The SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones deliver superior acoustic performance, comfort, and durability to professional engineers, musicians, and audiophiles alike. There was a problem. Shure SRH1540 Premium Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones Review Shure's top of the line closed-back headphone, the SRH1540 Over-Ear, is as … For most listening tastes, the Shure SRH1840 is a safe bet, if not the perfect headphone for those who want a well-rounded (but still detailed) listening solution. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. With the SRH1540, you hear all the bass parts clearly down to the deepest lows, just without the artificial impression that subwoofers are hidden inside the cups. © Your subscription has been confirmed. The SRH1540 is a near twin of Shure's SRH1840 open-back, full-size cans, but rather than use a Mylar diaphragm, the SRH1540 sports a newly developed 40mm APTIV film diaphragm for improved linearity and lower distortion (the SRH1540 is the only Shure model with APTIV drivers). Ships with two detachable cables, a replacement pair of earcups, and the sturdiest hard-shell headphone case we've ever seen. The Shure SRH1540’s sound characteristics makes it a very engaging headphone for all forms of media, with its lively bass, large soundstage for a closed headphone, and vibrant clarity up top. The acoustic-led instrumental accompaniment is clear and textured, and the intricate strings of notes are tangible. This is a serious purchase at $499, but mix engineers and music lovers alike will not be disappointed with what they hear. Review of The Shure SRH1540 Premium Headphones The SRH1540 are over-ear, closed-back headphones, which Shure recommend especially for “professional engineers, musicians and audiophiles”. Apple AirPods Pro vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Which Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones Are Better? We’ve long been acquainted with Shure’s great-sounding, comfortable headphones – and it is business as usual with its new closed-back over-ears. Both headphone pairs are excellent, but while the Mo-Fi is coated in a sheen of highly sculpted, dramatic highs and rich lows, the SRH1540 is decidedly focused on balance throughout the entire frequency range. In recent years, microphone giants Shure have been building up their range of high-quality headphones. Shure describes the SRH1540 as its “premium closed-back headphone,” featuring “an expansive soundstage with clear, extended highs and warm bass.” The description fit the bill, Tyll’s review on Inner Fidelity helped solidify my confidence in its performance and having the sound signature I was looking for, so I decided to pick up the SRH1540 without ever demoing it beforehand. The oval cups might be big (not monstrously so), making them less-than-ideal travel partners, but their aluminium alloy and carbon-fibre construction mean they’re surprisingly light at only 286g. 42 points. Exceptionally comfortable. A dual-exit cable – one wire connected to each earcup – has a 3.5mm end that fits into your portable device, but a 6.5mm gold-plated adapter for use with higher-end systems comes supplied too. It shure looks like the bargain hunters are taking a longer harder look at the SRH1440. Shure SRH1540. Beats Powerbeats Pro: Which True Wireless Earbuds Are the Best? Comfortably enveloping and roomy inside, they’re the sort you could fall asleep wearing and they make perfect company to carry you through album after album. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. While they fold up pretty well, the fact is that they’re better suited to being your stay-at-home (or stay-in-the-studio) pair of headphones. These headphones are an excellent tool for both analyzing a mix and critical listening. Play something upbeat such as Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean and the Shures are fanatical: they hit hard on the distinct bassline, and their fast, nimble manner handles the song’s subtle rhythmic shifts effortlessly. Few headphones can extend down as low as 5Hz and yet deliver accurate bass response that doesn't boost the low-end into blowing out the rest of the mix. Once their super-soft pads (they’re actually covered in Alcantara – suede-like material more commonly used on car seats) bear-hug your ears, it’s hard to part with them. Reply May 2, 2012 L. For more particular or niche tastes, however, other headphones may offer a more tailored sound. If you're on a budget, something similar to the flat response sound of the SRH1540 can be found in far more affordable headphone pairs, like the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($114.95 at Amazon) or the Akai MPC Headphones ( at Amazon) . We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. There's a lot of detail and air, but not at the expense of a solid, full-bodied bass. Accessories The SRH1540 includes pretty much everything you’d expect, and more. This is about presenting a clear picture of the mix, something few headphones are intended to do these days, so don't expect exaggerated bass response. $120 off wireless Solo Pro at Best Buy, Expansive, open, beautifully balanced, detailed, driven sound. Build quality is solid, with an aluminum headband and extenders. Shure SRH1540; Storage case; 1x Pair replacement earpads; 2x Cables; 1/4” adapter; Read: Hifiman Edition X V2 Open-back Headphones Review. On top of that, it's fairly safe to say that Shure SRH1540 are more popular wired headphones, based on their reviews. When most people are looking for new headphones, one of the biggest concerns is portability. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. All rights reserved. Build quality. Instead, like the electronic drum hits on "Silent Shout," the bass presence is clear, round, and well-defined without being overpowering. Shure SRH1540 Shure SRH1540 Review. With all other headphones I've tried there always was a trade-off. With high density, slow recovery ear pads and a padded premium headband, these headphones can be worn for hours without discomfort. It's an accurate sound that purists will embrace, but it's perhaps a bit clinical for some listeners. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. He specializes in reviewing audio products, and is obsessed with headphones, speakers, and recording gear. PerformanceThe SRH1540 is a phenomenal pair of headphones for reference listening. All these fancy parts are put together really well and the build feels durable. The SRH1540 ships with replacement earpads, a luxurious inclusion that the price seems to warrant. The SRH1540 headphones are very light, though the carbon and (aircraft grade) aluminium alloy yoke and frame are remarkably strong, and this makes them very easy to wear for extended periods. Apple Will Fix It for Free, Corsair's Latest Headset Is Packed With Tactile Feedback, Apple Discounts Its EarPods and Power Adapter After Removing Them From iPhone Boxes, Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds Cost Only $49, Ultimate Ears UE Fits Earbuds Mold to Perfectly Fit Your Ears. … Excellent (4.0) Bottom Line. That makes it easy for the headband, which rests lightly on your head thanks to two strips of leather cushioning. The earpads, aside from being comfortable, also passively block out a notable amount of ambient room noise. Though the SRH1540 ships with two detachable cables, neither has an inline remote or mic. SRH1540 Closed-Back Headphones. Looking for a great sound that you can enjoy in pampering comfort all day long? The ear pads are firm, sitting comfortably over the ear with very little pressure. If you have the budget, however, and want a headphone pair that can reach down to the depths of the lowest bass frequencies and deliver them without any exaggeration, the Shure SRH1540 is an ideal pair. The best OLED TV deals: LG, Sony, Vizio, 55, 65 and 77-inch TVs, Huge Beats headphones deal! Shure SRH1840 Review – High Price, Low Weight, Open Back . Thus, the lower register strings and percussion take a bit of a backseat to the vocal performances, higher register strings, and percussion. They're comfortable, and have a well balanced audio reproduction for critical listening but aren't the most versatile headphones. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Shure SRH1540 - Headphones with the best in sound and innovation with features, offering top-tier enjoyment and a thrilling listening experience for true audiophiles, as well as for mixing and mastering with powerful bass performance. Shure SRH1540 vs Shure SRH1840. Comfortably enveloping and roomy inside, they’re the sort you could fall asleep wearing and they make perfect company to carry you through album after album. Impressively lightweight despite large size. Give these a go. vs. vs. 17 facts in comparison. The Shure SRH1540 is among the more accurate headphone pairs we've tested, delivering deep lows and crisp highs clearly with very little boosting. The light weight is partially responsible for the SRH1540's very comfortable feel—but a major factor is the overstuffed, super-plush earpads. Their broad sonic presentation serves up a nice spread that’s easy on the ears, and their balance never leans either side of neutral. Bringing them down a notch with the introductory piano sequence in Daft Punk’s Within, there’s a seamless fluidity to notes that lesser cans struggle to match, and stark insight into each struck key. Firstly, the storage case seems really well-made and will serve as good protection. Full, potent bass presence, and crisp, open-esque soundstage makes it an easy recommendation even at its price range. The Shure 1840 continues to be my favorite headphone. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Which Pair Is Better? There's an articulate low frequency presence; it just takes a backseat to the high-mid edge of the vocals and guitar strumming. Contributing Editor Tim Gideon has been writing for PCMag since 2006. If they were detailed they were lacking in bass. Peel off the pads and you’ll get a glimpse of the 40mm neodymium drivers buried inside the earcups. Once their super-soft pads (they’re actually covered in Alcantara – suede-like material more commonly used on car seats) bear-hug your ears, it’s hard to part with them. PCMag Digital Group. In October last year, we reviewed their impressive top-of-the-range closed-back model, the SRH940. AirPods Pro vs. AirPods 2: Which True Wireless Apple Earbuds Are Better? A few weeks go I gave away my Sennheiser HD-800 after 2-1/2 years of very little use. The Shures really do lay music bare, regardless of genre. When we talk about audio purists seeking flat response, this sound signature is precisely what we're referring to. Also in the box is a hard-shell travel case, as well as an extra cable and pair of ear pads to swap in when the others eventually wear out. Bubbly and naturally musical, they are a real treat to listen to. Thank you for signing up to What Hi-Fi?. After the energy of Daft Punk, we quieten down with The Sundays’ Wild Horses and the 1540s hang onto every quiver of Harriett Wheeler’s soaring vocals. You get a strong sense of the intense low-end, but the crisp vocals and high-mids in general rule the spotlight. How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, The Best Bluetooth Headphones for Running, The Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running, AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for 2020, The Best Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds for 2020. The SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones deliver superior acoustic performance, comfort, and durability to professional engineers, musicians, and audiophiles alike. Receive news and offers from our other brands? BA1 1UA. 1.8 m, straight. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. 49 points. The Shure SRH840 headphones are an over-ear pair of headphones that feature a sleek black look. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/shure-srh1540. 5Hz lower low-frequency ... (which has view statistics) the SRH1440 review in 16 days has now gotten as many views as the 1840 review got in 39 days. The pads are covered in Alcantara, a composite material that feels like an expensive cross between velvet and fine leather. Second is the inclusion of 2 cables. Classical tracks, like the opening scene in John Adams' "The Gospel According to the Other Mary," get about as flat a response as you can get. Again, the sound here is crisp, but not without low-end. His vocals retain a crisp edge and their rich baritone presence, while the drums are delivered with a subtle bass presence. DesignShure's designs have always tended visually towards the utilitarian rather than the flashy, though the black-and-silver SRH1540 manages to throw in a little flare on top of its simple looks with carbon fiber panels on each earcup. Tested by Shure engineers for rugged durability, the SRH1540 headphones have a lightweight carbon fibre composition and aluminium alloy yoke. Why? The SRH1540 utilizes 40 mm neodymium drivers for an expansive soundstage with clear, extended highs and warm bass. Dampen the Din: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 vs. QuietComfort 35 II. This case would eat up a large portion of any carry-on bag, but if you must travel with the SRH1540, Shure has ensured that the headphones will stay protected. Visual markers or click-stops on the headband would have been nice, but the lock is secure and fits so precisely that it isn't entirely necessary. by Eric Frederiksen | March 17, 2019 March 17, 2019 7:30 am EDT # headphones # open-back headphones Shure Headphone Reviews Technology. No inline remote control or mic on either cable. Shure SRH145 review If you have $50, you have enough for these awesome headphones and two beers By Ryan Waniata November 9, 2014 Shure SRH145 Score Details DT … Basking in the same five-star success as their big-brothers (the SHR1840s, £600), the SHR1540s amount to another outstanding effort from Shure. The Shure SRH1540 is among the more accurate headphone pairs … On a track with tremendous sub-bass content, like The Knife's "Silent Shout," the SRH1540 delivers a clear picture of the deep lows without the booming intensity of most headphones with boosted bass response. They present almost zero embellishment, and are a purist's dream. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Keep an eye on your inbox! The package includes a pair of replacement pads for when the inevitable hair grease and head sweat onslaught overpowers the super-modern materials employed by Shure. Still, compared to other home or studio headph… A 1/4-inch headphone jack adapter is also included, along with the largest, most heavy-duty hard-shell headphone case we've encountered in recent memory. Ships with two detachable cables, a replacement pair of earcups, and the sturdiest hard-shell headphone case we've ever seen. Home > Headphones comparison > Shure SRH1540 vs Shure SRH1840. is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. When we talk about frequency response, we're referring to how a set of headphones handles each frequency along the spectrum from 20Hz (the lowest bass) to 10kHz (the highest treble). Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. AirPods 2 vs. by Tim Gideon Aug 27, 2014. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. You know you want to. The SRH1540 go from a deep, soulful bass to appropriate airy treble without making much of a fuzz about it. MORE: Awards 2014 - Best on-ear headphones. The … Despite a massive frame, the SRH1540 is deceptively lightweight at 10.1 ounces; compared with the recently tested, heavy-but-comfortable Blue Microphones Mo-Fi, it feels light as a feather. Bill Callahan's "Drover" gives us an even better sense of the SRH1540's sound signature. The SRH1540 ships with replacement earpads, a luxurious inclusion that the price seems to warrant. The HD-800 had a slight advantage in harmonic details and bass strength, but that was overshadowed by excess brightness. Impressively lightweight despite large size. Shure’s SRH1540 define the point of diminishing returns in headphone fidelity, and they are unparalleled in terms of comfort. Well, they’re pretty big, and don’t have a particularly tight clasp. Bright, crisp, dynamic headphone pairs are a rarity in this modern era of boosted bass. As I come to appreciate slightly brighter headphones and presentations, the Shure SRH1540 is one of the guiding lights along the way. Shure SRH1540 Review. There's low frequency presence, for sure, but it's very subtle compared with most options we test. Getting Static or Crackling in Your AirPods Pro? Another success story for Shure, the SHR1540s are 100 per cent worthy of their price – and your attention. Excellent audio performance. ... Shure. The SRH1540 Headphones utilize 40 mm neodymium drivers for an expansive soundstage with clear, extended highs and warm bass. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, It's worth noting that on another Jay-Z and Kanye West track, "Otis," I heard another sub-bass synth part with more clarity than I've ever heard it before: a note that's so low, most headphones can't accurately reproduce it. The earpads, aside from being comfortable, also passively block out a notable amount of ambient room noise. Best home over-ear headphones £300+, Awards 2015. Shure SRH1840 $ 79. Why is Shure SRH1540 better than Shure SRH1840? Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Bath Most headphones we test tend to have a moderate-to-intense bass response, so reviewing a pair like the Shure SRH1540 ($499.00 at Amazon) almost comes as a shock. While not for everyone, the SRH1540 earns our Editors' Choice for its dedication to accuracy. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Yet the Shure SRH1440 and SRH1840 resemble almost nothing I know of the SRH840 and SRH940’s sound. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices, Make sure you have a decent DAC/headphone amp – like the Audiolab M-DAC – to get the most from your music, As well as producing a brilliant sound, these headphones have excellent comfort. The Shure SRH1540's price may be a bit steep for some, but if you're looking for a great smooth-toned closed-back without resorting to an open-back model or a beefier amplifier, as of the submission date of this review, you'd be hard pressed to find a closed-back headphone that outperforms these cans! Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? This sound signature is more or less the opposite approach of the aforementioned Blue Mo-Fi, which also provides quality audio, but of a different sort. Dynamically, they are really telling, and the subtlety they unmask is truly class leading. They're a bit cumbersome to carry on your person, they don't block a lot of noise and they're too unstable and bulky for the gym. Shure has been one of the kings of in-ear headphones for years, but it’s a relative newcomer to high-quality studio headphones. The implication seems clear: These headphones are for listening to music, not talking to friends. The sub-bass synth hits that punctuate the beat are not delivered with the earth-shaking presence they often have on heavily bass-boosted pairs. So Shure SRH1540, while being a cheaper option, tends to get more favorable ⭐ reviews than the $599 Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro, as seen on the chart below. © 1996-2020 Ziff Davis, LLC. 00. Shure SRH1840. That’s not necessarily a bad thing for home listening, but these aren’t your street headphones. Peel off the pads and you’ll get a glimpse of the 40mm neodymium drivers buried inside the earcups. Shure SRH1540 are built using lightweight materials more common in race cars than studio headphones – aircraft grade aluminium alloy yokes, alcantara covered ear pads, carbon fiber enclosure end caps. They are the flagship headphones in Shure’s product line-up of closed-back cans, which have gained a good reputation on the market; amongst them the ever popular SRH840, or the SRH440, … Shure SRH1440 Professional The Shure SRH1440 headphones have an open-back, circumaural design that offers a more "open" and less "canned" profile than closed-back headphones. On Jay-Z and Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild," the attack of the kick drum loop gets the perfect amount of high-mid presence so that it cuts through the dense mix, while the loop's sustain gets a subtle bass presence. You can't go wrong with the Shure SRH1540's! The Shure SRH1540 made mincemeat of their time in the lab, justifying their price with full, balanced sound, minimal distortion, and proper tracking. The detachable cables connect to either earcup with snap-in connections. Comparison winner. Flexible and easily stretchable, they’ll comfortably accommodate any head size. If you're looking for a sound with more bass presence in this price range, the Blue Microphones Mo-Fi has plenty of bells and whistles, but also sounds quite good, while the Sennheiser HD6 Mix ($149.95 at Guitar Center) provides a wonderful balance of bass and treble. The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. Shure's assault on the headphone market continues, as they follow up their closed-back models with this flagship open-back design. You only need a moment with them to appreciate their dynamic and diligently detailed sound. Please refresh the page and try again. The 1540 comes in a big hard case, with two pouches inside for the two 6 ft (1.8 m) cables it comes with, as well a flap of cloth that hides a pair of replacement earpads. Most headphones we test tend to have a moderate-to-intense bass response, so reviewing a pair like the Shure SRH1540 ($399.00 at Amazon)  almost comes as a shock. The SRH1540 earns our Editors' Choice award easily. And you’ll want them to last as long as possible – the Shures perform superbly. The Shure SRH 440 are good-sounding headphones with a durable but plasticky design. It's an odd choice, however, since one cable could have been equipped with a remote and one not, a common configuration for headphones recently. You will receive a verification email shortly. The very flexible headband is also sufficiently padded, and the adjustors on both sides lock in a wonderfully effective manner; once you get the right fit for your head, the SRH1540 won't be slipping out of place over time. Once they're in, they will stay in place unless you are actively trying to remove them. Visit our corporate site. Shure SRH1540. The sound signature of the SRH1540 is all about accuracy and balance; you'll hear even the lowest of bass levels if they're present, and the vocals will remain crisp and clear. That combination is deadly, especially at the $500 price point. It doesn't sound intense through the SRH1540, but the extended frequency response of the headphones allows it to be heard when many other models can't touch it. What Hi-Fi?