Shure RMCE-TW2

Such a revelation! I have had the RMCE-TW2 adapters for just 2 weeks now and find them so comfortable and musically enjoyable that I’ve hardly had them off! If you’re wondering about them just give them a try as what’s to lose? Please read on if you’re interested but realised I was rattling on without first getting to the point of the review.

I bought the Shure SE 849 IEMs over 2 years ago which also came with the Shure BT1 Bluetooth adapter. I normally listen via a wired connection from an iPod touch through an Oppo HA-2 DAC/Headphone amplifier which I have enjoyed for almost 6 years now. I sometimes have used the BT1 on walks or train journeys but not that regularly. It gets some poor reviews but personally I have found it reasonably convenient and gives adequate quality through the SE849s which of course sound wonderful anyway. However I always found the BT1 cable stiff and not that comfortable for long periods. I was looking generally for a better Bluetooth adapter and spotted the Shure RMCE-TW2 which certainly looked the part and made for my IEMs though I’m sure they would be great with any MMCX connected IEMs. Thomann give a 30 day return period which I know they honour plus the best price so ordered them I have had them now for 2 weeks.
I find the fitting great, excellent battery life, reasonably sensitive touch controls and useful app.
Bluetooth obviously cannot yet match up to wired connections or wi-fi and I also have a pair of Meze Empyrean connected to a Chord Hugo 2 which sounds magnificent. However sometimes you need have convenience too while still enjoying your favourite music and these Shure fit the bill!

Easy and stable Bluetooth connectivity. Comfortable to wear. Great sound quality BUT (and a BIG BUT) the rigid arm from the over ear hook to the ear monitor is of a fixed length and unlike a wired arrangement does not allow the ear monitors to move with the ear canal. Instead they remain in a fixed position which causes a loss of seal in the ear canal when you open your jaw or move your head, resulting in a loss of bass. I need to continually reinsert the ear monitors to recreate the seal. Changing the ear tips has not improved this. Disappointing.