Shure SRH840 - just checking them out.

[admin_exported]

Just picked up a pair of Shure SRH840 headphones today (do headphones require a break-in period?). I had purchased a pair of Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio High-Definition Headphones ... mostly based on the review on this site. I really liked the sound of the Beats; but they seemed cheaply made and after reading a number of reviews decided that at that price build quality should not be an issue. So I thought I would give the Shure's a try. They were the only other hi-end choice at the shop that I went to; and that store has a great return policy.

I am finding the sound to be extremely detailed with the 840's, but perhaps a bit lifeless - especially when compared to my 805s speakers. They are, however, very new and may sound much better after a break-in period. Certainly my B&W's improved (dramatically) with age.

Anyone else familiar with these headphones? My only other option is to order a different pair on-line.

 

[Anonymous]

do headphones require a break-in period?

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My limited understanding is yes they will require a burn in period, some top phones need as much as a couple of hundred hours as I understand it.

 

[idc]

Full sized yes, though for how long depends on the brand. Various people on the forum have reported a break in period for Grados. The AKG K701/2 are notorious for their lengthy break in period, which I can confirm. I am not sure about on ear and in ear as their speakers are so small.

 

[Anonymous]

Well after the replies here, and some checking around it seems that burning them in for at least 100 hours is a good idea. I grabbed a little pink noise generator program for my Mac and will give them at least 100 or so hours.

Thanks for the advise.

 

[Audiofoolius]

Burning them in is a wise idea. I hope you'll post your further impressions of the SH840 here. I'd like to know more of this HP too ;-).

 

[Anonymous]

So far I have run about 45 hours of pink noise through them. I have really warmed up to these headphones. They have a very controlled accurate sound. I am going to put at least another 50 - 60 hours through them and then I would be happy to post my thoughts.

 

[Anonymous]

Well I am officially happy with these cans. I have been burning them in for a number of days now. I have a DacMagic connected to my Mac and from there it is going to a Pro-Ject Head Box SE. I could likely do with a better headphone amp, but it still sounds quite good.

The headphones have really come to life. Good dynamics and very musical. The sound stage would probably be better with an open backed headphone, but I have no complaints at all. I don't have a lot of experience listening to headphones but as far as I am concerned these ones offer real value. They certainly should be used with lossless files only in my opinion. Mostly I listen to uncompressed aif files.

 

[idc]

"Good dynamics and very musical" I like the sound of that. What music do you listen to? Have you any examples of how they cope with bass, midrange and treble? Vocals and guitar? Do they leak sound?

 

[Anonymous]

I listen to quite a wide variety of music... love vocals - especially female and enjoy the likes of K.D. Lang and Shelby Lynne; grew up with classic rock, and still listen to it quite a lot but have found some amazing new music. Recently discovered a band called XX - very enjoyable.

These headphones are really neutral through the full range and have a warm midrange. The sound stage is excellent for a closed headphone. Vocals and guitar sound very natural to my ears. Base is solid and certainly not over emphasized in any way. They have good 'punch'. These are certainly the best headphones that I have owned (to date) and have gone a long way to help me rediscover my enjoyment of headphones. The other great thing about them is that they are really well built. I would be shocked if they broke.

If you're worried about leaking sound don't. They are excellent in that department.

 

[idc]

Thanks WCF. They are added to my list of potentials for leakless headphones.