Shure SE846 Gen 2

Shure SE846 Gen 2

"Shure SE846" : With the Shure SE846 Gen 2, the new generation of the successful high-end in-ear model is in the starting blocks. With a customizable sound pattern, finely resolved sound thanks to balanced armature technology and strong passive noise suppression, these high-priced in-ears will even impress audio fans who have the highest demands.

The SE846 Gen 2 want to score with individually adjustable high-end sound and strong passive noise cancellation. We clarify for you what exactly they offer for their comparatively high purchase price.

 

Scope of delivery of the Shure SE846 Gen 2

The Shure SE846 Gen 2 come with a small but nice transport case. All the necessary utensils as well as the headphones themselves and their cable can be safely stored and transported in it. These tools include the enclosed sound tubes, which can be used to change the sound of the earphones and adapt them to your own taste. A tool for changing these tubes is also included. It is attached with a small chain to an airtight and watertight closable mini quiver that houses the sound tubes. Compared to the first version of the SE846, there are now 11(!) more pairs of eartips than before. In addition to the "Fit Kit", the scope of delivery includes four pairs of Comply and silicone ear molds in different sizes, as well as a universal pair with memory foam and a few other versions.

In contrast to the scope of delivery of the first generation of the SE846, what is no longer included is a collar clip, dust cloth and cleaning swab. The aircraft adapter has also been removed from the scope of delivery. A gold-plated adapter to a 6.25 mm jack still belongs to the exchangeable cable with a 3.5 mm jack that is included. The cable is attached to the in-ears using an MMCX connection. Suitable Bluetooth cables are also optionally available from Shure for this connection. Accordingly, the SE846 Gen 2 can also be converted into wireless in-ears with additional accessories. Yes, with adapters that are also available as an option, true wireless operation of these headphones is also possible.

 

Shure SE846 Gen 2 Design and Construction

The ergonomically designed Shure SE846 Gen 2 are available in matte satin color finishes "Jade" and "Graphite" with transparent housing interiors, as well as in a completely transparent version. The supplied interchangeable cable is reinforced at all relevant points with sufficiently strong anti-kink protection. Incidentally, Shure underlines their claim to the durability of these headphones with a two-year guarantee. The point at which the double supply line splits into two mono strands is certainly in a cast Y-junction. In addition, another higher splitting point can be selected individually using a slider. A remote with an integrated microphone is built into the cable. The remote control can be used with a slide switch for either Android or iOS devices. Here it then enables call acceptance, conducting telephone calls and, of course, volume control.

Technology and values ​​of the Shure SE846 Gen 2

The Shure SE846 reproduces audio in a frequency range from 15Hz to 20kHz. This happens in three frequency paths. Four high-resolution drivers work here on each side of the listener and do their job using balanced armature technology. Headphones that work this way are often said to have a more detailed, but less bass-heavy sound than models with dynamic drivers. In addition, this design enables a particularly low impedance. This was already very low at the first output with 15 ohms. Although the previous model was already able to deliver sufficiently loud playback at headphone outputs with only a low output voltage, Shure even go a step further with the second generation of the SE846. Their impedance is a super-low 9 ohms. According to the manufacturer, the maximum low-distortion playback volume goes up to a maximum sound pressure level of 110 dB/SPL.

 

The handling of the Shure SE846 Gen 2

Changing the sound tubes is well explained in the enclosed quick start guide and works smoothly. For the replacement, the hearing extensions of the Shure SE846 Gen 2 must be unscrewed using the tool provided. Below that are the filter tubes. The entire process requires a certain amount of finesse, but succeeds without any problems after two or three test runs.

Due to their ergonomic shape, the in-ears fit perfectly into the auditory canals and earpieces. Because the large number of easy-to-change ear molds ensures the best fit. And even when worn for a long time, the SE846 Gen 2 remains comfortable. The MMCX connection of the interchangeable cable can be easily plugged in as usual and then holds securely. The wire-reinforced ends of the connection cable, which also serve as strain relief, ensure a secure fit in the ear. With a length of 120 cm plus bending wire, the cable can be easily tucked away under clothing. However, the integrated remote control is located high up in the cable, which is a matter of taste. Because if you want to run the cable along your neck backwards, you have the remote on your neck. On the other hand, if you route the cable to the front, you have the remote control hanging from your neck outside the collar of your clothing, making it easily accessible. It is positive that all keys are slightly raised and can therefore be easily found by touch even without eye contact. The handling of the in-ears is therefore uncomplicated and comfortable overall.

 

Shure SE846 Gen 2 sound

The individually adaptable sound of the Shure SE846 Gen 2 does not make an evaluation easy. Because the supplied sound tube filters ensure either an expanded, open or a balanced sound with detailed reproduction. A warm, bass-heavy sound characteristic or a rather bright, high-pitched sound can also be produced. If I take the delivery status as a reference, the SE846 Gen 2 make a relatively warm sounding impression right away. Basses and sub-basses have a strong appearance thanks to a low-pass filter. They are not only powerful, but also transparent and differentiated. EDM and urban music in particular benefit from this performance.

The transition between high and mid was redesigned by Shure. The spectrum between the upper mids at 4 kHz up to the high range of 12 kHz is now a little more concise. The finely resolved mids presented by the SE846 Gen 2 lead to even better speech intelligibility for vocals and voices and a differentiated representation of guitar sounds and synthesizer sounds, for example. The overall transparent sound of the headphones is also created by precisely reproduced highs. Although the super-high range sounds clearly "capped" to me. Although this is at the expense of the perception of spatial depth and tonal openness, it can be remedied by switching to the sound tube for a brighter sound.

And anyway, changing the sound tubes shows how well the tuning of the 3-way drivers actually is. Because the differentiated basic sound and the convincing dynamics of the SE846 Gen 2 are retained at all times, even when you change them. The insulation to the outside is good and the acoustic shielding to the inside is excellent. This has to do with the very good fit and the included ear molds, which consistently seal the auditory canal well. It is therefore not surprising that Shure specify a relatively high value of 37 dB for the damping of external noise. With these in-ears you can concentrate undisturbed on the fine audio reproduction.

The Shure SE846 Gen 2 fit like a glove and convince with strong passive noise cancellation. Four balanced armature drivers each in a second-generation 3-way system make the new SE846 a high-quality set of in-ears for sound connoisseurs with the necessary change in their wallets. The individualization of the sound performance also makes users with different sound preferences happy. They consistently impress with their strong damping of external noise, deep bass, high speech intelligibility and detailed sound.

Due to their properties, these in-ears are suitable for everything from hi-fi enjoyment at home or on the go to professional use on stage and in the studio, such as recording headphones for performers. The RRP of 1,129 euros may initially have a deterrent effect on some interested parties. But if the advantages mentioned are important to you, the following applies: sound quality, tonal flexibility and a large number of areas of application put the price-performance ratio of the Shure SE846 in a good light.

1.      detailed sound
2.      customizable sound profile
3.      deep bass response
4.      strong passive noise cancellation
5.      ultra low impedance
6.      diverse areas of application
7.      optionally expandable

•      high purchase price
•      Scope of delivery less broad than Generation 1