Shure SE115

Design

In this match-up, we prefer the MM 50 iPs aesthetically. The glossy black plastic on the backs of their ear buds looks a bit better than the drab rubbery stuff on back of the SE115s. This being said, they’re both in-ears, so these differences we’ve called out are very, very minor.

In terms of durability, the SE115s win by a landslide. The MM 50 iPs have a tendency to shear at the plug with no options for recourse. The SE115s, however, will let you replace the lower part of the cord.

Shure SE115	Sennheiser MM50 iP

Frequency Response

The SE115s again lose the frequency response battle. That part towards the high end is bad news.

Shure SE115	Sennheiser MM50 iP

Distortion

In our experience, Sennheisers typically have very low distortion levels. This reinforces our assumptions nicely.

Shure SE115	Sennheiser MM50 iP

Tracking

Both headphones have very similar tracking scores. The SE115s favor the left during the mid-range, while the MM 50 iPs favor the right, but their overall performances were almost identical.

Shure SE115	Sennheiser MM50 iP

Isolation

The MM 50 iPs aren’t great isolators. The SE115s, on the other hand, are.

Shure SE115	Sennheiser MM50 iP

Comfort

We thought the MM 50 iPs were more comfortable than the average set of in-ears, while the SE115s were about average. Of course, since the SE115s come with more sleeve options than the MM 50 iPs, users have a better chance of finding a great fit with them.

Verdict

This is an interesting match-up. We thought the MM 50 iPs were more comfortable overall, but the Shure SE115s are more adaptable. The MM 50 iPs have a remote and mic, but the SE115s have the potential to have this add-on plus many others. The MM 50 iPs aren’t as durable, but look better.

Really, this match-up boils down to a few points: overall audio quality and actuality vs. potentiality. The Shure SE115s have the potential to be better all-around headphones than the MM 50 iPs, since they isolate well and have a modular cord. The modular cord increases their already high level of durability by letting you replace the cord cheaply and it also allows in-line accessories. The MM 50 iPs have better overall audio quality and are a better pick for people who don’t want to have to buy additional accessories.