Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones : A Flagship Pair of Open-Back Headphones for Critical Listening

The Shure SRH1840 represents the pinnacle of Shure’s headphone engineering. As the flagship model in the SRH line, these open-back headphones are designed for critical listening applications where accuracy and comfort are paramount.

Overview

With large, matched 40mm neodymium drivers in an open-back design, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones produce a highly natural and spacious sound. The lightweight yet durable construction featuring aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel provides hours of fatigue-free listening. Overall, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones deliver luxurious aesthetics and fit & finish worthy of a high-end reference headphone.

Features and Design

Crafted from premium materials like aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones are built to last while remaining lightweight for all-day comfort. Additional features include:

• Ergonomic dual-frame padded headband
• Detachable cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors
• Steel driver frame reduces internal resonance
• Optimized for external headphone amplifier connection

Sound Quality

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones’s individually matched drivers ensure smooth, extended highs and accurate bass for unparalleled acoustic performance. The open-back circumaural design creates an exceptionally natural sound with wide stereo imaging and increased depth of field. Vocals and string instruments shine with lifelike tonality and texture.

Microphone

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones does not have an integrated microphone since it is designed for critical listening rather than communication.

Noise Isolation

As an open-back headphone, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones does not provide any active noise cancellation. The open design allows external noise to blend naturally with the music for critical studio work.

Battery Life

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones is a wired headphone so no batteries are required. It draws power directly from the connected audio source.

Connectivity

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones connects via a detachable 2.1m oxygen-free copper cable reinforced with Kevlar. Gold-plated 3.5mm connectors ensure reliable connectivity.

Controls

No onboard controls are included, as source device controls suffice for critical listening purposes. Volume is adjusted at the amp/DAC.

Water Resistance

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones does not have any special water resistance ratings. The open-back design makes water damage a risk with these headphones.

Use Cases

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones are ideal for:

• Studio monitoring - The open-back design and accurate sound reproduction are perfect for long mixing and mastering sessions.

• Critical listening - Serious audiophiles will appreciate the smooth, natural sound that reveals every detail in the music.

• Music enjoyment - While not designed for mobility, the exquisite sound makes the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones a luxurious listening experience for at-home music listening.

User Feedback

With a 4 star average rating across 277 reviews, the Shure Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its reference-level sound and premium comfort.

The lifelike sound quality thrills audiophiles, with many calling the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones the best headphones they’ve ever heard. As one exuberant user put it, “These are freaking amazing headphones!! Crystal clear sound across the entire frequency spectrum.”

Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, extended highs and accurate bass reproduction. The open-back circumaural design provides a “huge, 3D sound” that makes music more immersive. One reviewer remarked, “The soundstage and imaging on these headphones is breathtakingly expansive.”

Comfort is another common highlight, with the lightweight aluminum and steel construction disappearing on the head. The luxuriously padded headband and velour earpads are comfortable enough for all-day listening sessions.

Not all feedback is glowing, however. Some users report disappointing bass response compared to closed-back models, though this is typical of an open-back design. A few reviewers lament the lack of a detachable cable and wish for a shorter cable option.

Critical listeners also point out that the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones sounds clinical and lacks musicality without proper amplification. As one user advises, “If you don’t have the right amp, don’t even think about buying these headphones.”

Overall, audiophiles seeking a natural, highly revealing sound will find their endgame headphone with the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones. With domain-leading acoustic accuracy and premium luxury, these open-back headphones satisfy even the most discerning listeners.

Pros

• Spacious, natural sound
• Smooth mids and sparkling highs
• Impeccable fit and finish
• Extremely lightweight yet durable

Cons

• Bass could be deeper
• No detachable cable
• Open-back limits noise isolation

Value

At around $500, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones command a premium price, but deliver equivalent performance to competitors costing even twice as much. Given their enduring build quality and rich, accurate sound, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones provide excellent value for serious critical listening applications.

Conclusion

With stunning attention to detail and materials, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones represent the pinnacle of open-back headphone design. For professionals and audiophiles seeking accurate, fatigue-free critical listening, the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones deliver a luxurious listening experience on par with headphones costing twice as much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the 40 mm neodymium drivers in the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones enhance the audio experience?

The 40 mm neodymium drivers in the Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones are meticulously matched to deliver unparalleled acoustic performance. They provide smooth, extended highs and accurate bass, ensuring a high-fidelity sound that is ideal for mastering or critical listening applications.

What benefits does the open-back, circumaural design of the Shure SRH1840 offer to users?

The open-back, circumaural design of the Shure SRH1840 contributes to an exceptionally natural sound, wide stereo image, and increased depth of field. This design allows for a more immersive listening experience, making it ideal for users who require precise and detailed sound reproduction.

How does the construction of the Shure SRH1840 contribute to its durability and comfort?

The Shure SRH1840 features a lightweight construction with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and stainless steel grilles, enhancing its durability. The ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully adjustable, ensuring hours of comfortable listening.

What makes the Shure SRH1840 suitable for professional applications such as mastering or critical listening?

With its individually matched drivers and precision engineering, the Shure SRH1840 delivers an acoustic performance that is smooth, detailed, and accurate. The open-back design and the high-quality materials used in its construction make it an excellent choice for professionals who require reliable and precise audio reproduction.

Tips

• To maintain the quality of the Shure SRH1840, handle the headphones with care and store them in the provided case when not in use.
• Utilize the additional earpads and cable included with the headphones to ensure they remain in top condition for longer.
• For the best audio experience, connect the Shure SRH1840 to high-quality headphone amplification systems.

Knowledge

1. Neodymium drivers are prized for their ability to produce a clear, powerful sound due to their strong magnetic properties, which is why they are used in the Shure SRH1840.
2. Open-back headphones, like the Shure SRH1840, are often preferred for mixing and mastering because they provide a more natural and spacious sound compared to closed-back designs.

Specifications

• Brand: Shure
• Model Name: SRH1840-BK
• Color: Black
• Form Factor: Over Ear
• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Item Weight: 11.6 ounces (328 Grams)
• ASIN: B08JNN5CM7
• Connector Type: 3.5mm Jack
• Material Type: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
• Cable Length: 2.1 Meters

What’s Included

The Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones package includes the headphones, 6.3mm threaded adapter, 2 cables, 2 sets of earpads, and zippered storage case.

How to Use

Connect the SRH1840 headphones to your audio source using the provided cables. For best results, use with a dedicated headphone amplifier. Position the open-back earcups over your ears and adjust the headband for a secure yet comfortable fit. Enjoy spatially expansive audio and lifelike acoustic detail!