# Update 2021-12
5+ year update. These have lasted 5 full years. They still look brand spanking new. (except for the leather headband.) Still on cable 1 and earpads pair 1.
I recently bought a Fidelio X3 and as is practice, I immediately set out to compare it against these. The X3's have a 50mm transducer compared to a 40mm on the Shure. The x3 does some things better IMO. The sound stage is wider, and the instrument separation is better as a result. The clarity at least to my ears seems better as well. I still need to do some more eval on this, but the Philips picked up way more detail on a couple of tracks I listened to. But also, they sound sibilant. Which is annoying. Maybe some EQ can fix that.
The Shure on the other hand, sounded really really well rounded. Maybe not as resolving, (not sure if age of the headphones also has a part to play here.), but so well rounded. So sublime. And the vocals - oh my God! So so sublime. Makes me smile. In retrospect was it worth $500 - Absolutely yes!
# Update 2020-12
Touch-wood, these headphones are still going strong. I am still on my first cable and earpads, so it's lasted 4+ years. The leather headband has completely given way, just as I suspected. This is a poor design decision. I contacted Shure, and they do have a replacement band for ~$20 or so, so I am not taking any stars off.
I also acquired a SRH1540 for use in Office. I like those, because they have a lot more sub-bass than these, and they both actually sound very close to each other in terms of sound signature. The sound-stage isn't that lacking on the closed back 1540's. I however, still prefer the 1840's, even if only by a small margin.
# Update 2017-02
I've since bought a pair of SE846's and while it is not a reasonable comparison, (IEM vs Open Back), and the bass of the SE846 is superior, I find myself gravitating to the SRH1840's almost all the time when I'm at home. I simply love the open and airy sound of open back headphones. The one thing I would change about these headphones is also include a shorter cable that is similar to the SE846 cable - (I actually wish I could use the SE846 ones with these, but you can't - you can actually use these cables with the SE 846 though :D I've not listened to music through it)
# Update - 2016-10
I picked up a pair of AKG K7120 pro's a while back, and they are very good headphones really. They can cost you anything between $300 and $500. The pair I bought was made in Slovakia. If price is a concern, you might want to look at the K712 pro's as well. The K712 pro sounded nearly as good as the SRH1840 to me. It did seem to have a wider soundstage that I didn't really like as much. I finally decided to keep the SRH 1840 and sell the K7120 pro - I think if you need just ONE headphone for all around duty, and are not constrained by a budget, this is the one to get.
## Original Review:
The Shure SRH 1840 is an excellent pair of headphones. There are some considerations however that you will be faced with if you're planning on buying one.
1. The price - is the $500 price tag justified ?
I have personally not tested out some of the high end headphones these would and should be compared to. I have however compared it to the Philips Fidelio X1 and the Shure SRH 1440. Now, keep in mind that the Fidelio X1 initially came out for ~ $600, and then dropped in price to $500, and further down to about $250. The Shure SRH1440 costs $300. ($200 less than the 1840)
The price also generally stays consistent. Shure doesn't seem to want the resellers drop the price on these. I have not seen the price drop. Having said that, I bought mine for less than $400. For that price, I can justify the purchase. (Kinda)
Now, like the 1440, these come with an extra pair of earpads and cables. They also come with a case to put them in - all of which is great.
2. Quality
The sound quality is top notch. For some reason I can't quite put my finger on, these just sound nicer than the 1440. When compared to the Fidelio X1, these do lack the sub-bass. I think depending on the track, I enjoyed these on tracks that had more vocals and I enjoyed the Fidelio for tracks that had a deep sub-bass to them. String instruments sounded better on the Shure as well, in terms of tonality, and also the space between the instruments.
3. Comfort
These are insanely light weight. They are much lighter than either the X1 or the 1440.
CONS
The one downside I can think if is the leather headband - it doesn't seem to be replaceable. I wonder if that will give out first. Time will tell.
The other small complaint I have is that both the cables are the same length. I don't mind it not coming with a headset. I don't plan to use this for gaming, or for phone calls. But I would have liked a shorter cable for use with Portable DAPs
Overall a great pair of headphones.
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From the manufacturer
SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones
The flagship headphone from Shure, the SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones feature individually matched drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended highs and accurate bass.
The Most Trusted Audio Brand Worldwide
With a history of audio innovation starting in 1925, Shure has turned a passion for making great microphones and audio electronics into an obsession. No wonder Shure continues to set the worldwide industry standard for superior microphones and audio electronics.
SRH1840
Premium Open-Back Headphones
The SRH1840 Professional Open-Back Headphones feature individually matched drivers for an unparalleled acoustic performance, including smooth, extended highs and accurate bass. Developed with premium materials and precision engineering, the custom-crafted design is extremely lightweight and durable. Ideal for mastering or critical listening applications.
- Individually matched 40 mm neodymium drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended highs and accurate bass
- Open-back, circumaural design for exceptionally natural sound, wide stereo image, and increased depth of field
- Lightweight construction featuring aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless-steel grilles for enhanced durability
- Steel driver frame with vented center pole piece improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all listening levels
- Ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully adjustable for hours of listening comfort
- Optimized for connection to external headphone amplification systems
- Dual-exit cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors provide secure connection and detachability for easy storage or replacement
- Legendary Shure durability withstands the rigors of everyday use
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| SRH240A | SRH440 | SRH840 | SRH940 | SRH1540 | SRH1840 | |
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| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | $59.00 | $99.00 | $149.00 | — | $499.00 | $499.00 |
| Application | Ideal for vivid listening on almost any device | Developed for professional and home studios | Optimized for professional studio recording | Designed for critical listening, monitoring and mastering | Designed for critical listening and monitoring | Designed for critical listening and monitoring |
| Design | Closed-Back, Circumaural | Closed-Back, Circumaural | Closed-Back, Circumaural | Closed-Back, Circumaural | Closed-Back, Circumaural | Open-back, circumaural |
| Driver Size | 40 mm dynamic, neodymium magnet | 40 mm dynamic, neodymium magnet | 40 mm dynamic, neodymium magnet | 40 mm dynamic, neodymium magnet | 40 mm dynamic, neodymium magnet | 40 mm dynamic, neodymium magnet |
| Sensitivity (1kHz) | 107 dB/mW | 105 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW | 99 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Impedence (Nominal, 1 kHz) | 38 Ω | 44 Ω | 44 Ω | 42 Ω | 46 Ω | 65 Ω |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 10 Hz - 22 kHz | 5 Hz - 25 kHz | 5 Hz - 30 kHz | 5 Hz – 25 kHz | 10 - 30,000 Hz |
| Net Weight (w/o cable) | 0.52 lb (238g) | 0.60 lb (272 g) | 0.70 lb (318 g) | 0.71 lb (322 g) | 0.63 lb (286 g) | 0.72 lb (328 g) |
| Cable Type and Cable Length | Attached straight oxygen-free copper, 2.0m (6.5ft) | Coiled, detachable, non-PVC, oxygen-free copper (OFC), 3.0 m (9.8 ft) | Coiled, detachable, non-PVC, oxygen-free copper (OFC), 3.0 m (9.8 ft) | Coiled & straight detachable, non-PVC, oxygen-free copper (OFC), 3.0 m (9.8 ft) | Straight, Dual-exit, detachable oxygen-free copper, 1.8 m (6 ft) | Detachable, dual-exit, oxygen-free copper, 6.9 ft (2.1m |
| Threaded 1/4" Gold-Plated Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carrying Bag or Zippered Hard Travel Case | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
From the brand
Compare with similar items
This Item  Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones (Black) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $379.99 | $149.00 | $398.00 | -17% $499.00 List: $599.95 | $1,754.63 | -28% $143.40 List: $199.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
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| Quality of material | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Sold By | Instrumentpro | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | WORLD WIDE STEREO | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | On Ear | On Ear |
| connector type | 3.5mm Jack | Wired | — | 3.5mm Jack | XLR | 3 5mm Jack |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | — | — | sound isolation | — | active noise cancellation |
| cable feature | Retractable | Retractable | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable, Detachable |
| material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | — | Aluminum | Aluminum | Copper,Metal | Leather |
| model name | SRH1840 | SRH840A | MDRMV1 | HD 660S2 | TH-909 | MC-450 |
Reviews with images
A Truly Great Set of Cans
It's not often that the box a device arrives in gives you a real clue about the quality of the device itself. The box the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones came in was impressive indeed. About a foot square, made of very heavy board with great graphics. Inside were the headphones, a user's manual in a sleeve on the box lid, two nearly 7-foot cords, a mini to ¼" adaptor, an extra set of velour ear pads and a custom molded hard shell case to carry it all. All the components of the package are professional quality with top dollar oxygen free copper wire, gold plated connectors and Kevlar casings. This is the top of the Shure line and they've pulled out all the stops on these very impressive cans.The build quality of the 1840s is first rate. They are tight, light and strong. Each transition from one material to another is trimmed and/or tucked. The earpad adjustments are smooth and easy to pull, but hold tightly once released. The cord jacks offer up a very satisfying "snap" when the plugs hit bottom.The SRH1840s are, by far, the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. Some high-end over the ear cans press so firmly against the ear that they become uncomfortable in a very short time. These are light as air and are as easy on the outside of the ear as on the inside. I have worn them for three hours straight with no discomfort at all. I worked as a radio announcer for years and the plastic ultra light Sennheiser on-the-ear phones we used then were no more comfortable than these.After burning in the headphones for about 12-hours I hooked them up to my JDs Labs cMoyBB v2.03 Headphone Amplifier (built into an empty Altoids box) and several devices around the house, including a 4th generation iPod Touch and a Pioneer Elite SC-35. While the sound output of the devices of course varies considerably, the quality of each was vastly improved with these headphones. I found the sound of the 1840s to be phenomenal.The high end is crisp and tight with no clangy sharpness. The bass is deep and full, with a well delineated cut-off that makes for a clean "physical" approach that's easy to find in a good speaker, but much more elusive in headphones. The mids are where the 1840s really shine for me. Since much of my listening is vocal pop and non-thunderous rock I always look for midrange that's out front and makes its presence known without being clunky. These headphones are a classic rockers dream (and the bass boost on the cMoyBB v2.03 doesn't hurt either).I have noticed that the more I listen, the warmer and more precise the headphones sound. I think I will take the advice of one of the other reviewers and give the 1840s a longer burn-in period. I am not one of the ultra high end audiophiles who don't bat an eye at spending over a thousand bucks on a set of headphones, but I do care about the sound of my music. I have to think these Shure SRH1840s would stand up well against cans of any pedigree or price.
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