Short answer: the Shure SE535, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1107 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.4/5, at $499; the Symphonium Meteor ranks #1160, rated 2.0/5, and costs $599, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the Truthear Nova, ranked #2 at $169.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Shure SE535 is the better-sounding pick. Its very high 119 dB/mW sensitivity means it gets loud from any phone or laptop with little effort. Watch for: In oratory1990’s measurement presence runs about 8.6 dB low and air about 8 dB low, with a 12.6 dB dip near 11.7 kHz, so detail and sparkle are subdued and the sound turns dark.
Why pick the Symphonium Meteor: Bass is lifted about 2.3 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. Watch for: Presence sits about 8.5 dB low with a 12.7 dB dip near 5.0 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Shure SE535. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Symphonium Meteor and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Its very high 119 dB/mW sensitivity means it gets loud from any phone or laptop with little effort.
B&H Photo Video $499.00 eBay
Bass is lifted about 2.3 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Shure SE535 | Symphonium Meteor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $599 |
| Ranked | #1107 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1160 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 54 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 49 (median of 17 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.86 dB standard deviation | 3.54 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.52 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 60 Hz (-8.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 3 x balanced armature (2 woofers + 1 tweeter) | 4 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 36 ohms | 9.7 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 119 dB SPL/mW | 111 dB/Vrms |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz - 19kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 12Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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