Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review

With the latest release of Beyerdynamic Xelento Remote, we’ve been asked about how the high-res Tesla driven earbud fares to its competitor quad-driven competitor Shure. Here it all is in our Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review.

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review – Packaging

Xelento is delivered in a dark-colored box with the word “Xelento” printed on the top. It opens up to reveal two triangular stainless steel housings propped up and staring back at you. Underneath them you’ll find two silver-plated detachable cables and other accessories.

Shure SE846 ships in a black box with the Shure embossed in silver on the top. It opens up to reveal a large, rectangular clear box holding a smaller black case (for transporting your buds and accessories) as well as a black molding that holds the bronze SE846’s.

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review – Build & Design

Xelento Remote and the SE846 look quite different from one another. Although both are in-ear models featuring an MMCX connection and over-ear-hook design, the earbuds vastly differ in the overall shape and build. First off, Xelento housings look more like rounded triangles with ear tips sticking out of one of the sides. Users have the option of listening with either Comply foam tips or bell curve-shaped silicone tips. I’ll admit, the housings may look a little peculiar, but the triangular ear pieces fit like a glove. Plus, the chassis looks sleek with a cool, minimal aesthetic. It’s no wonder Beyerdynamic describes the Xelento Remote as an audible piece of jewelry. The shiny stainless steel body paired with a silver plated cable is the epitome of elegance. Not that the SE846 doesn’t deliver on grace. With shiny bronze (or transparent, black, and blue) housings, these buds also ooze a look sophistication, but the cable is the standard black MMCX cord with soft flex hooks. The ear buds are ergonomically-shaped like other Shure (and Westone) IEMs to sit comfortably in the conch of your ear. I have no issue wearing both the Xelento and SE846 which is a feat for me since I have a tragus piercing in my right ear.

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review – Features

Xelento Remote includes a universal remote and mic on the silver-plated cable which I find very efficient. It is nice to have the option of controlling your music and calls while getting the most out of my musical experience. It’s been said that cables involving remotes and mics can lead to a lower quality sound due to an interruption in the signal as its being transmitted from device to your ears. However, with Xelento the audio is as pristine as ever. It includes another silver-plated audio cable, a clip, a minimal yet chic leather case, and an array of different-sized earbuds including Comply foam and more bell-curve shaped silicone tips.

Shure SE846 includes a plethora of goodies, like Xelento. These IEMs are shipped along with  an array of tips (foam, flanged, flex, black and yellow foam), two audio cables, an airline adapter, a quarter inch adapter, clip, cleaning cloth, and a frequency response customization kit. There are also two cases in which to store the buds. While the SE846 does not include a spare cable with an in-line remote and mic, the cable is available (universal) at Audio 46 or Amazon. There’s also a cable for iOS also available at Audio 46 and Amazon.

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review – Sound

Xelento is stellar when it comes to sound. Looks like that Tesla technology is pristine in both their large audiophile over-ear models and their high-resolution in-ears. Xelento allows the lows, mids, and highs to each have their moment to shine. It sounds like no matter what you listen to, everything can be heard. The bass is present and balanced without coming off as boomy. This isn’t a bassy earbud. The overall tone is a bit punchy, and bright giving way to let the mid and highs really sparkle without covering the lows. I’m such a fan. It makes for a really fun listening experience. The sound stage is very nice and open creating pretty vivid spatial recreation.

When it comes to Shure SE846, it’s got a much warmer tone compared to Beyerdynamic’s Xelento – that must be the four high-definition balanced armature microdrivers at work. The SE846 delivers a very smooth and rounded sound signature with bass that is very present, yet relaxed (not too punchy, just really relaxed). It’s like Shure has said before, these buds provide “true subwoofer performance.” The mids are also present with detail and clarity – nicely positioned and spaced between the lows and the highs resulting in a very relaxed and pleasing delivery. What I like about the SE846 is its ability to highlight the plucking of guitar strings while still delivering a laid-back and fluid tone throughout the entire frequency range. Xelento is more forward (though, not in your face) in comparison.

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review – Specs

Xelento

Impedance: 16 ohms

Frequency Response Range: 8 Hz – 48,000 Hz

Driver: Tesla Technology Driver

Sensitivity: 110 dB (1 mW / 500 Hz)

Shure SE846

Impedance: 9 ohms

Frequency Response Range: 15 Hz – 20,000 Hz

Driver: 4 Micro Balanced Armature Drivers

Sensitivity : 114 dB SPL/mW (1 kHz)

Beyerdynamic Xelento vs Shure SE846 Review – Overview

Honestly, both of these headphones are excellent. They offer the best in quality and build.  It will really come down to your personal preferences in wear, sound signature, and feel as to whether which bud is ideal for you. Xelento’s triangular stainless steel body and in-line remote and mic provide a beautiful, glittering sound signature while the ergonomically-designed Shure SE846 delivers a smooth, round, and relaxed tone. As I mentioned before, the real tie breaker between these two will be your personal hearing profile (and possibly your taste in aesthetics).

The Beyerdynamic Xelento 2nd Gen is available at the lowest price of $999.99 at Audio 46 and Amazon.

Shure SE846 is also available for $899 at Audio 46 and Amazon.

Happy listening!