One problem that I had previously with the SRH-840, that I forgot to mention on the previous article, was that somewhat the lower bass frequencies didn’t show themselves. Either the lower bass was recessed, taken over by the over-dominant upper bass, or the lower bass was rolled off, I am not sure. What I’m sure is that when playing classical music, the missing lower bass is really annoying. With mainstream music, this is not as bad, only a big problem with classical music. Good thing is that after 300+ hours, I don’t hear this problem anymore.
At this point, the SRH-840 has take over the position of the Sennheiser HD25-1 as my favorite closed phone, and I would give it a strong recommendation for the headphone to try at the $200 price range. Just give it some time to burn in, because this is one of the headphones that benefits a lot from burn in.
This article has two other articles that precedes it:
Shure SRH-840: 50+ Hours
and
Shure SRH-840: Out of the box
Brycon Slaughter Casey
has the sibilance improved
Stephenmacks
i have just bought these and so far i like them more than my grado sr125i
Anonymous
They are indeed very nice, and more well-balanced than the SR125i.
Donunus
300 hours? Oh no! I might have sold mine too fast at 100 hours. I thought they sounded too dry and the midbass was a little chunky and imprecise typical of closed headphones. Does that change from 100 to 300 hours? I am now wondering if I should get another one or whether it was just not my cup of tea and no burn in could change what I would think of them? hmm
Alf
how bout srh440
DodgersKings323
Well that certainly makes things interesting………..they’re $70 cheaper than the HD-25 with similar isolation? Better soundstage and i would much prefer an over ear phone. + Foldable for portability
Anonymous
Well,
On some part they do score better, but doesn’t always mean that they are the better phone overall.. plus and minuses.
This article gives a better sense of comparison: http://www.headfonia.com/closed-cans-shootout-m-50-esw-9-t50p-hd25-1-beats-studio-srh-840-srh-750dj-k181dj-and-dj1pro/
Anonymous
Sorry this link:
http://www.headfonia.com/closed-cans-shootout-m-50-esw-9-t50p-hd25-1-beats-studio-srh-840-srh-750dj-k181dj-and-dj1pro/
DodgersKings323
Hey Mike what percentage of the 840 do you think the 440 give? And what percentage of the HD800 do you think the 840 give?
Jess
Excellent reviews man. Was considering purchasing a pair sometime soon, but now I definitely will! I am sure I will be back to post my thanks after 1+, 50+ and 300+ hours of listening myself 🙂
Mike
Hi Jess,
This was my very old way of doing a review. Glad you enjoy it. 🙂
Jack Knight
is it the same character with goldring dr150?
Pkrdlr
Mike, A belated happy new year. I picked up the SRH-840 that you recommended to me and like them very much, not at the 300 hr. burn in yet but getting there. I now have $ 250 max for an amp and dac either separates or combo, portable or desktop. Music is classical and acoustic flac files from my HP mini netbook. Thx, Rick
Mike
You’re welcome, Rick!
Pkrdlr
Mike, So what combo / seperates do you recommend for the SRH-840’s per my post ?. Thx, Rick
Pkrdlr
Mike, So what combo / separates do you recommend for the SRH-840’s per my post ?. Thx, Rick
Pkrdlr
Hi Mike, Current rig is Topping D1 2 + Shure srh-840 + Laptop. The 840’s sound great for Jazz, Instrumentals, and Acoustics. Looking for a couple recommendations to pair up with the Topping D1 2 for 60 – 70’s Rock. My budget is $200 usd. Thanks, Rick
dalethorn
The SRH840 seems like a nice more or less neutral sound with a mild upper bass emphasis and some fairly strong output around 8 to 10 khz. It looks like a good candidate to be replaced with a Beyer DT770-32LE. Better bass, and more detail above that. Maybe slightly above budget, but worth the extra dedication.
Pkrdlr
dalethorn, Thanks for your reply. I’m not looking to replace the 840’s but to compliment them with a headphone to pair with the Topping D1 2 for 60-70’s rock.
dalethorn
I have a lot of 60s and 70s rock. The tracks I have play well with a variety of headphones, and I’m thinking it’s more a flavor choice than anything. With a good DAC and rock music I wouldn’t want a bright headphone or one that has a light bass. The ATH ESW9a I have is good that way and exactly $200. Better sound (especially bass) than the B&W P5 or v-moda M80.