Headphone Reviews

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: In-ear headphones with electrostatic drive-units and dedicated D/A headphone amplifier and power supply. Headphone polarizing voltage: 200V DC. Maximum output voltage: ±200V. Output current: 1mA. Noise attenuation: 37dB. Frequency range: 10Hz–50kHz. Maximum SPL: 113dB (1kHz at 3% THD). Amplifier inputs: USB (Micro-B receptacle), analog line-in (3.5mm/¹?₈"). Amplifier output: Lemo connector. DAC bit depths accepted: 16, 24, 32. Sample rates accepted: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz. Signal/noise: 107dB, A-weighted. Adjustable gain range: –40 to +60dB. Amplifier functions: selectable analog RMS limiter, 4-band parametric equalizer, line input pad (–10 or –20dB). Amplifier power supply: rechargeable 3.6V Li-Ion battery. Battery life: analog in (Bypass EQ mode), up to 10 hours; USB input (EQ mode), up to 7 hours. Supplied accessories: square zipper pouch; leather amplifier case; Fit Kit with assorted sleeves, Micro-B "On The Go," Type A to Micro-B, and Micro-B to Lightning USB cables; 6" and 36" male-to-male 3.5mm cables; ¼" (6.3mm) to 1?8" (3.5mm) stereo adapter; airline adapter; inline volume control; rubber amp security bands. Optional accessory: Micro-B to 30-pin USB cable.
Dimensions: Amplifier: 4.4" (111mm) L by 2.33" (59mm) W by 0.83" (21mm) D. Cable: 39" (1m) L. Weights: headphones, 1.55oz (44gm); amplifier, 6.42oz (182gm).
Serial number of unit reviewed: 30L1268411. Amplifier firmware: 1.2.2.
Price: $2999. Approximate number of dealers: not disclosed, but "KSE1500 resellers include B&H, Amazon, InMotion, Moon Audio, and Sweetwater."
Manufacturer: Shure Inc., 5800 W. Touhy Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-4608. Tel: (800) 257-4873, (847) 600-2000. Fax: (847) 600-1212. Web: www.shure.com/americas.