Shure SCL2 Sound Isolating Earphones with Single Dynamic Driver, Black Reviews

• Fit is very important

  
  By A1PW7TQL858WPS on 2007-11-14
  In response to the reviewers who complain about lack of bass and low sound quality - you haven't put them in your ears correctly. This type of earphone demands a good fit. That is, they must be lodged in your ear canal, making a seal. This takes some practice and trying out the various sizes and types of included tips, but the results are worth it. The sound quality is excellent and external ambient noise is strongly attenuated.
  
  The Shure SCL2 is the next incarnation of the E2/E2c. The only difference I notice is that the wires are softer and more flexible, which helps keep the drivers in your ears - the rigid wires of the E2/E2c had a tendency to pull them out. The reviews on Amazon for the E2 and E2c (which, by the way, are the same product) generally apply to the SCL2 as well.
  
  

• They are super, fabulous sounds.

  
  By A9ILQQAIA5HJN on 2007-09-11
  These are great. When I got my first MP3 I did a lot of research. Bottom line, no matter what player you get, throw away the earphones and get quality. Shure was the one most recommended by those in the know. You must get a seal in your ear to get "bass" and when you do... you do get bass. The sound is amazing, super, clear, full bass. You need to play with the various ear peices. A lot of people like the foam, I prefer the black rubber pieces. Here is the best part. They are guaranteed for two years. Not figuring mine would ever go bad I did not save the sales receipt. One day 2 1/2 years later I got one ear-phone wet, so it quit. I put the earphones in an envelope, wrote that I had been a user of Shure since my hippy days, and that I did not bother to save the receipt. I wrote that if they could help me great, if not, throw them away. Two weeks later, without a question, they sent me a new set of earphones free. Now that is a great company. One more thing. If you use the foam, wet them a little first. One day on the treadmill at the gym I got an insight...wet them with a little syliva first. Wow!!!! perfect, perfect fit. What a difference.
  
  

• If you're "MOVING UP" from the E2C, you'll probably want to read on...

  
  By A1PV7OCXHS47LD on 2008-03-31
  I've used Shure E2C's for about 4 years (2 pairs). My most recent pair finally started wearing through the wire coating, and I have too much pride to just electrical tape them (not to mention there are dozens of holes in the insulation). I should note that purchased the clear version of these earphones, but am posting where most of the reviews have already been made.
  
  So I decided it was time to replace the E2C's and wanted to see what my options were. I looked at the Shure SE110's and SE210's, but didn't find many favorable reviews (especially when juxtaposed with the E2C's). I peaked around at other brands but decided I've been too happy with Shure to risk it.
  
  I settled on the SCL2's, assuming they were somehow better than the E2C's, given they are the "Pro" version of the same phones.
  
  My initial reaction is that the sound is more homogenized than the E2C's. I don't feel like I'm listening to the band play live, I feel like I'm listening to them in The Matrix. The sounds feels more synthetic and less real. Given that I've used the E2C's for years, I confident the fit is not the issue; my ears know where they are supposed to fit.
  
  I have read that there is a break-in period for these earphones; I tend to believe that as I've seen break-in periods on all types of speakers (car, home, computer, etc.) I'm 3 weeks in today, and I just hope this break-in doesn't take much longer.
  
  All in all, the phones are very good. After listening for about 30 minutes, I don't really notice the sound being odd. If there is a lack of anything, I would say its treble, as I've had to play with the EQ a bit to get the highs where they should be.
  
  If I had the choice, I'd probably move back to the E2C's. I'm still confident though that these SCL2's will break in.
  
  That's my review for now. I'll do my best to come back and update this in a couple months, hopefully after the break-in.
  
  >>>> UPDATE (6/4/08): Sure enough, the break-in did wonders for the sound quality of these headphones. I would now say these are at least as good as the E2C's, and I would buy these again without hesitation.
  
  Another note is that the cord on these phones seems much more durable and flexible than the E2C's.
  
  
  >>>> UPDATE (10/26/08): They finally cracked like all of my E2C's have done. Given these headphones are used every day of the week for nearly 12 hours each day (no joke), they were bound to let go sooner or later. The crack showed up an inch from the left earphone, and over a week's time, it split open and exposed wires. As I write this, the earphones are in route to Shure's Service Dept. to be replaced (in all likelihood).
  
  I'm not looking forward to another month-long break-in period, but I am looking forward to getting another new set of these phones. Despite the recurring theme of Shure's products (cracks in the rubber), I will continue to buy and *LOVE* their products for the sound quality. I would rate this item FIVE STARS after 7 months of use.
  
  >>>> UPDATE (11/1/08): Shure replaced the cracked earphones at no charge. Being impatient as I am, the wait seemed like ages (in reality, it took about 14 days from the day I shipped the old earphones to the day I received the new ones).
  
  I *think* the cord on the new earphones is just a bit shorter, or my old cord had stretched out a bit. Also, the break-in period didn't take nearly as long as the first time. After about a week with these new earphones, I would venture to say they are about as broken-in as my previous pair were in 3 months. Sweet!
  
  

• A safe buy & good product

  
  By A2MQ4XCIW96J66 on 2007-12-05
  This is one company that got the product and the follow-up support right.
  
  I had a pair of E2C's that sounded great for under $100 earphones. I used them so much that the wire began to fray after about a year (even with the thick wire covering). While I had them for a year (standard electronics product warranty duration) I sent them back to Shure along with a photocopy of my original receipt and they simply sent me a new pair of SCL2's, no questions asked. The SCL2 is the new version of the E2C's. There is an automatic 2 year warranty on all Shure products. You don't have to register, purchase a warranty extension; you just get it for buying their product. Nice.
  
  
  

• It's all about the fit

  
  By AFNOH6Z5BJ6SA on 2007-12-25
  When I first tried out these earphones, there was no low end at all...they sounded worse than the stock iPod ear buds. Then I switched from the clear PVC sleeves to the soft black rubber. What a difference. The sound had a nice full range and is very warm. The rubber sleeves fit so well that when removing them I had to break the air tight seal first (be careful of that - pull them out nice and easy). Once sealed in your ears, these earphones block out most ambient noise, which allows you to listen to music at a much lower volume.
  
  These are definitely the best earphones I have used. The big over the ear headphones can sound better, but if you want an small earphone, these sound pretty good.
  
  
• The product is great - and when it's not, the company is
  By A3UWRQZV34509I on 2008-01-30
  So I'm a brand new owner of the SCL2, but a past owner of the E2c - and let me tell you how that unfolded.
  It began 6 months ago, after an exhaustive Amazon/internet comparison of in-the-ear plugs left me feeling that Shure E2c's were a safe bet.
  So, I bought them, tossed them in my ear, discovered that my right ear requires a smaller foam plug while my left ear is less finicky and allows a larger rubber plug.
  As far as sound quality, I loved them! It was night and day after using the ipod earphones. Once you get that seal, the rest of the world (even on New York subways) basically goes away and I loved their quality - Nine Inch Nails never sounded so good.
  However, after 3 months, the right plug suddenly dropped to about 10% of the previous output. So I quickly played around to verify that yes, it was the earphones. I emailed Shure's customer service and the response was simply to send them in. So I did.
  In 2 weeks I think, I received a brand new set of E2c's. Very simple, no problem from the company. And they were great. After 2 weeks of the original ipod earphones, I was VERY happy to get my Shures back.
  Enter a week ago. My Shures and I were bouncing along, happy as clams (the type that make really good New England Clam Chowder) and suddenly the left - 10% output. I verified that yes, it was the earphone again. I searched gmail, found the previous email, and sent them back to the same address. Today in the mail, I received a brand-new pair of the Shure SCL2s.
  I have yet to try them out, but I'm very excited to once again stop listening to the subway sounds and hear the bass again (goodbye ipod earphones). The product has been wonderful - and when it hasn't been, the company has. So in the end, I (and my differently structured ear canals) fully endorse this product.
  
  
• Great Sound. Great service. Good for auditory health.
  By A3GY0CUIV9DXC6 on 2008-02-02
  I had a pair of E2's for about 13 months. I use them mostly for books, not music. They're remarkable, in comfort, sound, clarity, etc. The main reason I bought them was for health. I had found when I used the cheap earphones while driving, or especially riding a bike, with, I had to turn the volume up so high that I'd have a slight ringing in my ears when I took them off. I'm 31 year old--not interested in spending $5000 on hearing aids in 10 years just because I thought $75 was an outrageous amount to pay for earphones.
  
  ...the rest of the story. About 13 months after purchasing the earphones, their began to cut in and out. I really don't blame the earphones here--I never used the special holder they included with the earphones. Instead I'd just wrap them around my iPod and stuff them in my pocket.
  
  I thought I'd have to buy a new pair, then I realized there was a 2-year warrenty--worth a try, I thought. Sent in the earphones (with my receipt) and within 2 weeks, Shure sent an entirely new set of earphones--the SCL2. No games, no need to send in boxtops.
  
  Amazing service. I highly doubt I'll ever go with any of the look-a-likes that are starting to pop up--especially with the great customer service Shure provides to back up a stellar product.
  
  
• Best I've used and they back up their products
  By A23EDOQGMP9IEO on 2008-01-21
  I had a pair of E2Cs for about a year. They were the best earphones I've ever used. Unfortunately they developed a problem with the wire, so Shure sent me a new pair for free. That 2 year warranty is very good.
  Now these SCL2's seem the same except for the wire seems less brittle and a bit stickier.
  I too have found that the best end for these is the black rubber. Try them until you find a good fit and get them inside your ear canal. The sound is excellent! Well worth the money.
  
  
  
• Better than the E2c
  By A2VJQGQ1IL8FU on 2008-04-10
  I got a pair of E2c's from Amazon 22 months ago and got quite a bit of use out of them. About one month ago I noticed that the wires were cracking near the ear pieces which exposed the conductors. I didn't think they'd still be under warranty but I dug up my paperwork and they were; two whole years later! Anyway I sent them into Shure and less than two weeks later I get a pair of SCL2's in the mail.
  
  Appearance-wise they're identical to the E2c pair I had. This time however I tried using the clear plastic ear pieces and I don't know if it's them but these immediately sound better than the E2c's. The bass is richer and it seems like the midtones are fuller.
  
  While the E2c's were great I was never that impressed with the sound, especially compared to my sealed Sennheiser HD280 Pro headphones. However these SCL2's compare favorably. I would get them again and I would buy more Shure products as they have a great product and super customer service.
  
  
• Very disappointed
  By A3GIIPBTC96ZQV on 2007-09-05
  I just received the Shure SCL2 earphones. I purchased these to use with my iPod. These sound absolutely horrible with no base sound, not acceptable for such high-end product. You are better off using the earphones that came with the iPod. They sound so much better. I do not understand why other people like these so much. Do not waste your money on these. These are worth $10.
  
  
• Headphones pay for themselves. Excellent Company.
  By A7CBUM4C6MTD2 on 2008-03-03
  I've used this Shure headphone model for over a year and so far I'm impressed with the sound quality and the customer support.
  
  Most importantly, it is key to find the right fitting sleeves to get the best sound possible. I find when I'm running on the treadmill and start breaking a heavy sweat, the foam sleeves dont slip out from moisture/sweat around my ear- a pet peeve of mine I've had with other headphones. Otherwise on the airplane I use the black soft flex sleeves or keep the foam ones on.
  
  Take the time to find the best fit for each ear. I noticed my right ear canal is a little larger than my left ear, so I use different sizes for each ear.
  
  Because I use these headphones a lot, especially when I ride my bike or go for long runs, they are likely to take a hit. I suppose if I constantly kept them in the protective case, I wouldn't have to require two replacements within a year and a half. Suffice it to say, Shure has replaced two sets of headphones without me having to provide a receipt or specific documentation.
  
  I'm not an expert in sound quality, so I'm sure there are improvements in higher end Shure models, but for someone like me who is picky, but not a perfectionist about sound quality, these are great. Its neat to hear with these headphones sounds of songs I never heard before with my computer speakers-these headphones really lets me appreciate the music more.
  
  Overall, very satisfied with this model and the company. They have me as a customer for life.
  
  **Just a side note- to really get the best sounding music, its just as important of the quality of the music being played. MP3 files are whats called 'lossy' meaning they lose quality upon conversion. Instead of converting/downloading mp3 files, download .shn or .flac files to get the audio at it's losless, original form. There really is a difference, at least for me.
  
  
• Worth Every Penny
  By A11AJPDVH5KJF5 on 2008-04-01
  Straight out of the container I would have rated these are POOR POOR POOR, not only no bass but just plain FLAT. I plugged them into my computer and had the MP3 player play one song in a hoop all night. Put them on in the morning to find I had full sound other than bass so I started playing with ear pieces until I had full sound. For those with little bass take your time the bass is there. I'm using the soft rubber ones and a different size in each ear. I have had three so called noise canceling headsets and other than the over the ear heavy sets this set blocks out noise or talk.
  
  
• Great Company and Earbuds - Can't Beat Them for the Price
  By A3DCD0DYKMWANR on 2008-04-25
  I had e2c's, and the wires started to crack (this is a common problem that Shure knows about- it has to do with the type of plastic that is used for the insulation and the way it reacts with certain skin chemicals, but ther's no better material available). Shure replaced them for free under the 2 year warranty. The e2c model has since been replaced by the more expensive se2's, but Shure has re-packaged the e2c's as the SCL2. According to Shure, they are the same phone, just repackaged. But...
  
  I agree completely with the previous poster who said that he feels that these sound better than the e2c's. The bass IS deeper, and the sound overall is more detailed and richer. Maybe because they are new? I don't know... all I know is I am very happy with the SCL2's.
  
  One change that I do not like- the hard case has had the inner spool removed, so you no longer have anything to wrap the cord around. I wrap it around my fingers and then jam everything into the case. It goes in fine, but is a mess when it comes out. Shure yanked the spools because they were finding that people were wrapping the cord too tight and causing premature failure of the wires.
  
  Shure's warranty program and service is outstanding. My new phones arrived only 1 week after I sent in my old ones. I just wish I had kept the old case :( but that's really a personal choice kind of thing anyway.
  
  
  
  
• thank goodness for the warranty! again!
  By ACK85B8XCZYIP on 2008-06-12
  I'm on my second pair of Shures. The first were E2's that the right side just quit working. They were probably 10 months old. Now I have SCL2's which they sent me instead of the E2's. I'm 8 months into owning them and the LEFT side is now DEAD. I don't think I'm hard on earphones; I just use them at the gym and walking and the bulk of the time is talk podcasts! I guess I'm glad they have a two year warranty, but it would be nicer if they just made earphones that would last for at least a year, for these prices. They'd get 1 star if they didn't stand by their warranty. I'm beginning to wonder if cheap earphones replaced over and over wouldn't cost the same or less than shipping these things back over and over....
  
  
• excellent warranty and product
  By A3EEXIRFG3JR7C on 2008-04-28
  I bought the E2c 8 months ago, 2 weeks ago I started listening static; apparently was something wrong with the cable, I returned the earphones to Shure for warranty repair and yesterday I received a package from Shure with a letter inside apologizing because the E2c is no longer in stock and there is no way to repair my earphones, in exchange they send me a new pair of SCL2 for free.
  There is a great difference in the quality between the E2c and SCL2, the SCL2 has a more flexible cable and a deeper bass
  I recommend this earphones they have a good quality and excellent customer service, which is rare to find nowadays, it took me only a week to receive my new SCL2.
  
  

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