Shure SE530 and Ultimate Ears TripleFi are both high-end, sound isolating earphones. Both brands offer high range frequencies, audio filters and versatile compatibility. The TripleFi brand is a less expensive alternative to Shure, but both brands have a reputation for consistently producing high quality audio products. Shure--founded in 1925--has a long-standing reputation for quality products, while Ultimate Ears has earned a positive reputation in the industry in just a decade. Both companies have previously produced equipment exclusively for musicians and other audio professions but have recently expanded their offerings to make select products available to mainstream consumers.
Features
The Shure SE530 features sound isolating sleeves that block out 90 percent of ambient noise and a push-to-hear feature that is microphone activated. The Shure model utilizes a triple driver configuration consisting of one tweeter and two woofers. The TripleFi also boasts its own version of triple drivers and audio filters but does not include a push-to-hear feature or voice-activated sound control. Both brands also have various options for fitting the earphones to the ear.
Comparisons
Both models have rather large ear buds due to a spatial need for the three drivers. The ear buds on the TripleFi are twice as large as those on the SE530. Despite a wide array of ear fittings, some users have been unable to find a fit with the TripleFi. Shure has been able to minimize the physical size of the device while maintaining high quality sound. The sound quality on the SE530 is tremendous, offering an impressive clarity and sound isolation that allows the listener to pick up all the various sounds of a recording. Assuming you can find a proper fit with the TripleFi, it offers a comparable sound quality with rich and full sound.
Accessories
The Shure SE530 includes the essential ambient sound blocking sleeves. The package also includes a three-foot modular cable, one-quarter-inch adapter, carrying case, a level attenuator that allows listing form any high-output audio source (such as airplanes) as well as an airline adapter and a two-year warranty. TripleFi accessories include a 46-inch cable, a metal hard case, an airline adapter, a 24-inch extender cable, a cleaning tool and a one-quarter-inch plug adapter.
Price
The SE530 earphones start at $549.00 while the TripleFi earphones start at $399.99 (as of late 2009). The sound quality with the TripleFi is comparable to the SE530, but remember that in order to completely benefit from the audio product, a good fit is essential. If you can spare the additional $150.00 for the SE530 you surely will not be disappointed and finding a fit will certainly not be an issue.
Availability
Both Shure and Ultimate Ears products are available at their respective websites, other online retailers and at Apple retail stores. Discounted, used products are also available on various online stores.
Tags: Ultimate Ears, Shure SE530, sound quality, with TripleFi, airline adapter, audio filters