Shure E500PTH Noise Isolating Headphones Comments

Is the design of the current SE500pth identical to these?

Some punters say they find that instruments sound like small models when using these (and all earphones) compared with over-the-ear headphones or hi-fi speakers. Do others agree with this analysis, or is it possible to effectively "retrain" one's brain with time to perceive the sound as being very similar to being in front of a live band or orchestra? There was talk some years ago of being able to "reprogram" the signal to be output to headphones sound that it was nearly the same as would be received by each ear under live conditions.

Seems like a fine pair of speakers, maybe I should hear them out some time.

But for the reviewer's and other people's benefit, there are in fact still 'phones notches up the Shure's - take a look at the Westone 3, ACS T1, and the Futuresonics Customs. I have not heard them personally but they are great IEMs also - and the first two are also triple-driver IEMs. Futuresonics however, only use dynamic drivers - and their customs are no exception. Of course their prices are also similiar, so that's why I suggested them too ;)

And to think that people waste good money (and these) buying these to go with iPods - some people are just so silly...