The Shure SE846-CL is one of the most revered IEMs in the audiophile community, known for its modular sound tuning system, premium build quality, and impressive audio performance. The Japanese Edition comes with a distinct aesthetic and the same high-quality internals as the standard SE846, but with a twist. What truly sets it apart is the ability to change its sound signature using four different nozzle filters—each offering a unique listening experience. This review is based on a few weeks of daily use, where I tested it with a variety of genres and DAPs, including the HiBy R4 and Cayin N8ii.
Unboxing Shure SE846-CL
The unboxing experience is everything you’d expect from a high-end IEM like the SE846. The packaging feels premium, with each element thoughtfully arranged. Inside, you’ll find the IEMs themselves, a set of four interchangeable nozzle inserts (black, blue, red, and white), a variety of eartips including foam and tri-flange options, and a durable carrying case.
Warning
Since this is an used unit, OG box contents might not be here
The cables are thick and well-insulated, giving off a sturdy and professional vibe. It’s a small thing, but the fact that they even thought to include an accessory to help you change the filters makes the whole process feel well-considered.
Sound Technical Details
The SE846-CL comes equipped with quad balanced-armature drivers, each finely tuned to deliver rich detail across the frequency range. These drivers are supported by a three-way crossover network, ensuring seamless transitions between lows, mids, and highs. The noise isolation is superb, rated at up to 37 dB, which really helps immerse you in the music, no matter where you are. The frequency range is a wide 15 Hz to 20 kHz, allowing for deep bass and sparkling highs without much effort.
Performance and Listening Experience
Over weeks of testing, one thing became clear: the SE846-CL excels across a variety of genres, but shines particularly with electronic, house, and trance music. Even though I experienced some struggles with the BAL connection on lower-quality recordings, when paired with the Cayin N8ii or HiBy R4 on high-gain mode, the SE846 revealed its true potential. Tracks like Becoming Insane by Infected Mushroom sound spacious and dynamic, with layers of sound coming at you from all angles.
For classical music and live concert recordings, the SE846 creates a remarkable sense of immersion. With the blue filter, I found the soundstage expanded to a degree that made it feel like I was sitting in the middle of the orchestra. Instruments had a natural separation, allowing me to hear each piece distinctly without the muddiness that can sometimes occur with lesser IEMs.
Bass
With the black filter (warm signature), the bass is rich and full-bodied, but not overwhelming. Electronic tracks, in particular, shine, with sub-bass being thick yet controlled, offering that satisfying “oomph” without muddying up the midrange. There’s a sense of depth here that’s hard to match—like you’re in a room with a well-tuned subwoofer. The best part is that the bass remains tight, even when pushed hard, which I tested extensively on some drum ‘n’ bass tracks.
Switching to the blue (balanced) filter, the bass becomes a bit more refined and less dominant. It’s still present, but not as forward in the mix, which can be a positive or negative depending on your taste. For genres like classical and jazz, where you want the low end to support rather than overpower, the blue filter strikes a perfect balance. Overall, the SE846 delivers a bass performance that is versatile, adaptable, and capable of reaching impressive depths without sacrificing clarity.
Midrange
The midrange, particularly with the black filter, is where the SE846 really starts to show its prowess. Vocals are warm and full, with a slight emphasis on lower mids, which gives male vocals in rock or jazz tracks a rich, natural presence. However, I did notice a bit of veiling in the upper midrange, which isn’t a dealbreaker but something to keep in mind if you’re particularly sensitive to midrange detail.
When I switched to the blue filter, the midrange opened up more, becoming less congested and more neutral. Vocals gained extra clarity and air, allowing instruments like guitars and pianos to take their rightful place in the mix without feeling overshadowed by the bass. With the balanced filter, genres like acoustic, folk, and even some pop sound remarkably clear and spacious. It’s a more refined listening experience, especially for those who enjoy clean instrument separation and detailed vocals.
Treble
The black filter provides a smooth treble response, making it ideal for long listening sessions without ear fatigue. However, the highs can feel a bit rolled off, particularly in the 8-10 kHz range, which might leave some high-frequency lovers wanting more. This smoother treble response makes the black filter great for electronic music, where harsh sibilance can often be a problem.
When I swapped to the red (extended) filter, the treble became more prominent, adding a sparkle that was missing with the black filter. High-hats, cymbals, and snare hits in tracks from Tool’s Sober or Infected Mushroom gained a crispness that breathed new life into the music. There’s still no sibilance, which is a blessing, but the highs are definitely more present, making this filter great for those who prefer a brighter sound.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly Customizable Sound: Four filters offer great flexibility, allowing users to tune the sound to their liking.
- Solid Build Quality: Sturdy, premium materials that feel durable and reliable.
- Excellent Noise Isolation: Up to 37 dB of noise attenuation, ideal for travel or noisy environments.
- Rich Bass Response: Capable of delivering deep, controlled bass without bleeding into the mids.
Cons:
- Filter Changing Process: While effective, the process of swapping filters can be tricky and time-consuming.
- Price: It’s a high-end product with a price to match. Not for the casual listener.
- Treble Roll-off with Black Filter: Treble may feel too subdued for some listeners, especially with the black filter.
Shure SE846-CL Review Conclusion
The Shure SE846-CL Japanese Edition is an IEM designed for those who demand high performance, customization, and durability. With four different filters to adjust the sound signature, this is one of the most versatile IEMs on the market. While the price may be steep, the build quality and sound performance justify it for serious audiophiles. Whether you’re looking for thumping bass, clean mids, or sparkling treble, the SE846 can adapt to meet your needs.
For those willing to invest time into finding the right filter and pairing it with high-quality gear, the Shure SE846-CL offers a truly immersive listening experience. Its ability to shine across multiple genres, from electronic to classical, makes it a standout choice in a sea of high-end IEMs. If you’re serious about your music, the SE846-CL is an investment worth considering.