Shure SRH1540 Headphones Review

Introduction

Okay so I thought it was time for another review so I managed to get my hands on a brand new pair of Shure SRH1540 headphones to test out and compare along side my HiFiMan HE400i headphones.

I was very eager to try these because they are closed back and I wanted to see the difference in sound quality and bass compared to my current headphones which are open back.

Test Setup Parameters

For this setup I will be using my Topping D50 DAC and I will be using two headphone amps; my Whammy by Wayne Colburn and my NuHybrid by Pete Millett. I would like to see how these headphones sound on each of them.

The tracks I will be using are as follows:

Lindsey Stirling – Artemis
Lindsey Stirling – Underground
SIA – Soon We’ll Be Found
SIA – Bird Set Free
SIA – I’m Still Here
Evanescence – Synthesis Album

I chose these tracks as they are very musical with a wide array of instruments that produce lots of high notes, mids, treble and bass.

Package Contents

Inside the cardboard box you will find a hard shell case to protect your headphones when not in use. This is also ideal if you travel a lot so you can easily take them with you on trips. Upon opening up the hard shell case you of course will find the headphones along with a zip pouch to store each cable and underneath there you can lift the flap to reveal a little compartment where the spare ear pads are stored. For the price you actually get quite a lot for your money.

Build Quality

i must say these are one of the nicest headphones I have had the pleasure of using to date. They feel light but well made, the headband feels really comfortable as are the soft plush ear pads and with the yolks being made of metal and not plastic is a huge plus for everybody I’m sure. The clamping is also just right and as the cups fit right over the ear I have not encountered any fatigue while using these headphones.

Features

Here is a run down of the features as taken from Shure’s website:

The distinctive sound of the SRH1540 headphones creates a vivid soundscape of lofty, extended highs and warm, accurate bass.

The Alcantara® ear pads ensure absolute comfort and, in combination with the closed-back design, maximise sound isolation, cutting out ambient noise to let you enjoy your favourite tracks exactly as they should be.

The steel driver frame with vented centre pole and diaphragm developed with APTIV™ Film reduces total harmonic distortion and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all volumes. The oxygen free copper cable (OFC) with reinforced jacket gives you added durability and sound quality.

Tested by Shure engineers for rugged durability, the SRH1540 headphones have a lightweight carbon fibre composition and aluminium alloy yoke. With high density, slow recovery ear pads and a padded premium headband, these headphones can be worn for hours without discomfort.

Sound Quality

After using these headphones for a few days I have reached the conclusion that although these are very detailed with excellent soundstage they are not quite as crisp sounding when compared to my HiFiMan HE400i headphones. This is probably because the Shure SRH1540 headphones use dynamic drivers and are closed back whereas the HiFiMan HE400i headphones are planar magnetic and open back. This results in a more open and airy sound but this also results in a more neutral sound with bass levels much lower which makes them more suited to certain types of music like classical.

Having said all that there are times when I listen to my music that I would like an extra boost of bass to make the listening experience a little more enjoyable and with the Shure SRH1540 headphones it certainly did that. Being closed back these are a good example of high quality headphones for multiple uses in different environments. I enjoy the Shure headphones better with electronic music and anything that has a punchy beat and I enjoy the HiFiMan headphones with anything classical.

Closing Thoughts

I really like these headphones and as they are closed back they make a great addition to my audio collection as I now have the luxury of listening to my music with extra bass without compromising on comfort and I can enjoy my music better by selecting the most appropriate headphones depending on the genre I am listening to. The price may be a little high for some but think about everything that Shure include in the box. That makes it a very good price point indeed. I would certainly recommend these headphones if you like to chill whether it’s with you’re music or just in front of the TV or are even if you are into gaming. They are a great all rounder.

For more information about this product and other products please visit https://www.shure.com