Is the Shure Srh1540 worth the upgrade from the Focal Clear?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Shure Srh1540 actually scores 6.0 points below the Focal Clear, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. None of the shared sub-scores move by more than half a point, so the two behave very similarly on the things reviewers measure. On paper: weight 450 g to 286 g. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes No to No. It is at least $950 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.09.0
- Value7.07.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Clear | Srh1540 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | No | |
| Weight | 450 g | 286 g | |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 5Hz-25kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Clear to Srh1540". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.