The new SE in-ear canal earphone line from Shure is not, the company adamantly states, a replacement to its previous bar-raising E series—both will continue to be sold. Shure is releasing three new pairs in all, and rebranding its top-of-the-line E500PTH as the SE530PTH to fit at the top of the new series. The new line falls at price increments that fit in between the E series price points. This review focuses on the cheapest of the series, the SE210, which, at $149.99 (list), is not really cheap at all. (The other models are the SE310, at $299.99 (list), and the SE420, at $399.99 (list).) While the price will be an obstacle for some, those looking to get sound worthy of their high-end MP3 players will surely be pleased with the SE210. Can't spring for the $400 Ultimate Ears earphones? Shure's got your back.

The SE210 and the SE310 use the same balanced armature drivers (henceforth referred to by Shure as "microspeakers" so that folks don't confuse them with computer drivers—but we will still call them drivers) as their most similar models in the E series, the E3c and the E4c, respectively. With the same drivers involved, what's the difference? Shure used a new configuration of the drivers in order to create a "warmer" earphone (meaning a pair with a stronger low-frequency response). The SE series also allows consumers a bit more flexibility in the accessory department. For instance, not everyone was in love with the PTH (Push-To-Hear) option on the E series earphones. With the SE series, not only can cables be lengthened or shortened via extensions, but the PTH option can be added or eliminated from the cable path—though, since it's an accessory, it will cost extra. Finally, some of the plastic parts that touch skin on the E series are rubber in the SE series for a more comfortable and secure fit. Also helping to secure the fit are foam covers in a wide variety of sizes and a set of triple-flanges to ensure, regardless of your ear's shape, that things stay in place.

The SE210s purposefully do not have flat frequency response. When I spoke with the guys from Ultimate Ears at CES, they said one of the primary reasons for making its more affordable (ahem, still $400) and low-frequency-friendly triple.fi earphones was to reach the consumer with tastes for modern music (read: music with more bass). Audiophiles have traditionally favored a flat frequency response, which can be found in the Ultimate Ears UE10 Pro custom molded (and $900) pair. Most folks, however, aren't going to drop $900 on earphones, and those willing to spend a few hundred are generally not looking for flat response, but something that is crisp, clear, and with a healthy amount of low end. The triple.fis satisfied that niche in the market for Ultimate Ears, and I believe Shure is trying to offer several different options to the same listener. And it is selling the SE210s for less than half the price as the triple.fis in order to get these new customers.

The SE210s do sound excellent—the healthy, rich low end that is often absent from in-ear monitors is definitely present here, but not in such abundance as to disrupt the overall balance of the frequency range. Rap and electronica benefit greatly from the low-end push on the SE210, without ever getting muddy. This is why acoustic music also sounded great on the SE210s. On "Sycamore," an excellent song from the upcoming Bill Callahan album, the simple bass line neither overpowered nor disappeared beneath the shimmering-but-delicate guitars—a feat that is rarely achieved when bass boosts are brought into play. Likewise, the SE210 provides Callahan's distinct baritone delivery all the low-mid frequency complements it demands. Just like its competition, Ultimate Ears, Shure recognizes the need for subtlety when adjusting the frequency spectrum.

I ran into some annoying moments on the subway with the cable—it often seemed as if it was tugging at my ears, but not for cable length reasons (it had plenty of slack). It also seemed hard to find the correct position for the earphones in my ears. Creating a seal was not hard, but dealing with the cable's position after doing so was occasionally a pain. I wish I could say this is a minor gripe, but for some users, it's probably a deal breaker, so trying on a pair and seeing if the fit is right for you is essential. Don't forget that if the foam seals don't work, there are also triple flange covers that fit certain ear types more snugly.

The SE210 provides excellent noise isolation. Anyone who's ever been snorkeling knows the amazing, calming powers of hearing your own breathing. A good pair of noise-isolating earphones, as a natural byproduct, will produce a similar effect. I often found myself not listening to music at all, but just wearing the earphones on the subway to cut down on all the chaotic noise involved in a three-train New York City commute. The chief advantage of the isolation, however, is the ability to listen to music at lower volumes. When your songs aren't competing with train track squeals or airplane engines, you can rock out at a much lower volume level. So if you listen to Slayer but would like to be able to hear your grandchildren, the SE210 is a wise option to consider.

Shure offers a two-year warranty on parts and labor. For product support and frequently asked questions, check out their customer support Web site.

Are the SE210 earphones as good as the Ultimate Ears triple.fis? No way. Are they even trumped by other earphones in the Shure line? Yes. Their rating is marred a bit by the cable issue, but the SE210 sets a new in-ear sonic standard for sets under $200, and for most folks, that's going to be music to their ears.

Compare the headphones mentioned above side by side.