Shure SE535LTD Limited Edition Red Sound Isolating Earphones with Remote + Microphone

I am reviewing the Limited Edition, red version. My office recently moved from a cubicle model to an open office. I do work that at times requires several hours straight of quiet concentration time, so I knew I would need something to allow me to get it. I read reviews on all kinds of noise cancelling and noise isolating headphones and decided that active noise cancellation didn't appeal to me. I wanted something that would sound amazing while helping to block out the sound from my now very nearby coworkers, but from what I read about active noise cancellation, it works best on steady sound like airplane engines and not sporadic sounds like people talking. So I decided to give these a try given that they were well reviewed by several different sites.These fit the bill perfectly. After trying out all of the different tips, I have settled on the triple flange. I also prefer to wear the cord straight in front...the product literature mentions something about a formable/moldable cable, but I find the cable too unwieldy when worn behind the ears; it just doesn't stay in place well enough for me. Maybe if there was a cable cinch it would work better, but I don't detract for this because now that I've found a way that works for me, I really love these.I actually have one problem with these though, which is what really spurred me to write this review. I recently decided to spend some time in my living listening to music on my stereo. I use a Marantz receiver powering Klipsch speakers, so it's not a cheap setup, and as I sat there listening, I realized I was missing some of the clarity I get from the Shures. My speakers aren't the latest and greatest, they aren't the reference line, but up until now I always thought they sounded amazing. But these headphones could end up making me want to upgrade my system. I could see this being a dangerous, slippery slope for some folks.Oh, and as far as any kind of "lack of bass" is concerned (I've seen it mentioned in places) I don't find these lacking at all.

4/5 stars. Allow me to explain why. I purchased these LTD 535s back in the fall of 2014 (1 year ago from today) and despite two major design flaws I believe the sound was amazing. I owned the older model 420s where the cord came directly out from each ear piece, was permanently attached, and hung directly down. You can view them by searching Amazon or wherever for Shure SE420. Those lasted me for a very long time, so when I purchased a new pair I figured I would step up to the 535s.I had read about the swiveling cord design and watched a couple of Youtube videos on how they worked, but when I began to use them I noticed that I could not use that swiveling action due to the fact that I wear glasses sometimes and anyone who wears glasses knows it can be an issue. Also because of the angle of the ear-piece, when they are worn in that behind the ear method the cord comes out and has to do a turn so it becomes unnecessary (in my opinion). It seems that Shure tried to do something that they saw a need for, but for me it ended up serving no purpose and is why the left piece no longer works. When they began not working I noticed that it was not straight away. That cord swiveling thing they designed makes it so it will only pick up sound when the cord it turned and sitting in a certain angle/direction. Even when they were brand new I noticed this.The other issue I now have to deal with is the lack of a shorter version of audio cord. For some reason these headphones only come with long cords. So if you used to put the headphones in your front pocket, or clip it to your shirt/arm, you now have only the option of using a very long cord. Good luck exercising with that... Shure does not even offer a short cord to buy for these. *face palm*So I have recently used the 2 year warranty to send the ear piece and the cord in that no longer work. We will see, and I will update this review to reflect what occurs since I take great care of my electronics and see what type of coverage Shure comes through with. I sent in the cord as well. It may be that the cord is fine and the ear-piece is just somehow broken, but I have no idea and for the money I paid I do expect satisfaction.So until I receive my 535s fixed I will state the pros and cons below:Pros:SoundLight weightNumerous types of ear piece fittings, I use a specific one and have never had fatigue with that specific ear piece, with the exception of the cord pulling them out of my ear and having to re-insert them. :(The sound is truly isolated. I can take a train and not hear a thing but my music (you must try each ear piece and figure out what is the best for you!)Cons:Swivel-designLack of a short cordSound only coming out when that swivel is sitting just right, and when walking at work I would have to readjust it repeatedly.*Update*I sent in my L ear piece and a cord that I believed to be broken. The cord had a movable round part from the first time using it, possibly caused by plugging it into my already broken ear piece, but I am unsure of this being the cause. After approx. 1 week I received by L ear piece back (I cannot tell if it is a new one, my original ear piece, or refurbished), and along with it came what appears to be a brand new cord.The shipping back to me was in a small, tightly wrapped soft packaging that could have been "smooshed" by a larger package in transit. All that protected the ear piece was bubble wrap. For this I give Shure a thumbs down, a 1/5 stars, a wag of the finger... I sent it to them in a box with bubble wrap, but a box that would withstand weight and pressure much easier that simple bubble wrap alone. Perhaps they will consider a small hard/rigid case to send the ear pieces back in so even if the package has a larger one on top, the plastic ear piece will not become warped or broken. This may be why some people are having to return them more than once to Shure! *cough cough*When I took the ear piece out and plugged it into the new cord I immediately noticed a snug fit, compared to the loose fit when I bought them new. It is as if the cord and ear piece actually fit correctly now, but this MIGHT be a bad thing. It will take use to figure out, not WHY, but if this helps in any way. It is nice to not have that swiveling ear-piece issue anymore. When I place them inside my left ear, they STAY where I put them! :) If this was intentional then I give Shure a tip of the hat, if not then perhaps it is still something to consider. Over time it will loosen, but the current fit on the returned L ear-piece is far better then the loosey-goosey fit from when they were new.I just received them back so I believe that only time will help divulge or assist with making noticeable any issues, but so far they seem to work and the "better" fit of the cord has me happy. The only issue now is that the R ear piece is as loose as it always was, so I believe the cord is the same and perhaps the ear piece has somehow changed (model change, or during repair). Again I am unsure of this being bad or good from a standpoint of being "properly repaired," but the fit seems much better for use.I will still keep the rating for these at a 4/5 because of the swiveling flaw and the lack of a short cord (including no after-market option even!), but my initial impression was an quick, honored repair from Shure!**Final update. It has been a while since I received my headphone back and I have had no problems. The sound is fine and the swiveling design sucks, but I have no loss of sound when it occurs. I assume then, that my first bud was bad or something occured that I was no aware of such as someone dropping something on them when my back was turned. I care for my electronics like noone else I know... Anyways, Sure backed up the warrantly promise they make, they were replaced, and I have had no problems since. I only hope they do not include the swiveling ear design in the future. :)