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Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System

Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System

Shure has been involved with the creation and production of music since 1925, but the reason it is still around while most of its competitors from that era have vanished is Shure’s ability to stay current with new offerings. In the headphone category Shure recently launched a new model, the KSE1200. It joins the KSE1500 in Shure’s electrostatic, in-ear line-up. Priced at £1,769, the KSE1200 is £820 less than the KSE1500 and differs from the KSE1500 because the KSE1200 is a strictly analogue device that lacks the KSE1500’s digital inputs and DAC conversion circuitry. The earphones themselves and the amplifier technology used to drive them are identical on both models. For anyone who already owns a good portable player and/or portable DAC the KSE1200 could very well be a more attractive and cost-effective option than the KSE1500.

 The KSE1200 electrostatic in-ear system consists of not only the in-ear capsules containing the electrostatic elements, but also a special amplifier that supplies not only the power to energize the electrostatic elements but also a volume control for the amplification of the electrostatic elements. The amplifier has provisions for a mini-jack stereo analogue input that can be attached to any device with an analogue output, be it a fixed-level source, such as a DAC, or the variable output from a portable player or smartphone.

Accessories included with the KSE1200 include two cables with 3.5mm plugs (one 15.2 cm long, the other 92 cm long), a 6.3mm adapter, a cable clip, and two security bands for attaching the KSE-1200 amplifier unit to a smartphone. KSE1200’s rechargeable Li-ion battery is capable of 12-hour battery life and a recharge time of 3 hours using a 1A charger.

 I used the KSE1200 with a wide variety of devices, including an iPhone SE, Astell&Kern Activa, Fiio M11, Sony NW-WM1Z, Focal Arche, Sony TA-ZH1ES, and Mytek Manhattan II. With an adjustable gain range of -40 dB to +60 dB and a maximum published SPL at 1kHz with 3% TMD of 113 dB, the KSE1200 system could in every case be adjusted for optimal output levels. Generally, I found that with variable output level source devices, turning the KSE1200 amplifier just above halfway up permitted the KSE1200 system to achieve comfortable volume levels.

 

 The electrostatic earpieces/capsules themselves are extremely compact and lightweight. I was more aware of the KSE1200’s headphone cable than the capsules themselves. The first foot or so of cable is light, flexible, and has zero microphonics. At the junction the cable gets thicker, with a cloth jacket that twists easily inside the jacket. The termination uses a LEMO connection, which is firm, air-tight, and protrudes straight upwards, slightly more than two inches from the top surface of the KSE1200.

 The KSE1200 displayed all the audiophile-pleasing sonics that are characteristic of a good electrostatic transducer design. The sound was incisive, clean, and cohesive in a way that’s unique to a single full-range electrostatic driver. The term “straight, no chaser” came to mind while listening to the KSE1200—they neither add to nor subtract from the original source. Romantic? Nope! But if you like your music portrayed with maximum “honesty” and a minimum of romanticism, the KSE1200 delivers that and more. Are they bass monsters? Nope, again. But when properly occluded the bass is delightfully detailed and texturally complex. The imaging through the KSE1200 was spectacularly precise, with every spatial cue immediately obvious. Upper frequencies were exceptionally smooth while retaining transient energy and dynamics.

Shure KSE1200 Electrostatic Earphone System

 Theoretically, the KSE1200 is ‘pocket-able’, but I suspect that in some situations a user could have issues with the volume knob moving in their pocket since there is no way to disable or lock it in place. Also, the two inches of rigid termination sticking up from the KSE1200’s top isn’t as pocket-friendly as a shorter or more flexible connection would be.

 No one pair of earphones is ideal in every situation. The KSE1200 would not be my first choice as a workout exercise companion. But, if I wanted a completely portable electrostatic monitoring system for on-location recording and playback, the KSE-1200 would be top of my list. 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Shure KSE1200 electrostatic earphone system

Type: Electrostatic in-ear monitor

Driver complement: Single full-range electrostatic driver

Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz

Impedance: NA

Signal to Noise: 105 dB A-weighted

Connector: LEMO on amplifier attachment, 3.5mm mini-jack stereo analogue input

Weight: 44 g, or 1.55 oz.

Price: £1,769 UK, $1,999 US

MANUFACTURER INFORMATION

Shure Incorporated

URL: shure.com/en-US

Phone: +1 (800) 257-4873

Distributed in the UK by Shure UK

URL: shure.co.uk

Tel: +44(0)1992 703058

Tags: FEATURED

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