While AirPods and other truly wireless headphones have been taking the world by storm over the past year, some just aren’t ready to give up the high-end audio quality that wired earbuds bring to the table. And when it comes to manufacturing audiophile-grade headphones, one needs not look further than Shure. Today, the company has unveiled its latest pair of premium Sound Isolating electrostatic earphones, which pack high-end sound output alongside an extremely high price tag.
Last year Shure released its first entry into the analog electrostatic amplifier system market, its KSE1500 Earphones. Now, taking a second crack at the high-end market, they’ve unveiled the more-affordable KSE1200. Of course, with a retail price of $1,999, how affordable these are is still up for debate.
And with such an exorbitant price tag, at first glance it may be hard to see how Shure’s latest earbuds could ever be worth the steep investment. But what sets these apart from other earbuds on the market is that they’re based around an electrostatic system, which allows the earphones to boast high-fidelity in any environment with an equally high level of detail and sound isolation. According to Shure, the KSE1200 pack an “astounding level of clarity and detail for the most discerning audio aficionados”.
The new KSE1200 are comprised of dual single‐driver electrostatic earphones. Compared to its predecessor, they lack a built-in DSP, which shouldn’t be an issue given that just about any portable media player you can think to connect to the KSE1200 will already include one anyway. Removing DSP and digital inputs has allowed Shure to not only cut down the cost, but also slim down the KSE1200’s casing.
At just shy of $2,000, whether or not Shure’s latest is worth the hefty price tag is still up in the air. Everyone has different sound preferences, so while some may find the audio output just right, others may dislike the lack of bass. Regardless, Shure is just about the only company right now actually producing electrostatic amplifier systems, so if you need the highest-end audio on-the-go, these may very well be your best option.
Those looking to add the company’s latest to their mobile audio setup can currently purchase the KSE1200 earphones directly from Shure at $1,999 shipped.
[9to5-press-release]
The KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System is a premium Sound Isolating electrostatic earphone system for use in‐line with portable media players. Featuring a pair of single‐driver electrostatic Sound Isolating™ earphones and matched, high voltage amplifier. The input stage of the System is designed for seamless integration with premium audio players common in today’s high quality portable audio market.
Providing an unrivaled level clarity and detail, the KSE1200 system brings the award winning performance of Shure’s electrostatic technology into a more compact, efficient, and affordable solution.
The premium KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System is an electrostatic earphone and amplifier system for use in‐line with portable media players. These single‐driver electrostatic Sound Isolating™ earphones provide an astounding level of clarity and detail for the most discerning audio aficionados.
[/9to5-press-release]
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