In relation to the very best headphones there is no such thing as a scarcity in anyway for high-end, top-quality over-ear cans – an area the place Shure needs to be in competition on the high with its second-generation Aonic 50, on assessment right here.
I’ve listened to lots of the greatest noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones and, given the character of my job, I are likely to reside in such headphones with ANC activated so I can consider getting phrases down with out exterior world distractions gaining my consideration.
I’ve worn the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 on and off for every week, each inside and open air, to realize an understanding of how these headphones cope in varied situations. Provided that these new-gen over-ears are priced at a degree the place you possibly can think about the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 as an alternative, nevertheless, does Shure efficiently stand other than the obvious selections?
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 assessment: What’s new?
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
When Shure introduced its second-generation pair of its in style studio-quality Aonic 50 headphones – which occurred at a client present known as IFA, the place they made T3’s Better of Tech 2023 lower – the upgrades over the first-generation have been clear, however not notably intensive.
One, these wi-fi cans add Shure’s spatial audio help, which delivers Music, Cinema, and Podcast modes. Two they beef up the battery, which is alleged to ship 50 per cent longer life per cost – up to an enormous 45 hours per cost – so are a lot longer-lasting. Three, the design is now all-black, with no different prospers or colourway choices to buy (but, anyway).
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2: Worth & Availability
There isn’t any doubting Shure’s confidence within the Aonic 50 Gen 2’s craft, as these over-ears are priced at £349/$349 – placing them in competition with among the different high-ranked top-tier headphones of in the present day.
I can solely actually consider Bose’s QuietComfort Extremely Headphones as costing much more proper now (£449/$429). Or Apple’s insanely priced AirPods Max (£499/$549), in fact.
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 assessment: Design & Usability
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
The Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 are available a hardshell carry case with the Shure brand on the entrance. It zips up tightly, whereas inside you will discover a 3.5mm cable for wired listening, which lives inside somewhat mesh ‘nest’ for storage. I’ve usually simply put the headphones unfastened right into a bag when out and about, nevertheless, as this case is pretty sizeable general.
As talked about, a delicate new design function of the Gen 2 Aonic 50 is the all-black end. Personally I might desire a lick of silver or metallic flourish to offer a further focal point; the all-black method is extra subdued than the headphones they exchange.
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
Controls are fairly plentiful on these over-ears: the correct earcup homes the on/off/Bluetooth button; there is a play/pause and quantity up/down triple button set close by this; whereas a tri-position slider change handles the energetic noise-cancellation (ANC) degree. I would like contact controls for almost all of those with a single button for ANC choice, to make the whole lot much less busy trying.
The left earcup is the place the three.5mm jack is housed for wired listening; nevertheless the USB-C port on the correct earcup can be designated for hi-res listening (as much as 32-bit/384kHz) which matches to point out simply how studio high-res succesful these cans are.
When it comes to consolation, I have been carrying the Aonic 50 Gen 2 on and off for every week and I’ve discovered them respectable, given the mushy earcups and headband, though the place of the earcups when worn has tended to push the headscarf additional ahead for me. They do not really feel like they will slip off, although.
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 assessment: Options & Efficiency
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
The extra I’ve used the Aonic 50 Gen 2 the extra I’ve felt as if these over-ears are going to be greatest for these sometimes utilizing headphones at house. They’re premium studio headphones in spite of everything, with plenty of format compatibility – aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, LDAC – and to 32-bit/384kHz compatibility through USB-C, must you be listening from a laptop computer or related.
With good high quality supply materials the Aonic 50 Gen 2 delivers a assured sound that is wealthy and fascinating, with out pushing too firmly on anyone factor of bass, mid or treble. And in case you assume the sound is somewhat missing in life then the ShurePlay app (for Android and iOS) comes with plenty of EQ pre-sets and even a extremely adjustable guide management.
That guide management permits for +/-10dB changes from 20Hz on the low-end, by means of to 20kHz on the high-end, which supplies you an thought of how dramatically the already huge spectrum of sound may be manipulated to your needs. I’ve present in noisier outside situations including a Loudness pre-set may be useful to realize that further oomph in supply.
(Picture credit score: Future / Shure)
There isn’t any missing of quantity or readability from the Aonic 50 Gen 2 both. The explanation I do not assume they’re preferrred for open air use is as a result of, properly, the energetic noise-cancelling (ANC) expertise is not as adept because the best-of-best available on the market (Bose and Sony have that wrapped up), whereas ANC – which makes use of exterior microphones so as to operate – suffers fairly poorly from wind tear, even in not crazily windy conditions. When carrying the Aonic 50 Gen 2 on the London Underground, for instance, stress modifications prompted vital pops and outages.
It is after I’ve been sat at house, listening with extra intent, that I’ve discovered the Aonic 50 Gen 2 to be at their greatest. They’re in fact wi-fi headphones, so do provide that versatility of outdoor use, I’ve simply had merchandise deal with these situations higher previously.
It is also while sat at house that I’ve dug somewhat deeper into the Spatializer function, additionally current within the app, which makes use of an algorithm to help with given enhanced three-dimensionality to Music, Cinema and Podcast. It really works properly, spacing sounds aside to offer the impression of a wider soundstage, though it is not going to make all content material essentially sound higher.
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 assessment: Verdict
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
When you’re in search of well-made headphones with high-quality sound and high-res audio compatibility the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 are a assured pair of over-ears that ship audio with gusto – and add somewhat further because of the Spatializer and customisable EQ settings.
The energetic noise-cancellation (ANC), nevertheless, is not probably the most highly effective I’ve heard in a pair of headphones, and when this mode is engaged when open air it does not cope brilliantly with wind tear sounds. In consequence I might predominantly use these headphones within the studio, or on the workplace desk.
All in all of the second-gen Aonic 50 are assured for a cause: Shure certain is aware of good sound and these over-ear headphones ship that eloquently for at-home listening. They do price a packet, although, so in case you’re prone to be out and about and wish to spend a tad much less there are different apparent go-to alternate options.
Additionally think about
If it is the perfect energetic noise-cancelling (ANC) that you really want then look to the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones. Nonetheless, these are dearer than the Shure, so in case you nonetheless need very good high quality and sound for rather less then the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the very best ANC headphones for most individuals on the time of writing. And if ANC is not your foremost concern and also you desire a extra delicate, gentler design, then Bowers & Wilkins’ PX7 S2 are additionally an amazing choice to think about.
