Shure SRH840A Over-Ear Wired Headphones for Critical Listening & Monitoring, Professional Headset, Tailored Frequency Response, Superior Detailed Sound, Adjustable & Collapsible Design - 2022 Version

Product Information

My only real design/hardware complaint is that they come with only one long 3m cable. I’d happily use the Shure SRH840A as general-use headphones, but they’re not made for that job.

The comfort is great. Good padding on the right places, covers the entire ear and very lightweight construction.

The Shure SRH840A are home studio-grade “professional” monitoring headphones. They’re the follow-up to the minor classic SRH840, which I reviewed a decade ago. The headband is breathable, the clamping force moderate – and while the cup pads are quite firm, they’re comfy enough. I wouldn’t call the fit luxurious, but it’s comparable with other studio-style headphones I’ve used. Note that the cups swivel by 90 degrees, too. Sound Quality Shure has released some updates to their classic studio staples, the SRH440 and SRH840. The new models have an "A" at the end. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. New drivers and new acoustic characteristics. The design is more strict and modern. The headband is reinforced with metal (increased strength). A straight cable is included (a twisted cable is available optionally). It is possible to connect a cable with a headset (available optionally).

The long cable is useful in the studio as you move around your gear, but would be annoying when you're on the move. If you want to use these headphones for commuting, you'll probably want to invest in a shorter one as well. Considering how close the 440 was to the Harman Target, it will be interesting to see how this new model performs and whether it fixes the high-treble peak. The cord is of high quality and it’s good that it’s straight. But it is oak and has a microphonic effect, transmitting rustles, touches and blows well.

Technology and values of the Shure SRH840A

We’d file the SRH840As' design as ‘classy but conservative’. That gold lettering/stitching certainly adds a touch of exclusivity, and the overall feel and level of build quality is better than you'd get at the entry-level. I keep the AKG371 - cause they give a different perspective. Overall balanced but a little more distant than the 840A.

But I didnt like the clamping pressure, and I found the 4100Hz dip to be real (not just shown in measurements). I play the guitar in them, the guitar in them sounds dense, full-bodied and angry, like a real pumped-up tube amp. I like it! It’s an extremely different sonic soundscape to that of the recently reviewed Austrian Audio Hi-X15, for example. Those take a far more ruthless approach with trip-hammer treble and a more dynamic delivery, while the new Shure ‘phones offer a smoother, more relaxed sound. Shure SRH840ABass is measured and punchy. It’s far more reserved than the consumer standard, which may take a while to bed into if you’re accustomed to the mainstream tuning of, say, a Sony or Bose pair. However, depth is solid. Sub-bass isn’t particularly strong, with the real action starting around 55Hz. Shure’s ultra-wide 5-25000Hz frequency coverage claim was always going to turn out optimistic, given it goes well beyond the upper and lower bounds of human hearing. But are they as comfortable? The Shure SRH840A have large oval-shaped pads that offer enough room to fit my moderately sized ears without any pinching. I’ve worn these headphones for up to six hours at a time without any obvious fatigue. What's my biggest concern about these headphones is the build quality. The body is made of cheap plastic. Only time will tell how long the pivoting joints will last. Unfortunatelly that's the most vulnerable point of all headphones and having broken three already I'm a bit dissapointed to see Shure's product this flimsy. Bass extension isnt as deep as on the 371, but still very good and ofc by far better than on my 271. I bought a Thomann cable tie which fits perfectly, tightened it around the rotating hinges and now the cans rotate just a little to ensure a comfortable fit, but don't rotate)