Shure KSE1200 Sound-Isolating Electrostatic Earphone Amplifier System

“Simply put, Shure’s electrostatic earbuds are the best, most accurate in-ear headphones we’ve ever heard.”

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  Comprehensive, unflinching accuracy, Incredible isolation, Simple intuitive controls, Small amp increases portability, Sleek, minimalist design

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  Analog input and battery reliance reduce versatility

The Shure KSE1200 is a joy to listen to. The treble is so pristine yet not fatigue thanks to its amazing resolution. I was playing track after track, made a mental note to stop the review after a specific time, but time passed by so fast that I just wanted to continue listening.

The Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic IEMs offer breathtaking clarity and detail. Are they really worth $2,000?

We all like to listen to music on the move, and many of us also appreciate the benefits of in-ear monitoring when performing. Both applications require high-quality earphones, and the market is awash with wired and Bluetooth designs at prices ranging from under a tenner to several thousand pounds...

In the KSE1200, Shure has built an in-ear headphone that compromises on none of the qualities that the company holds dear to deliver a level of realism, space and involvement in its performance that’s beyond all but the most supremely talented loudspeakers.

If you want the best sounding in-ear headphones on the market, the KSE1200s are a good place to start Astonishing detail and agility Even tonal balance Composure, insight and clarity Comfort Partnering amp adds bulk Scarcity of appropriate sources

With Apple's lossless, & with just the dongle 3.5mm jack, it even sounds better than with my Chord Mojo DAC/ Amp & Woo Audio WA8 Eclipse Mini-tube DAC/ Amp (this DAC/ Amp is too dark. IEM's best with less powerful solid state DAC/ amps, from my personal testing).

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  Connectivity, Durability, Ease of Use, Features, Sound Quality

I've had $3,000 plus over ear hifi headphones that don't compete. Close, but this is all this audiophile needs. WOW they're fast, expansive, & airy (though, closed)!

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  Connectivity, Durability, Ease of Use, Features, Sound Quality

I bought these to listen to recorded tracks as purely as a I could. I find myself using them for every day listening, and could not be more impressed. They sound, well, perfect.

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  Sound Quality

I tried those, because i wanted to know the difference to my SE846. The KSE1200 sound simply terrific in comparrison. But itsounds terrible with a line out connection. If you really want it sound perfectly, you need a player with usb connection. For example a according Fiio player.

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  Concept, Features, Sound Quality

I use these while jogging/walking and while working. I previously used the Shure SE846 which were getting older but till sounded great but they were showing their age. I was worried about loosing the deep bass frequencies with the electrostatic speakers like I enjoyed on the 846's.

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  Durability, Ease of Use, Sound Quality

These are not entirely easy to use, as the input level has to be set from the DAC, there is an led indicator for clipping on the Shure amplifier. However the sound from these earbuds is unbelievably good.

The new KSE1200 brings the top performance of KSE1500 to a wider audience with its relatively more affordable pricing. It might not sound musical or emotional with its colorless signature that take some getting used to, but on the upside it boast an uncanny ability to transit between different...

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  -Leaves most iems in the dust in terms of resolution and detail retrieval, -Colorless signature suits well with different genres, -Ergonomic design, -More affordable

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  -Housing build looks a little shoddy, -still not cheap, -Dedicated amp hinders portability, -Lack of coloration makes it less musical