Shure SE846 SE846 Gen 2
A quad high-definition driver array with a true subwoofer low-pass filter delivers 4 Hz bass extension, while four swappable nozzle inserts let you select balanced, warm, bright, or extended sound signatures. Sound-isolating technology blocks up to 37 dB of ambient noise, and the lightweight, over-the-ear ergonomic design with a comprehensive sleeve kit ensures a secure, fatigue-free fit for long sessions. The SE846 Gen 2 is best for studio musicians and critical listeners who need reference-grade audio customization and exceptional passive isolation in a wired, Hi-Res-certified package.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Shure SE846 Gen 2 is an audiophile masterpiece with jaw-dropping sub-bass and modular tuning, but you'll need a fat wallet, a good amp, and a hatred for wireless.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Monstrous sub-bass that hits like a real subwoofer 94th
- Interchangeable nozzles let you tune the sound signature 79th
- Outstanding passive noise isolation 71th
- Removable cable means you can swap in a Bluetooth adapter or balanced connection
Cons
- Extremely expensive for a wired-only IEM
- Demands an external amp to sound its best
- Filter swaps are more of a party trick than a daily ritual
- Over-ear design annoys glasses-wearers and small ears
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews — so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 12 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
What surprised me most is the low end. Most multi-BA setups struggle to deliver physical bass weight, but the SE846 Gen 2's low-pass filter conjures sub-bass that feels like it's massaging your eardrums. The new extended filter opens up the treble enough to make acoustic guitars sparkle without getting sharp, and the passive isolation is so good you'll forget ANC exists. Just plug them into a good DAC/amp; a phone dongle leaves half the magic on the table.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | over-the-ear |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.3 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Drivers | 4 |
| Impedance | 9 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | Shure SE846 Earphone,Clear |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
Earbud Battery
| Charging | proprietary |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Bone Conduction | No |
vs Competition
Purely on sound, the SE846 Gen 2 is in a different league than any wireless bud. The Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are wonderful for commuting, but they can't touch this Shure's sub-bass texture or detail retrieval. If you're open to another wired IEM, the Sennheiser IE 600 gets you 85% of the performance for hundreds less, though it lacks the nozzle-swapping party trick.
| Spec | Shure SE846 SE846 Gen 2 | Technics EAH-AZ100 EAH-AZ100 | Sony WF-1000XM5 WF-1000XM5 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro | Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0010 | Apple AirPods Pro MFHP4LL/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear | in-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 28 | 24 | 26 | 18 | 24 |
| Water Resistance | - | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shure SE846 SE846 Gen 2 | 28.9 | 35.4 | 33.3 | 94.2 | 47 | 70.6 | 79.1 | 8.7 | 39.8 |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 EAH-AZ100 Compare | 96.7 | 96.8 | 78.6 | 99 | 79 | 93.3 | 91.9 | 99.1 | 90.6 |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 WF-1000XM5 Compare | 96.7 | 96.8 | 78.6 | 99.1 | 75.5 | 93.3 | 48.9 | 99.9 | 89.8 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds3 Pro Compare | 96.7 | 96.8 | 98.8 | 91.7 | 72.6 | 93.3 | 79.1 | 99.6 | 93.2 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra 896637-0010 Compare | 96.7 | 90 | 78.6 | 96.2 | 47 | 93.3 | 91.9 | 97.8 | 97.6 |
| Apple AirPods Pro MFHP4LL/A Compare | 96.7 | 80.1 | 98.8 | 89.2 | 75.5 | 70.6 | 0 | 97.8 | 99.9 |
Price
Value & Pricing
The retail spread is wild—we saw listings from $890 to over $1,300, with the best Amazon price landing around $950. That's a lot of cash for an item that doesn't even charge itself. If sound quality is your only religion, the SE846 Gen 2 delivers a transcendental experience. But at this price, a handful of wireless flagships go on sale, so you're really paying for the purity of a wire and the Shure name.
Read more
Overview
The Shure SE846 Gen 2 is a statement piece for people who think wireless earbuds are a compromise. Four drivers and a clever low-pass filter create a subwoofer-like rumble that's rare in an in-ear monitor. But at a price that hovers around $900, you're buying into a pure-wired, no-frills audio religion—and you'll need a decent amp to reach salvation.
Common Questions
Q: Do these need a separate headphone amp?
Strictly no, but honestly yes. You'll get sound from a phone adapter, but to hear the sub-bass slam and open treble, a decent amp or high-powered DAP makes a night-and-day difference.
Q: Can I use these wirelessly?
No. They're fully wired, with a detachable MMCX cable. You can buy a Shure Bluetooth adapter, but that kind of defeats the purpose of these audiophile drivers.
Q: Are the different sound filters worth it?
They're fun to play with, but the differences are subtle. Most people end up sticking with the balanced or extended filter and never swap again. If you're not a tinkerer, the novelty wears off fast.
Who Should Skip This
If you want ANC, wireless freedom, or a pair of earbuds that disappear in your pocket, look elsewhere. The Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra give you most of the convenience at half the price. This one is for folks who treat music like a ritual.
Verdict
The SE846 Gen 2 is an audiophile masterpiece for a very specific person: someone who wants reference-grade wired sound, loves tinkering with tuning, and doesn't mind a cable. It's not for the casual listener, and the price will make most people's eyes water. But if your ears demand the absolute best IEM sound under a grand, this is a benchmark.
