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Welcome to “Reviews inside tv,” your go-to spot for in-depth and unbiased product reviews. Today, we’re diving into a set of headphones designed for serious audiophiles and audio professionals: the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones. These headphones promise exceptional sound quality, but are they worth the price tag? Let’s find out.
The Shure SRH1840 is an open-back, circumaural headphone built to offer a truly immersive listening experience. Featuring individually matched 40mm neodymium drivers, these headphones are designed to provide smooth, extended highs and accurate bass. The open-back design is intended to create a natural soundstage with a wider stereo image and greater depth, making them a great option for mastering or critical listening applications. With a lightweight construction, including an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless steel grilles, they also prioritize durability without compromising on comfort.
Let’s talk about how these perform in the real world. First off, setting them up was a breeze. Simply plug them in, and you’re ready to go. But when it comes to using them for extended sessions, the first thing you’ll notice is how light they are. The ergonomic, dual-frame, padded headband makes them feel like they were designed for hours of listening. Whether you’re mastering tracks, mixing, or just enjoying your favorite music, these headphones manage to keep your ears comfortable, even during long sessions.
Sound-wise, the SRH1840 excels at delivering clear, accurate highs and deep, controlled bass. The open-back design does exactly what it’s supposed to: it creates a natural, spacious sound with a stereo image that feels much more expansive than what you’d get with closed-back headphones. However, as with any open-back design, sound leakage is inevitable, so they’re not the best option for public spaces if you want to avoid disturbing others.
Now, let’s run through the pros and cons of these headphones. On the plus side, the sound quality is superb, offering a level of detail that’s difficult to match in this price range. The build quality is also outstanding. The lightweight construction doesn’t sacrifice durability, and the padded headband really does provide long-term comfort. If you’re a professional looking for a headphone that can handle both casual and critical listening, the SRH1840 won’t disappoint.
On the flip side, the open-back design might not be ideal for everyone. If you need isolation for recording or if you tend to listen in noisy environments, these headphones could fall short. They’re also not the most portable option, given the open design and the lack of foldability, which makes them less convenient to carry around. And, of course, the price is on the higher end, so they might be a bit much if you’re just looking for a casual pair of headphones.
So, what about value for money? The Shure SRH1840 is definitely an investment. Given its superb sound quality, comfortable fit, and build, it’s a great choice for audiophiles, producers, or anyone in need of accurate, detailed sound. But if you’re just looking for a pair of headphones to listen to music on the go, it might be overkill for your needs.
When compared to other high-end models, like the Sennheiser HD600 or the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x, the SRH1840 holds its own. All three are open-back, circumaural designs with a focus on accurate sound reproduction, but the SRH1840 sets itself apart with its lightweight construction and durability. While the other models may provide similar audio performance, they don’t quite match the Shure’s build quality, especially when it comes to long-term durability.
As for build quality, the SRH1840 excels. The materials used—aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel—make the headphones feel solid, yet they’re still lightweight enough for comfort. The steel driver frame with a vented center pole piece improves the headphone’s linearity and eliminates internal resonance, ensuring consistent performance. Over time, these headphones seem built to last, even with frequent use.
I didn’t have any direct interaction with Shure’s customer service for this review, but based on the brand’s reputation in the industry, I expect their support to be top-notch. Shure is known for producing high-quality, durable audio equipment, and their customer support tends to be responsive and helpful.
Regarding software or firmware updates, there’s no mention of any in relation to these headphones, nor would I expect any since they’re a purely hardware-based product. It’s worth noting that such products typically don’t require frequent updates.
If you’re looking for alternatives, a solid choice would be the Sennheiser HD660S. It’s a bit more affordable and offers similar performance in terms of sound quality, though it lacks the Shure SRH1840’s lightweight comfort. If you’re on a tighter budget but still want excellent sound, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X offers great performance, though it’s a closed-back design and doesn’t provide the same open, expansive sound.
In conclusion, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones are a solid choice for audiophiles and professionals who value clarity, depth, and comfort during long listening sessions. While they come at a higher price point, the sound quality, durability, and comfort make them a worthwhile investment for those who need critical listening capabilities. However, if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly or need isolation, you might want to look elsewhere.
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Thanks for watching, and the link to grab these headphones can be found in the comments box below. If you’ve used the Shure SRH1840, let us know your thoughts or ask any questions you might have. Goodbye for now—until next time, keep the sound quality high and the expectations even higher, here at “Reviews inside tv!”
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