Shure SRH840A

With the SRH840A, Shure launch the new edition of the Shure SRH840 into the race. This completely renewed headphone model is said to be particularly suitable for content creators and monitoring during recording.

Package and appearance

In addition to the Shure SRH840A, an interchangeable cable, a 6.35 mm screw adapter and a carrying pouch are also included in the box. Compared to the SRH840, the SRH840A has a much more contemporary appearance. Even though the trim here is no longer silver-coloured but gold. The new colours reflect the quality that is continued in the headband. As with the previous model, the underside of the headband is made of fabric and the top of imitation leather. On the SRH840A, however, the imitation leather has gold-coloured stitching. In addition, all of the headphones’ visible screws are gold.

Technology and values of the Shure SRH840A

But this Shure is not only visually different from its predecessor. We measured various characteristics of both models and found that the new model is a whopping 6 dB/SPL louder than its predecessor, at just under 103 dB/SPL. In addition, the impedance of the SRH840A is now only 35 ohms, which makes it more suitable for audio interfaces, laptops, smartphones and similar devices. Since this newer model weighs less than 275g, it is also around 100g lighter and has a much lower contact pressure. Last but not least, the SRH840A no longer comes with a coiled cable but instead a straight one with a length of 2.90 metres. However, the frequency range has remained the same, at 5 Hz to 25 kHz, which is delivered by the 40 mm drivers driven by neodymium magnets. However, buyers will have to do without additional ear pads, as was the case with the SRH840.

Material and handling

What is immediately noticeable about the Shure SRH840A is that the cable routing running over the headband is no longer partly visible from the outside, as was the case with its predecessor. The cables have been routed inwards so that there is no longer a weak point. In addition, the 80’s look of the old headphone model is history. Unfortunately, the SRH840A are no longer foldable, as the SRH840 was. But at least its ear cups can be rotated 90 degrees so that the headphones can be stored flat in the carrying pouch.

Shure has remained faithful to its plug technology. The cable, which is still routed on one side, is securely fastened to the headphones with a bayonet catch. Simply plug it in and turn it, and the user can be sure that the cable will not accidentally slip out of the socket of the headphone ear cup under tensile load. Thanks to the smooth, ratcheted size adjustment, the feel of these headphones is pleasant when putting them on. For really big heads, however, even the largest setting might still be too small. The contact pressure, ear pads and headband padding are comfortable, and the headphones fit securely even during jerky movements. I particularly like the fact that the earpads do not lead to a set of hot ears even when the headphones are worn for a long time.

Sound of the Shure SRH840A

Sound-wise, the Shure SRH840A surprised me from the first notes with a relatively loud and full-sounding reproduction. This was mainly due to the rich bass that these headphones produce. They went all the way into the low bass range without being overbearing. In the mids, voices seemed consistently present with the SRH840A so that vocals and speech could be clearly heard. Guitars in rock and metal songs appeared detailed. Depending on the audio material, the reproduction of its upper mids was occasionally on the verge of sibilance. But this did not cause a serious problem. You simply have to take or leave this part of the sound profile.

The treble and super-high frequency range of this model was restrained. As a result, its reproduction sounded comparatively warm and positively toned across the entire frequency spectrum. If you are looking for sobriety and naturalness in headphones, you’ve come to the wrong place. However, the SRH840A deliver distortion-free reproduction even at high volume levels. Fans of high volumes will get their money’s worth here. Outside noise was well attenuated and I also liked the isolation from the outside. With classical music at least, these Shure headphones also show off their solid stereo impression and their discreet depth gradation.