Shure SRH840 Gen 2 Review | 93 Data compared

The Shure SRH840A headphones are an upgraded, closed-back model priced around $150 that perform exceptionally well for both studio monitoring and electronic drumming. They feature a bright, balanced, and remarkably clear sound profile characterized by crisp highs and an un-fatiguing midrange, which cleanly separates stereo placement across a electronic drum kit's sound stage. Drummers will also appreciate their average but helpful passive noise isolation that dulls pad-striking noises, alongside a long, detachable 3-meter straight cable that prevents accidental module tugging. However, the headphones have a few notable drawbacks. The build relies heavily on plastic construction—even down to the yokes—which might deter users seeking premium materials, though the plastic does feel thick and durable. In terms of performance, the low end suffers from a rolled-off sub-bass response, meaning casual hip-hop and electronic music listeners will likely need an EQ boost to compensate for the lack of sub-bass power. Finally, the headband has a limited sizing range; because it does not extend very far, it will not fit over hats or comfortably accommodate individuals with larger head sizes.

The Shure SRH840A closed-back studio headphones feature a completely renewed, modern aesthetic with gold trim and internal cable routing, fixing a major physical weak point of its predecessor. Technical upgrades include a significantly lighter build at 274 grams, reduced contact pressure, and an impedance drop to 35 ohms, making them highly compatible with laptops and smartphones. The package includes a straight 2.9-meter cable with a secure bayonet catch, a 6.35 mm adapter, and a carrying pouch. Major advantages (pros) include excellent acoustic isolation, high long-term wearing comfort without causing hot ears, distortion-free playback at high volumes, and a warm, full-bodied sound profile that reveals rich details in vocals and guitar tracks. However, the headphones also present notable drawbacks (cons) that might deter certain users. Audiophiles seeking an analytical, perfectly neutral, or clinically cold listening experience will find them a poor match due to their inherently warm and non-neutral character. The upper mid-range can occasionally verge on sibilance, and the upper treble feels overly restrained. From a functional standpoint, the SRH840A no longer features the foldable design of the original model,...

The Shure SRH840A over-ear, closed-back headphones are highly capable, mid-range studio monitors designed for audio professional entry-levels and music lovers looking for balanced performance. Featuring 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers and a frequency response of 5-25,000Hz, these $169 headphones deliver an accurate, unbiased, and even representation across the bass, midtone, and treble frequencies. Aesthetic and design choices are notable highlights, boasting a premium black and gold color scheme with gold-threaded stitching on a fabric-covered headband, gold ear cup accents, and an internal sliding metal adjustment mechanism. For portability, the headphones include flat-folding ear cups, a detachable twist-lock cable, and a 6.3 mm gold-plated adapter. A major pro of the SRH840A is its clear, detailed, and controlled sonic sensitivity, alongside its beautiful, minimalist design and affordable, competitive pricing. However, they suffer from notable cons, including a lack of wireless connectivity, missing advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and no built-in microphone. Furthermore, the small cushioned ear cups lack roomy velour padding, making them less secure than rivals and potentially uncomfortable during extended mixing sessions. While serious audio professionals demanding total isolation...

The Shure SRH440A and SRH840A are closed-back, circumaural headphones that offer a cohesive and musical listening experience for a reasonable price of £89 and £135 respectively. Both models share the same basic voicing, featuring 40mm dynamic neodymium drivers, 40-ohm impedance, and 97dB/mW sensitivity, housed in a durable build with comfortable headbands and ear pads. They differ primarily in subtle visual trims, higher quality driver-covering material on the SRH840A, and an included faux leather carrying case for the costlier model. While the two sound remarkably similar, critical listening reveals that the SRH840A digs slightly deeper into the low end and provides a bit more extension and air in the top-end frequencies. The review highlights several key strengths, including a warm, rich bass quality, smoothly detailed and extended treble, and an unforced, non-fatiguing presentation that invites listeners deep into a mix rather than forcing explicit detail. Additional pros include excellent vocal intelligibility and a robust build quality free of squeaks. However, the primary con is that these headphones are not as ruthlessly revealing or transparent as some studio-oriented competitors, such as the...

The redesigned Shure SRH440A and SRH840A closed-back headphones feature improved, durable, and modern designs with excellent passive noise isolation and balanced comfort. The SRH440A is lauded for a clean, prominent midrange ideal for dialogue-heavy production, though its sound profile is considered clinical. The higher-tier SRH840A distinguishes itself with a superior, smoother, and more musical acoustic tuning, offering rich bass and mid-to-high transitions. While both models excel in recording and monitoring, they prioritize an enjoyable, slightly colored sound over the surgical, perfectly flat, or "warts-and-all" reference accuracy required for some specialized engineering tasks.

In this real-world review, Mix Staff evaluates the Shure SRH840A closed-back, over-ear monitoring headphones ($149), highlighting them as a versatile and high-performing update to the original SRH840. The reviewer praises several pros, including its sleek aesthetic refresh featuring gold accents and outstanding long-term comfort due to its lightweight 0.6-pound frame and plush ear cushions. Sonically, the headphones deliver balanced audio with nuanced improvements like lower harmonic distortion and precise left-right driver matching. Additionally, the low 38-ohm impedance makes them highly compatible and easy to drive across varying device headphone outputs. However, the reviewer details a few notable cons regarding the updated accessory kit. Shure has removed the spare set of ear cushions that previously came standard, and they replaced the older coiled cord with a 9.8-foot straight mini-XLR cable. The reviewer noted a preference for the coiled cord because straight cables are more likely to tangle with studio furniture and chairs. Despite these accessory drawbacks, the review concludes that the Shure SRH840A punches well above its price tag in both build quality and overall monitoring performance.

The Shure SRH840A headphones, as reviewed by Trusted Reviews, offer a sleek design upgrade over their predecessor with a tonally flat, engaging sound profile characterized by excellent clarity and punchy bass. Suited for studio monitoring, these headphones provide long-term comfort through a redesigned, moderately-clamped, swiveling ear cup structure. However, the review notes that a cumbersome 3-meter straight cable limits portability and makes the headphones impractical for on-the-go use. While deemed durable and impressive for stationary,, professional environments, their bulky design restricts their effectiveness as everyday, portable audio devices.

The Shure SRH840A closed-back studio headphones are designed primarily for recording, monitoring, and content creation, serving as a comfortable and durable upgrade to their predecessor. Priced around $149 (€149 / £135), these circumaural cans feature 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers and separate themselves visually from cheaper models with elegant gold lettering, gold bolts, and gold stitching. They provide a "classy but conservative" design with comfortable, swiveling leather-style earpads and a well-cushioned headband that makes them light enough for extended studio sessions. In terms of accessories, the package includes a carrying bag, a gold-plated 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter, and a generous 9-foot straight cable that securely twists and locks into the left earcup. The main performance advantage of the SRH840A is its pleasing, highly detailed sound across the frequency spectrum, making it a reliable workhorse for everyday music listening, podcasting, and tracking. It also boasts excellent passive noise isolation, which is ideal when working in noisy environments. On the downside, the headphones are not optimal for the critical stage of finalizing and mastering mixes because their frequency response is not perfectly flat,...

The Shure SRH840A, detailed in the Head-Fi thread, is a redesigned, lighter successor to the original, featuring improved comfort and a more durable, sleek headband that resolves previous structural issues. The updated, "Harman Target-ish" sound profile offers a warm, engaging experience with natural mids, punchy bass, and tamer treble compared to its predecessor. However, the revisions introduce cons, including a departure from strict neutrality, featuring a mid-bass dip and potential sibilance in higher frequencies. Users also report a tighter fit for larger heads and cite a downgrade in accessories, specifically the lack of a coiled cable and spare ear pads.