The Shure SE846 Gen 2 has a more modern looking finish and the build quality is still rather exceptional. These are worth every cent and should make you question why other high-end IEMs are so expensive — we doubt that any of them will last as long.
At S$1,429 or US$899, these aren’t cheap. But they’re pricey for a reason, and that reason is that these earphones will last. I know people who have had their 846s for 6 or 7 years and it’s still going strong. These are Shure’s flagships for a reason, and while I can’t recommend an upgrade if you have the Gen 1s, if you don’t have them, the Gen 2 is definitely worth a listen and consideration.
For all the resentment I have for the fresh-out-of-the-box fuss in removing the foam ear tips and changing the nozzles, I have to admit that I really like the potential in this aspect of the earphone. In some ways, it seems like the SE846 is an indicator that there is more technical curiosity with headphones emerging on a consumer level (I hope it’s an indicator, at least). With some wide and precise imaging, a generally warm but accurate sound, great passive isolation and a cool-yet-casual presentation, the second generation of the Shure SE846 pulls off a pretty tasteful balancing act between several desirable qualities.
Nov 01, 2022
Four balanced-armature drivers, each in a second-generation 3-way system, make the new SE846s a high-quality set of in-ears for sound gourmets with the wherewithal in their wallets. The individualisation of the sound performance also means users with different sound preferences will be happy. They impressed throughout with strong attenuation of external noise, deep bass, high speech intelligibility and detailed sound. Because of their characteristics, these in-ears are suitable for hi-fi enjoyment at home or use on the road, as well as professional use on stage and in the studio as recording headphones for performers. The RRP of 1,129 euros may initially seem daunting to some prospective buyers. But if you value the above-mentioned advantages, the sound quality, sonic flexibility and wide range of applications put the price-performance ratio of the Shure SE846 in a good light.
Carsten Kaiser
Headphone Check
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Sep 15, 2022
The Shure SE846 Gen 2 has a more modern looking finish and the build quality is still rather exceptional. These are worth every cent and should make you question why other high-end IEMs are so expensive — we doubt that any of them will last as long.
W. Jennings
ecoustics
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Jan 26, 2023
At S$1,429 or US$899, these aren’t cheap. But they’re pricey for a reason, and that reason is that these earphones will last. I know people who have had their 846s for 6 or 7 years and it’s still going strong. These are Shure’s flagships for a reason, and while I can’t recommend an upgrade if you have the Gen 1s, if you don’t have them, the Gen 2 is definitely worth a listen and consideration.
Cheryl Tan
Tech360
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Oct 06, 2022
For all the resentment I have for the fresh-out-of-the-box fuss in removing the foam ear tips and changing the nozzles, I have to admit that I really like the potential in this aspect of the earphone. In some ways, it seems like the SE846 is an indicator that there is more technical curiosity with headphones emerging on a consumer level (I hope it’s an indicator, at least). With some wide and precise imaging, a generally warm but accurate sound, great passive isolation and a cool-yet-casual presentation, the second generation of the Shure SE846 pulls off a pretty tasteful balancing act between several desirable qualities.
Chris Golembeski
Major HiFi
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