Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataNectar Hive vs Shure Srh1440: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Shure Srh1440
78Great
$279
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Shure Srh1440
Sound8.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Nectar Hive | Shure Srh1440 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $197 | $279 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2012 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-7kHz | 15Hz-27kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | - | 37 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 370 g | 343 g |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Shure Srh1440
The Shure SRH1440 is an open-back, over-ear headphone that offers a detailed and neutral sound signature, making it a solid choice for critical listening. It features a lightweight, comfortable build with detachable cables and velour pads, though its plastic construction and need for adequate amplification are worth noting. Overall, it delivers strong performance for its price, especially for those who prioritize clarity and tonal balance.
- Pro:Detailed and neutral sound with good tonal balance
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and included accessories like velour pads
- Con:Build quality relies heavily on plastic materials
- Con:Low sensitivity may require a more powerful amplifier for best results
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers little isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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