Shure is a known brand among users of all kinds. They produce immaculate models that can bring a smile to anybody’s face. The SE846 was probably the model that placed the brand name on the market.
They did make decent units in the form of the SE530 and SE535 headphones. However, the model that turned heads was definitely the SE846 headphone. Today, we are going to be seeing about two outstanding models.
They are the Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System vs Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System. Now, how many of you have heard about electrostatic earphone systems. They are a type of earphone that has strongly impacted the music industry.
That is because you could find them in the market around since the 1960s. STAX produced the first headphones, and then many others took the bait. You could also see the headphones like the SR009 and Orpheus that came with an electrostatic system in them.
STAX ruled this segment for a long time until another maker, Sennheiser, decided to take their crown. Coming back to these two models, the KSE1500 comes at a humungous price point of under $3000.
Yes, that is a lot of money. But they do provide you with an exceptional audio performance that seldom other headphones or units can provide you with. We can say without a doubt that these were extremely powerful IEMs and that they have it in them.
Though they produced this guy in 2016, it has been 5 years now. Does it come with further enhancement or the ability for users to consider them? We do not assume that it can fail by any amount of imagination.
The maker has also provided you with a bag to store all your items in there. It can work easily for 12 hours when it is completely charged. Besides, the integrated DAC can be effortlessly connected to the smartphone through a line-in.
There is nothing much to speak about the Shure KSE1200 model because most of the features can be found in the KSE1500 unit. It is priced much cheaper than the other model. This is perhaps, one reason why you could consider using the Shure KSE1200 unit.
But apart from that, would you really consider the KSE1200 just because it is priced cheaper? Users think not, and that is what we are here to find out about. We may want to read the post and find out more about the features, pros & cons, and the winner given at the end of the review.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Shure KSE1500 | Shure KSE1200 |
| PROS | PROS |
| The model is quite comfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. The unit provides you with magnificent insight and dynamic effectively. It is easy for you to listen for long periods of time. It is surefooted with the rhythms, and the bass is astonishing. The product offers you with audio that is rarely this portable. | The unit has amazing comfort features to it. The model provides you with a stunning ergonomic design. It comes with an even tonal balance. It has decent composure, insight, and clarity. The product is second to none when it comes to detail retrieval and resolution. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The high price will not attract many users despite its one-of-a-kind capabilities. | The in-ear headphones have a lack of appropriate sources. |
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Design & Comfort
The design & comfort of in-earphones is always quite on the higher side. It seems like most users prefer these models. That is because they are lightweight and easy to maintain. However, some models can be a headache to use and operate.
Let us find out if these we simple to use. The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System come with stupendous comfort features in them. As they are lightweight, they are portable. Users will have no issues wearing them for prolonged hours.
But you may want to make sure to wear the right size of ear tips. The good thing about getting your earphones from the maker is that they can provide you with a wide range of sizes. This feature offers you with the right size to wear.
You can find the earphones come with a loop that can be placed around your ears. This feature offers you with security. Now, you can walk or jog around without worrying about your earphones falling off.
It is also excellent in blocking the outside noise. The model provides 37dB of noise isolation because they are not noise-cancelling earphones. You can place them on without having to worry about the noise present in your street, subway, and office.
The Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System comes with good comfort & design. It is almost designed like the KSE1500 earphone and makes sure that the fitting is just right for you. Like the KSE1500 unit, this model has a reinforced cable that wraps around your ears.
We used with the latest iPhone model from Apple. Its performance was truly amazing, and the sound quality was eloquent once the fit was set. You may want to consider listening to hi-res and CD-quality songs.
A user has claimed that he found opulent sound quality with the Shure unit with the Naim NDS/555PS music streamer combination. Of course, you have to use a proper adaptor cable. The abilities of the unit are shown through this feature.
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Build Quality
Though it is quite lightweight, the build quality of the Shure models is one-of-a-kind. That is because they come with spectacular features infused in them. The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System weighs only 44grams offering you with a cable length of 92cm.
It is electrostatic in-earphones that do not come with a specific electrical requirement. Consumers realize that it cannot be operated on old earphones output. The in-earphones are used successfully, coming with the light diaphragm, decently charged, and two metal grids.
You can note that the signal for music is given through these grids. The electrostatic driver comes in a wide bandwidth with a frequency response of 10Hz-50kHz. Would you please do note that this model is not a multi-driver alternative?
You would be delighted to know that the maker took more than 8 years to develop KSE1500. Similarly, you have the Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System with a sturdy build. They are nicely designed and do not take your table or pockets more space.
The texture found on the model is fantastic. Please do realize that it comes in black color only. At the rear, you can find a micro-USB input that enables you to charge the internal battery. This has a 5V/0.5-1.0A charger.
The unit can work for 12 hours in a complete charge. You can find a sliding switch next to it. The power LED button can be found on the front panel along with a signal strength indicator. This feature helps you understand if the input feed comes with the right level.
With a superb seal, the sound quality is quite good. Instead of using a laptop or MacBook, consumers might want to think of using a portable music player or smartphone with a portable DAC.
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Audio Performance
The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System can be tricky in the beginning when you want to listen to the songs. Users need to be able to sort out where the source is, and then they can begin the listening session.
Those of you wanting to get blown away might not. The plan reason being these are in-earphones. Unlike headphones that provide you with the space on your ears for you to feel and indulge in the music, the clarity is only present here.
However, they are quite clean and pristine as they can get. We loved the manner in which the tones were nicely balanced and sounded. You can hear the transition from deep bass to the highest treble instantly.
Besides, the technology allows you not to have any distortion enabling listening for a prolonged time. The Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System are a pleasure to listen to and sound. They do not come with the fashionable emphasis on the bass.
It may work out well in some kinds of songs, but not all. We felt that the only drawback was in the design of the model. You would want to know that this is a position relative to the ear. You may not feel the same as the headphones that provide you more area to hear songs.
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Microphone Performance
The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System does not seem to have the microphone feature in it. We were not able to perform any of the tests using them. Likewise, the Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System does not have a microphone.
You cannot do any tests using the Shure in-earphone microphones. You can find many other Shure models that come with the microphone. You may want to consider using them if you are particular on having the microphone.
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Compatibility
The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System offers you with an elegant EQ setting. Consumers can adjust it according to their needs. The in-earphones have a low boost preset that pushes you to the bass.
Moreover, you can also notice the mids and highs coming in as you use it. We found the compatibility of the unit quite tremendous. You will be glad to know that it is the first application with a sound-isolating feature with a single MicroDriver design.
The source audio offers you with sublime detail to the audio. You can see the device comes with 4-band parametric EQ features having 5 preset settings. There is also an integrated USB rechargeable battery for a convenient charge.
You can stream the USB audio from the computer. The Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System compatibility is pretty top-notch. This electrostatic earphone comes with an amplifier system that is ideal for usage with portable media devices in the market.
We found that this device can provide you with an immense level of clarity. Additionally, discerning audio users would be delighted with the in-earphones. A notable feature in this unit would be the integrated USB rechargeable battery.
There is a good integration that comes with top-end audio players. The setup of both systems is quite simple. You can have the connectors secured and then move on. They are secured and do not come out that easily, which is good.
For first-timers, setting up the amplifier can be challenging. However, when you find your way through, you can use the LCD monitor to see the input volumes and the other settings.
You can notice that the amplifier comes with additional functions. An in-built equaliser enables you to work fantastically with minimum distortion. You can use the settings to reduce the volume that comes with high output dacs with the AK players.
It comes with a leather bag that helps you carry it with you wherever you want. There are a few other amps that you can select on your player. Using the bag, you can then hook the amp through a belt that does require a lengthy cable.
They offer you with 2 options including a 20cm and 1m long cable. You can use them according to your needs. The compatibility of the models is quite thrilling, to say the least. They are simply too used on both of them.
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Price
The Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System is priced under $2000. The model is a sublime electrostatic earphone for several users. It comes with an amplifier system that can be used for the in-line portable media players.
It is a single-driver electrostatic sound isolating earphone. The level of detail and the clarity of the earphones for more audiophiles. It provides you with an exceptional and top-notch transparent listening experience.
The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System is priced under $3000. Before you wonder what you are going to do with it, you might want to realize that it comes with breathtaking features and is a phenomenal device.
The model is light, has ergonomic features present in the earphone. Additionally, the shape of the earphones is effective, ensuring that it is pretty comfortable. The sound isolating sleeves can block 37dB of ambient noise.
Shure KSE1500 vs KSE1200: Verdict
There you go, we have ended our comparison between the Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System vs Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System. Hope you liked what you read and were able to make up your mind.
The Shure KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System is a good device that should be considered for various reasons. But shockingly, many users get afraid when they see the price of $3000. We understand that.
When you can actually get a powerful laptop for that amount, you would consider spending so much on the earphone system. You do not have to be an audiophile for doing that. This IEM is definitely worth it when you want optimum comfort, robust build quality, and phenomenal sound performance.
These are the features that you would be looking at. No, you do not have to be a fan of Shure products to like it. You will also be astounded to know that the unit is the half rate of the Susvara. Their amplifier and DAC were magnificent, to say the least.
On the other hand, the Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System comes $1000 cheaper than the different models. That might sway you. We did notice several users commending the device for the price.
It is priced lower than the KE1500 model for a reason. The comfort and the built quality were there. This is quite obvious from the Shure brand. They cannot be outsmarted in that department.
The maker has ensured that the performance of the KSE1200 does not outdo the KSE1500. Hence, we were not surprised to notice that the model is not up to the mark to the older brother. The DAC technology does not convince you and has its weaknesses.
In this review, our winner is the KSE1500 Electrostatic Earphone System between the Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System and the KSE1500 device. They come like fresh air in the already crowded market, and the quality was sublime.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.