Shure SRH440 Headphones (Playback 34)

Light and Lively

On Jack Johnson’s On and On [Universal] the song “Dreams Be Dreams” has a solo bass that can and should be powerful and well defined. On this track, some headphones deliver a rendition that sounds very much like what one hears from a bass on stage, so this is a good test of balance, dynamics and resonance control. The Shure’s don’t get the rising edges of the bass notes quite right and so deliver less bass power and depth than is fully realistic. Even so, the sound is nevertheless tight and controlled.

COMPETITIVE COMPARISON

Given the relatively lower price of the SRH440s, it may help to place it within both similarly priced and more expensive headphones:

Shure SRH440 vs. Shure SRH840
• The Shure SRH840 is more expensive, and offers a more linear and extended sound, especially in the bass and lower midrange.
• It isn’t obvious that the 840s give up anything, but of course the tonal balance of the 440s does tend to keep the focus on the midrange and lower treble.

Shure SRH440 vs. Grado SR60i
• The Grado SR60i is just a bit less expensive (on the street), and comes from a design philosophy that seems to parallel the approach Shure has taken with the 440s.
• The Grados have a mid-range emphasis as compared to a mid-treble emphasis on the Shures, which means the Grados sound richer but perhaps not as lively (though the Grados will never be accused of sounding dead).

COMFORT FACTOR/ACCESSORIES

The SRH440s are very comfortable, largely because the ear cups are soft and the clamping force is low.

The SRH440s come with a three-meter cord and a phone plug/mini-plug.

BOTTOM LINE

Shure’s SRH 440 is a clean sounding headphone that delivers admirable smoothness and a lively, dynamic sound that is reminiscent of classic vinyl.

SPECS & PRICING

Shure SRH 440 Headphones
Accessories: mini-plug to phone plug adapter (screw on)
Weight: 11.2 oz.
Sensitivity: 105dB@1mW
Impedance: 44 ohms
Price: $125.00

Shure Incorporated
(800) 257-4873
www.shure.com