Over-Ear
Shure Srh1440
78Great
$280
Full review dataShure Srh1440 vs Shure Srh1540: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Shure Srh1540 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Shure Srh1540 - Great overall at around $549.
Over-Ear
Shure Srh1540
82Great
$550
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Shure Srh1440
Sound8.0
Value7.5
Shure Srh1540
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Shure Srh1440 | Shure Srh1540 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $280 | $550 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2012 | 2014 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15 Hz - 27 kHz | 5 Hz - 25 kHz |
| Impedance | 37 Ω | 46 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 99 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 343 g | 286 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
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
Shure Srh1540
The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone praised for its balanced, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. It delivers deep, controlled bass and crisp highs without excessive coloration, making it a top choice for critical listening. While its soundstage and build quality are excellent, its average noise isolation means it's best suited for quiet environments.
- Pro:Accurate, balanced sound with deep lows and clear highs
- Pro:Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions
- Pro:Lightweight and well-built with premium materials
- Con:Average noise isolation
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:Requires calibration for optimal performance in some setups
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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