Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones: A Top Pick for Audiophile-Quality Wireless Headphones

Audiophiles rejoice! The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 over-ear headphones provide an outstanding listening experience rivaling high-end home audio systems. As an upgrade to the popular AONIC 50, the Gen 2 model takes sound quality and usability to new heights.

Overview

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones brings studio-grade audio performance to a sleek, lightweight wireless headphone design. Developed by audio engineers with decades of professional experience, these headphones feature custom-tuned 50mm drivers for rich, nuanced sound across the frequency range.

Key Features

• Premium sound quality - The 50mm dynamic drivers are specially engineered to deliver smooth, accurate audio covering deep bass to soaring highs. Every detail shines through for a moving musical experience.
• Adjustable ANC - Hybrid active noise cancellation adapts to your environment, immersing you in pristine audio. Block out the world or let ambient sound in.
• 45+ hour battery life - Listen all day and then some on a single charge. Just 15 minutes of charging provides 5 extra hours of playtime.
• Custom EQ - Tweak the sound signature via the ShurePlus PLAY app and save profiles right on the headphones.
• Spatialized Audio - This exclusive technology creates an expansive, speaker-like soundstage, making music come alive.
• Premium build - Durable aluminum and steel components finished in handsome black provide industrial chic looks and comfort.
• Bluetooth 5 wireless - Class 1 transmitter enables rock-solid connectivity up to 100 meters from your device.

Design

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones feature an all-black color scheme with metal and high-quality plastic components for a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The over-ear cups and padded headband provide a comfortable fit for extended wear. The folding design allows the headphones to fold into a more compact shape for portability.

Ease of Use

Bluetooth pairing is quick and simple. The on-earcup controls provide convenient access to audio playback, call management, volume, and listening modes. The ShurePlus PLAY app enables you to easily customize settings and audio profiles on the go.

Build Quality

The aircraft-grade aluminum components and steel headband provide exceptional durability. The materials feel solid and premium, built to withstand regular use.

Sound Quality

The custom-tuned 50mm drivers deliver highly accurate and detailed sound across the entire frequency range. The expansive soundstage and spatial audio create an immersive listening experience.

Microphone Quality

The built-in beamforming microphones effectively isolate speech while minimizing ambient noise for clear call and voice quality.

Noise Cancellation

The hybrid ANC technology effectively reduces ambient sound in louder environments. The noise cancellation level is adjustable via the app.

Battery Life

The high-capacity battery enables up to 45 hours of playback per charge with ANC enabled. Quick charging capabilities allow you to get 5 extra hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging.

Connectivity

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 and can pair with two devices simultaneously. Wired options include analog 3.5mm and digital USB-C input.

Controls

The on-earcup controls provide access to audio playback, call management, volume, ANC modes, and voice assistants. The controls are touch-sensitive with a click sensation when pressed.

Ideal Uses

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones are ideal for:

• Music aficionados who desire premium wireless sound for enjoying lossless audio and high-res music on the go
• Audiophiles wanting a portable listening experience comparable to high-end home audio systems
• Frequent travelers needing exceptional noise cancellation to block out aircraft or train noise
• Creative professionals mixing audio and music wirelessly in studio settings
• Binge watchers craving cinema-quality sound for films, TV shows, and streaming videos
• Gamers who prioritize expansive, detailed game audio for total immersion

User Feedback Highlights

Overall, customer response to the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones is very positive. The superb audio quality earns consistent praise across reviews. Many describe the sound as “crisp”, “detailed”, and “immersive.” For audiophiles, the precision and realism match what you’d expect from high-end audio gear.

The hybrid ANC also receives kudos for effectively minimizing ambient noise. Users say the adjustable ANC blocks out distractions from chatter to airplane engines. The ambient listening mode comes in handy for increased awareness when needed.

Battery life is another big winner, handily surpassing the average for wireless headphones. Users are thrilled to get 35+ hours of use from a single charge, even heavy use with ANC on. Frequent travelers no longer need to pack a charging cable.

Comfort and wearability get high marks, with reviewers calling the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones “extremely comfortable” for long stretches. The padded ear cups and headband prevent fatigue during marathon listening or mixing sessions.

In terms of downsides, some larger-headed users find the clamping pressure too tight, even when fully extended. Those sensitive to snug fits may prefer a looser headphone design. A few users report technical issues with Bluetooth pairing, though this seems limited to defective units.

While the carrying case provides protection, many find it bulky for packing in bags and suitcases. The case also lacks storage for accessory cables.

Finally, the touch controls receive mixed reactions. Some users have no trouble operating them reliably. But others report accidental brushes triggering actions unintentionally. There is a learning curve to mastering the controls.

Overall though, for fantastic wireless sound, first-rate noise cancellation, and incredible battery stamina, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones ticks all the boxes for audiophiles on the move. The few compromises should not deter shoppers seeking sensational audio and premium features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Audiophile-grade wireless sound
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Very long battery life
- Premium design and build quality
- Customizable audio via app

Cons:
- Tight clamping force for some
- Bulky carrying case
- Steep learning curve on controls

Value

With premium drivers and components, customizable sound, and extensive battery life, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones deliver tremendous value for the price point. Audiophiles will be hard-pressed to find a more capable wireless headphone that can match the expansive, detailed sound. For critical listening on the go, these headphones are a superb investment.

Seamless Experience

Bluetooth 5 provides cable-free convenience and range, while auxiliary cables expand your connectivity options. Control music, calls, and volume right from the earcups. Up to 45 hours of battery life outlast even the longest playlists. The comfortable over-ear design makes the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones a pleasure to wear all day. For discerning listeners seeking superb wireless sound, these Shure headphones hit all the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key features of the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones?

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones offer premium studio-quality sound through custom-engineered 50mm dynamic drivers. They feature spatialized audio technology with three unique modes - Music, Cinema, or Podcast - to enhance your listening experience. The headphones also come with hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) technology for immersive sound isolation, customizable EQ settings via the ShurePlus PLAY app, and Bluetooth 5 wireless technology for enhanced stability and range.

How long is the battery life of the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones?

These headphones boast an impressive battery life of up to 45 hours on a single charge. Additionally, quick charge capabilities allow for five hours of use with just fifteen minutes of charging time.

What connectivity options does the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones offer?

The headphones support wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5 with a class 1 transmitter, providing a stable connection with a range of up to 100 meters (320 feet). They also include a 3.5mm analog audio cable for wired connections and a USB-C digital input for charging and high-resolution streaming audio.

How comfortable are the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones to wear?

While the headphones feature a well-built frame with metal yokes and hinges, some users have reported issues with comfort, particularly for larger heads. The headband padding may feel thin and delicate, and the clamp force can be strong, leading to discomfort during extended use.

How effective is the active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones?

The ANC technology on these headphones has received mixed reviews. While some users appreciate its effectiveness in blocking out distractions, others have found it to be lacking compared to competitors, especially in windy conditions. Additionally, there have been reports of faint clicking noises in the right earcup when ANC is enabled.

Tips

1. Optimizing EQ Settings: Utilize the free ShurePlus PLAY app to customize the EQ settings according to your preferences for an enhanced audio experience.

2. Consider Comfort: If you have a larger head or prioritize comfort, you may want to test the fit of the headphones before purchasing, as some users have reported issues with discomfort during extended wear.

3. Battery Management: Take advantage of the quick charge capabilities to ensure that your headphones are always ready for use, especially when on the go.

4. Explore Connectivity Options: Experiment with both wireless and wired connections to find the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

5. Test ANC Performance: Assess the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation feature in various environments to determine its suitability for your usage scenarios.

Knowledge

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones feature proprietary spatialized audio technology that enhances the depth of your listening experience by widening the sound stage without introducing unnatural artifacts. This innovative feature replicates the sensation of listening through high-end speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience.

Additionally, the headphones offer clear call quality through beamforming microphone technology and proprietary automatic gain control (AGC) settings, ensuring premium communication during phone calls or video conferences.

Overall, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones combine premium audio quality, customizable features, and long-lasting battery life, making them a compelling choice for audiophiles and critical listeners alike.

Specifications

• Transducer type: Dynamic, 50 mm drivers
• Frequency range: Unknown
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Impedance: Unknown
• Bluetooth: 5.0 with class 1 transmitter
• Battery life: Up to 45 hours (ANC on)
• Weight: 1 lb
• Dimensions: 13.9 x 11 x 3.8 in

What’s in the Box

The Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless Headphones include:

• AONIC 50 Gen 2 over-ear headphones
• Carrying case
• 3.5mm audio cable
• USB-C charging cable

Getting Started

To begin using the AONIC 50 Gen 2 headphones:

1. Fully charge the headphones before first use.
2. Pair the headphones with your Bluetooth device.
3. Download the ShurePlus PLAY app to customize settings like EQ presets and spatial audio.
4. Select noise cancellation mode or enable ambient listening.
5. Wear the headphones and play audio from your connected device.
6. Adjust volume on the earcup controls.
7. When finished, power off and store in the carrying case.

With personalized sound, rich detail, and convenient wireless operation, the AONIC 50 Gen 2 deliver an exceptional listening experience anywhere you go.