Next I fired up Breath Me by Sia, a track that I had recently used to evaluate the Etymotic ER.4 microPro headphones. This is a great test track since it starts off with very subtle acoustics and builds to a loud and enthralling climax. The Etymotic...

Brilliant earphones

Very expensive

If you're looking for top-notch in-ears, try these - but don't overlook Shure's other models and Etymotic designs.

Best sound quality of any in-ear headphones I've tested. Very comfortable. Compact and lightweight. Push-To-Hear (PTH) module is very handy when you need to hear outside sounds briefly. Great accessory set. Very efficient.

You pay through the nose for joy in your ears. Gain wheel on the PTH module is too recessed.

The Shure E500PTH are quite expensive headphones, but they sound absolutely fantastic, and the Push-To-Hear module is a brilliant idea. They're worth all of the 54,900 pennies.

Exceptional sound quality with a three-driver design, Comfortable and do a great job of passively blocking out noise, Includes push-to-hear control, Multiple ear adaptors and a nice set of accessories

Pricey but a solid investment, Switch on push-to-hear controller feels cheap

If you're the type who prefers uncompressed or lossless formats, require low-profile headphones, and don't mind investing in high-end headphones, the Shure E500PTH should be on your short list.

Shure's E500PTH 'phones offer exceptional sound quality with a three-driver design that's previously been available only for hundreds of dollars more; comfortable and do a great job of passively blocking out noise; includes push-to-hear control;...

Pricey but a solid investment; switch on push-to-hear controller feels cheap.

If you're the type who prefers uncompressed or lossless formats, require low-profile headphones, and don't mind investing in high-end headphones, the Shure E500PTH should be on your short list.

Exceptional sound quality with a three-driver design ; Comfortable and do a great job of passively blocking out noise ; Includes push-to-hear control ; Multiple ear adaptors and a nice set of accessories

Pricey but a solid investment ; Switch on push-to-hear controller feels cheap

In addition to the aforementioned cables, you also get a 23-centimetre extension cable, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm stereo adapter plug, a cleaning tool, a level attenuator (a small adaptor that controls master volume), and a sturdy oval carrying pouch. If you're...

Best not to overlook some of Shure's other models and Etymotic designs

If you are looking for top-notch in-ears, try these

Outstanding sound quality