SE-210: Poor value

I have just purchased my second pair of SE-210's. Not because I liked the first pair so much I wanted a back-up pair, or because I lost the first set, but because I could not believe that first pair weren't defective. I returned them two days after purchase. I have had this new pair for one day, and they are going back tonight. Absolutely unacceptable sound quality.

Sound is a difficult concept to describe in words. But if you can imagine what a pair of $10 or $20 headphones picked up at a gas station of airport would sound like, you'ld be spot on -- zero depth or clarity.

I tested them on my video iPod as well as via an LP playing through my NAD T-743 receiver. Even with the clarity and depth my home systems provides, the SE-210 made the music unlistenable.

I have a pair of Sony's that cost me about $100 from GoodGuys that look like the MDR-EX51LP, although mine are a bit older I think. The Sony product was hands down superior, and less expensive. For $149, the SE-210 should be very nice. They are not.

Sadly I now have to take these back to the Apple store and they are going to have to eat the cost instead of Shure.

Shure, you should be ashamed.