Priced at ₹24,999, the Shure Aonic 50 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are expected to compete toe-to-toe with the best in the market. Renowned for their audiophile-grade earphones and headphones, Shure’s products have traditionally appealed to purists and audiophiles.
With the release of the Aonic lineup, Shure has expanded its offerings by incorporating features like Active Noise Cancellation, wireless connectivity, and support for various Bluetooth Codecs. This move positions the Aonic 50 to challenge the dominance of competitors such as the Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 35 II, and Sennheiser Momentum 3.
The real test lies in the performance arena. Can the Shure Aonic 50 truly outshine its competitors and deliver an audio experience that rivals or even surpasses the best in its class?
Shure Aonic 50 Review:
The Shure Aonic 50 represents a departure from the company’s past offerings, showcasing a significant improvement in its design and functionality. While lacking in flashy features, it opts for manual controls, giving it a somewhat classic appeal.
Despite its simplicity and relatively high price point, the Aonic 50 exudes quality craftsmanship and an elegant aesthetic that justifies its cost. Its sturdy construction and sleek design make it a worthwhile investment.
Furthermore, the Aonic 50 boasts support for various advanced codecs such as aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, Sony LDAC, AAC, and Qualcomm aptX, ensuring a high-quality audio experience.
Design and Specification in a Single Line:
The Shure Aonic 50 is an over-ear headphone offered in both brown and black color options. Its ear casing, crafted from plastic, adds to its sturdy build, while the prominent Shure logo adorns the outer part.
One notable design feature of the Shure Aonic 50 is the elegant stitching on the headband, adding a touch of sophistication. Additionally, precise details are evident on the band just above the ear cup, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
While the Shure Aonic 50 Wireless Noise Cancellation headphones may appear bulky, they provide comfort once you achieve the proper fit.
On the right earcup, you’ll find the pairing/power button, which also serves for call management, playback control, track navigation, and activating voice assistants. Additionally, the right panel houses a toggle switch for adjusting between active noise cancellation and environment mode.
It’s worth noting that the placement of the USB-C port might seem unconventional, being on the right side instead of the expected left. Similarly, the headphone jack for the included cable is located on the left side panel.
While the dedicated buttons offer a satisfying tactile feel, distinguishing their functions without looking can be challenging. As a result, users may occasionally press the wrong button until they become accustomed to their locations.
Each earcup houses a 50mm Neodymium dynamic transducer, providing a frequency response spanning from 20Hz to 22kHz. Additionally, these headphones are equipped with support for AAC, SBC Bluetooth Codecs, and AptX, ensuring compatibility with Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
Efficiency in Performance and Battery Duration:
The experience of using the Shure Aonic 50 is one of quality and functionality. While its price may seem steep, it offers a range of features that elevate it above average. The touch controls are intuitive, adding convenience to the user experience. However, like many other headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), there’s a faint white noise present, particularly noticeable in quiet environments.
Speaking of ANC, it excels in quiet settings but falls short in normal mode. Nevertheless, it effectively suppresses low-frequency sounds, making it suitable for noisy environments like trains or planes, especially when set to Max mode.
In terms of sound quality, the Shure Aonic 50 delivers excellent performance across various types of audio, from high-resolution tracks to compressed streaming content. However, the quality of the source material can influence the overall experience.
While the ANC is above average, those prioritizing noise cancellation might prefer alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM4. Alternatively, for users seeking wireless headphones with decent ANC, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 is a worthy consideration.
Battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 30 hours, making it ideal for various activities such as commuting, working from home, or traveling, without the worry of frequent recharging.
Shure has also ensured that the microphone offers strong intelligibility, making it suitable for phone calls or voice recordings, ensuring clear communication in various scenarios.
Conclusion:
The Shure Aonic 50 wireless headphones deliver excellent sound quality with a detailed and analytical profile, although some users may find the bass lacking initially. However, the accompanying app’s EQ allows for adjustments to enhance the bass output to suit individual preferences, ensuring a more satisfying listening experience.
While the price may appear steep at first glance, it’s worth noting that there has been a significant price drop within just a year, making these headphones a more attractive option for potential buyers. At their current price point, they offer exceptional value for money.
One notable limitation is the reliance on high-resolution and binaural audio tracks to truly unlock the headphones’ full potential. Additionally, the lack of customization options for the ANC system may be disappointing for some users, as there are no settings available to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to personal preferences.
Overall, the Shure Aonic 50 Wireless headphones stand out as a premium choice in the market, providing top-notch audio quality and craftsmanship. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences to ensure that these headphones align with their expectations and requirements.
Leave a Reply