Shure SRH840 Review
Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 14,788 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Shure SRH840. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Shure SRH840. For example, 91% of 5,701 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Shure SRH840 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 35 Reviews
MMM MMM Good
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Ewe Again on B&H Photo Video
I listened to several head phones while on vacation in NYC. On returning home I wanted to do an extended listening to the Beyerdynamic and Sennheiser head phones. My local high end shop was closed so I proceeded to the Sam Ash down the street. They didn't carry the Beyerdynamics in the store. The sales guy said he used them in his home studio because they are very detailed and allow him to hear everything in a mix. He said he didn't like them for casual listening because they were too analytical and were not conducive to musical enjoyment. I only heard them briefly in NYC and thought that might be the case with extended use but boy were they comfortable to wear. Using my iphone I compared two Sennheisers models the HD 280 Pro and HD 380 Pro. I Preferred the HD 380 Pro, he then recommended I compare those with the Sure SR840 and SR440. My expectations were low. In years past my opinion of most of Shure's equipment was that it sounded muffled and unmusical. Lately though some of their stuff has impressed, so I gave them a listen. First up I chose some recordings that are overly bright and for me can easily cause the Bleeding Ear sensation. Musical detail is a wonderful thing but if you can only listen to a small population of well recorded music (because anything less requires pain killers) what's the point. The Shures presented the brightness but less aggravating so. Somehow these phones were able to dig into to the mix and find the bass line and provide a measure of musical balance more so then the Sennheisers. Next up I played some tunes that have exaggerated bass. These tunes cause lesser phones to turn to mud costing the song its musical flow and propulsion. The Shures didn't hide the big bass but I could easily distinguish the bass guitar from the bass drum and or bass synthesizer. Again the phones dug into the mix and presented the mid and treble information in a far more balanced and musical fashion then did the Sennheisers. On well recorded songs you could hear how well recorded the music was but not in a distracting way. The Sennheisers sounded more distant i.e. at what sounded like the same volume I would have to expend more energy to hear the music through the Sennheisers however the Shures were more relaxing making the music easier to enjoy, more accessible. Both Shure models are cut from the same sonic cloth having a very clear yet musical sound to them. However the SR840 were just more so and worth the price difference to me. Remember that this comparison was done using my iphone 4 to drive the phones. Introducing a headphone amp may have dramatically changed my preferences however I had no desire to lug an amp around with me. To my ears the iphone does not have the musicality of the ipods, so it was important to me that the new headphones were musical and easy to drive when plugged directly into the iphone. The Shures did that. At home the Shures sounded good out of the box and only got better with some break in time. They are comfortable for a closed back design and I can wear them for extended periods without getting sweaty. I actually have come to appreciate the coiled cord. It does not get tangled like straight cords. I have a fairly big head and the phones are at the end of their adjustment but still fit. On bigger heads it could be an issue. ... More
a tank build and perfect sound, my favorite headphone now.
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Josh Vincent on Guitar Center
I always have been searching for that perfect sound. To reproduce every song in my collection with near perfect accuracy. Sony v6 fell short, so did my AKG K701, as well as all my sennheisers. 1: construction. These headphones are built, and i mean solid, these actually feel like a professional piece of equipment. Everything seems well made and putting them on and taking them off there is no creaking none at all. They are made of plastic but very sturdy plastic. 2: comfort. Due to the very solid build these headphones are heavy, but they are very comfortable, not quite as comfortable as say audio technica ad700's or the akg k701s but Ive had them on for 6 hours straight and had no fatigue. The headband is very thick and very well padded and rests on the head very comfortably, and that plus the well padded earpads disperse the weight very well. The earpads are made with faux leather and rest nicely on the head they dont seem to heat up my ears or put too much pressure. 3: Sound. Shure really has this one done right. The lows are deep, and punchy. The mids are crisp and clean not muddy or drowned out, and the highs are crystal clear. The soundstage is as expansive as the song is designed to be. Songs like steppenwolf born to be wild is presented in pure stereo, nicely reproduced every drum beat ever cymbol crash is heard with perfection, every guitar riff, every vocal perfectly represented. I heard things ive never heard before. Nightwish's ghost love score expanded the soundstage, and Tarja's voice finally didnt sound muddied or tinny. Lloyd's get it shawty was done very well on the srh840's, and surprised me. The bass was thumping, and did not overpower was just right. These headphones produce sound that is natural, uncolored and balanced. You hear every bit of what the song has, but also with bad recordings they pick out defects, you literally hear everything so i recommend good quality mp3s flac or aac, or what ever format because any compression flaws will be picked up by these. Which is not a bad thing, it just shows what great detail and definition these reproduce. They can be easily powered by ipod or smartphones, and sound great, even producing bass that can be felt where others seem to strain. Use a headphone amp and they sound even better. 4: the box contents: the srh840s come in a nice box with a ok faux carry bag, and a removable coil cord, which makes replacing the cord if your cat chews on it easy, its a bayonet mount and removes and installs easily. They also include spare earpads which was a surprising bonus. Conclusion: These are amazing headphones with sound and quality worth much more than their msrp. Long lasting build quality, and very good comfort, with excellent sound thats easy to power. Im very very happy and found my perfect jam partner. I highly recommend these headphones ... More
Best in the price range
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Eric on Guitar Center
After trying several pairs, these are the best in the price range! As far as construction, they have an indestructible headband and all the important parts are replaceable, making them long lasting. They're a bit on the heavy side, but not so heavy that they get uncomfortable. I've worn them for several hours with no discomfort or fatigue. The padded headband and super-soft ear pads help with that a lot. The sound quality of these cans are great! The lows are a bit less powerful than other price-comparable headphones, but not so low as to be lacking. The frequencies are very balanced. In the mids, the SRH840s really shine. They are much more responsive than other phones and it really shows in critical listening. They may not be best for monitoring, but they'll make your music sound GREAT. After 10000 Hz, there's a bit of a drop to quieter than most, but once again still enough response to sound wonderful. You're not missing out on any subtleties in the music, you will hear everything! All in all, these are great headphones. Not the best for monitoring due to a bouncy response curve, but great sounding and the most comfortable thing to wear out there. Shure quality, sound and design really show. ... More
Professional sound, mid-range price
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Dave on B&H Photo Video
The set in the box is very complete. In addition to the headphones and detachable audio cable and a screw-on jack adapter, there is a pair of extra ear pads and a little storage bag in the box. Design Collapsible design for easy storage and portability. A detachable audio cable seems to be Shure's design feature for headphones. The cable comes with two jack plugs; one to connect to an amplifier and the other to the left ear cup. It's easier to store and you don't risk bending the cable connections. Make sure to turn the jack plug into its bayonet clip to securely lock the cable into the ear cup or else you will hear no bass. No more confusion which ear cup is the left or right audio channel: blue and red plastic caps on the hinges indicate L/R channels, resp. At the back of the headphones, a thin cable runs from the headband to the drivers. I would have preferred an interior cable connection to the drivers e.g. built into the headband and ear cups. Build quality The headset is mostly made of plastic. The hinges are made of 2 mm thick plastic with little screws to connect the ear cups. There are reports on the internet of ear cups snapping off the headband of this set, and only time will tell how well the build quality will hold up. For durability, I would have preferred metal hinges instead. The padding on the ear cups and headband are well made and covered by a leather-like material. The jack plug for the amplifier is heavy to accommodate the extra weight of a 6.3 mm screw-on jack adaptor. Comfort The headset is a bit heavy (365 g/ 12.9 oz). The ear pads nicely fit over my ears. As with most over or on the ear headphones, you need to get used to it. In the beginning, they will cause fatigue after a few hours. The detachable audio cable is coiled and flexible, providing enough room to maneuver. Sound quality The headphones block a substantial amount of background noise. Sound quality is often a matter of personal taste. I prefer systems that do not "color" the audio spectrum. These headphones provide a balanced and neutral sound. The soundscape is immersive and detailed, as I expect from professional monitoring headphones. The sensitivity of this set (102 dB/mW) is a noticeably lower compared to another brand I owned before (112 dB/mW). Pricing Retailing at 149 USD, these headphones are not cheap, but they provide a professional sound quality for a mid-range price. What I like The detachable cable design; it's practical and portable. Great sound and a good ambient noise reduction by the ear pads. What I don't like The almost all-plastic form factor. ... More
Very good for mixing work but not enjoyable listening
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Joe L on Guitar Center
After lots of maintenance, my Bose AE2's finally kicked the bucket so I needed a new pair for hiigh quality listening at work. I primarily use FLACs and Vinyl. I am NOT trying to use these as DJ headphones. Those reviews are ridiculous and should be ignored. I have DJ headphones for when I DJ. Anyways these things are supper accurate, and ideal for mixing and mastering music. That said, if you just want something for enjoyable listening, you might want to pick something else that adds a bit of color. After using some EQ/tone gear I got these to sound the way I want and I am happy with my purchase as far as sound. However the design leaves a bit to be desired. These are not comfortable. They are extremely heavy. The tightly coiled cable is annoying and needlessly heavy. Even though the product photo shows an additional straight cable, no such extra cable is included. However the inclusion of extra pads is nice, even if they don't offer the option of extra cushion that can be found in aftermarket accessories.. The construction has two extremely thin, and fragile wires that connect the headband to the cans. These are placed right where my thumbs' (used to) naturally rest when taking on and off headphones. If the cables ran on the other side, that would be a much better design. Its odd that these wires are so weak when the cans they are connected to are built like tanks. The headband does not inspire confidence though I do appreciate its flexibility. Finally the sound isolation on these is outstanding. Despite the excessive weight and lack of comfort, I have chosen to keep these because they allow me to listen to music at low volumes which is great when you plan on listening for 8 hours a day. ... More
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Top Of The Line!!!
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Phia Vang on Guitar Center
Everything is perfect!!! Mid, high, and bass are so natural, overall, it beat others as I've spent a good 2 hrs trying many other brand from the best to the least best, and this is the perfect headset to do anything in the studio. You won't be disappointed and shouldn't spent anytime wasting to listen and comparing the different between others as I've done it already. I've been producing, mixing, mastering, recording, and working with music in my studio for a good 10 years, and decided to upgrade, and this is what I've chose. Bought two of them and won't regret anything about it. I've chose them over my sony mdr, audio technica, seinheiser, and AKG. None of those are comparable to these. Trust me, you will have the same decision. ... More
Another Superlative Product From Shure
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Softcompound60 on B&H Photo Video
These headphones are accurate, balanced, detailed, smooth and seem to disappear into the music. Rock, soul, classical, jazz, they faithfully reproduce the entire spectrum of sounds from the tiniest percussive shimmer, to the lowest pipe organ notes, and every breath and enunciation of the human voice. Imagine for a second that you are standing on the sidewalk outside of a nightclub with live music. You can hear the music being played inside the club. Now, you pay your cover charge and step inside the club. This is the sensation the SRH840 headphones give you when you first hear them. Plus, the headphones are built like a brick doghouse. All of Shure's products are built to military spec, and these are no exception although they are as a result, rather bulky and heavy. I am extremely satisfied with the SRH840 headphones and recommend them without reservation. Check out Electric Lady by Janelle Monae for a superbly recorded and produced album. The SRH840s will make you say Wow! ... More
Good overall
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Dolande on B&H Photo Video
I compared the srh840 and srh940 side by side. They both very light but the 940 is more comfortable thanks to being slightly bigger (so it doesn't touch my ears while the 840 does) and the material used in the hearpads feels a lot better to me. Build quality wise they seem to be even with again the 940 taking the lead since it doesn't have the driver cable exposed like the 840. On the sound the 940 definitively is brighter and more detailed on the mid to high frequencies but still very good on the low end. The 840 sounded as good as the 940 on the low end but not as detailed on the highs. Both have excellent sound and are very detailed in general so if you source is poor, you'll figure out pretty soon. At the end I chose the 940 because I preferred the highs and the added comfort. They both are excellent and I recommend listening to both. ... More
Great Sound, Uncomfortable for Pointy Skulls
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Nicholas on B&H Photo Video
I bought these with the idea of having a pair of headphones to leave at the office. The sound is amazing and I agree with Crinacle's headphone list but if you have a pointy head, you /will/ get a hot spot that makes them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. I would strongly suggest two things: a) get a replacement headband pad that has a notch in the middle - stick it to the current pad via some means (gaffer tape, glue, whatever) and b) get a shorter 3.5mm to 2.5mm cable as the 8 footer that comes with these is not good for casual listening (but is likely just right if you're monitoring while singing or playing). I have the Beyer DT770 Pro and the Senn HD6XX and these SRH840As are in the same league with a smoother, less sibilant sound than the DT770. If you need closed-back and want a great-sounding set of headphones I would give these a listen. ... More
Very Good Frequency response.
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Paul on Guitar Center
I use this on my desktop computer for gaming and for listening to music I am thinking about buying for my high end system. Works very well without a headphone amp, but lower frequencies might benefit from one in my case. That said, I have a bench mark song that I play on my high end system, then listened to it on the computer with these headphones and even without a headphone amp the lower end still comes through decently. Very well built and comfortable to wear.
Sound perfect to me!
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Charlie on B&H Photo Video
I'm no expert, as this is the first pair of headphones I've bought in 20 years. Now that I'm starting to record some audio books and voiceovers, though, I really wanted to hear my own voice as clearly as possible. As far as I can tell, these do so with great accuracy. As a newbie, I was worried that when listening to music for fun, the tone would be too bright or crisp, or that the bass would be a little thin. Not to worry! Although an audiophile might quibble, I find the full range of the sound spectrum to be rich as well as true. I have NO plans to buy another pair even if I wanted to upgrade the rest of my sound system. These are superb. ... More
Multi-Platinum Producer with 30+ years
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Burrell Brothers and B Wax South Records on B&H Photo Video
I've been making music all my life. I've had the opportunity to work with cheap stuff and the most expensive stuff... I just need it to work, period. I needed to finish mixing a project but we just had a new baby, so monitors were out. I took a chance and bought these headphones and I have to say... AMAZING accurate representation of what's REALLY going on in the record. If it's there, it's there... if and it's not... turn it up. DEAD ON representation. I'm never using my monitors for mixing again... just playback!
Excellent range, isolation
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I've used a number of pairs of headphones over the years in the $200 range, including some great Sony models and some by AKG. I use them for recording and mixing audio at a computer, for bands or video. These are among the best in this price range, and the extra pair of pads is nice because all headphones wear out with heavy use (I use them several hours a day). They are comfortable to wear even with glasses, and I don't get bleed unless they're up very loud recording something quiet. I have used them in a professional studio as well (lower end models often don't have the impedance to match.) ... More
SRH840
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Joshua L. on Reverb
I think they sound clear and cancel surrounding noise pollution. They are comfortable and have a nice coil cable feature. I mainly use them with Guitar Rig and GuitarPro for Mac. Playing guitar on these are really something. I listened to iTunes and some base drops didn't seem to sound stable to me. I had a pair of $99 Roland cans that lasted since 2010 but they just blew out. Great investment!
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Jeff G. on Reverb
These are high quality headphones that feel very substantial and to me are comfortable. They are a bit big, so some people with smaller heads may feel like a monster is swallowing them. I do not use these professionally, only to listen to music, but they have a coherence for the whole sound picture that rivals the Beyerdynamic DT-770. The Beyer is a little cooler and more distant, and somewhat more accurate, while the Shure is a bit warmer, with a richer midrange.
Cannot be beat for the money
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
I use these for personal use. Sometimes with a computer, the hi-fi, iPod etc. I've had several sets of cans over the years and at this price point, I've never found anything as good. There is better for more money but there are worse at this point. They just sound great. I've not found anything I'd change besides the line being exposed on the phones. I'd have liked Shure to bury it in the plastic.
hurt my head
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by June on B&H Photo Video
I purchased these about a year ago to be my first real headphones. (Audiophile friends had mocked my cheap habits.) Unfortunately, I've can't enjoy using these headphones because they are actually painful to wear. The headband has a bizarre design whereby any adjustment of the earpiece position makes the headband wider and shorter, causing unpleasant pressure on top of my skull. I just don't like wearing them, regardless of how good their sound may be.
Great phones
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Nicholas on B&H Photo Video
Amazing sounding headphones. First thing I did was put on an old jazz recording FLAC from a live concert in the 70's and the soundstage is so good it felt like I was really there at a live performance. Separation is great, signature is balanced and accurate. Great deal if on sale for $80.
Broken wing
Shure SRH840 Professional Monitoring Headphones
Reviewed by Bob on Guitar Center
I bought them May 5th to use in my voice over booth. I went to put them on and the left ear broke off.
Great build quality
Shure SRH840 Closed-Back Over-Ear Professional Monitoring Headphones (New Packaging)
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
These are great, really neutral sound production and well built. My only complaint is that they are not comfortable to wear for long periods.
