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Shure SRH1540 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Over-Ear HeadphonesShure SRH1540

Shure SRH1540 — image 1

Shure

Shure SRH1540

Expert Review Analysis

The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed‑back, over‑ear headphone featuring 40 mm neodymium drivers, lightweight aluminum‑carbon construction, and a flat, neutral sound signature aimed at professional mixing and mastering. It includes premium accessories such as extra Alcantara pads, detachable MMCX cables, and a hard travel case.

✓ Best for: Professional audio engineers, musicians, audiophiles and studio users who need a neutral, flat response for mixing, production, tracking and mastering, as well as listeners seeking long‑session comfort and good isolation.✗ Not ideal for: Travelers or commuters who require foldable, ultra‑compact headphones, budget‑conscious buyers, and users who prefer a very loose clamping force without adjustment.

Pros

✓Exceptionally flat frequency response (±3 dB from 170 Hz to 17 kHz) delivering accurate, neutral sound ideal for mixing and mastering.
✓Lightweight construction at 286 g with aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, providing extended comfort during long listening sessions.
✓

Price History

Current

$549.00

Average

$487.22

Lowest

$349.00

Highest

$549.00

Price trend (90d):+14.4%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#3,322Best#20Worst#5,546 -3,249

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Accessories

Included AccessoriesHard travel case, extra Alcantara ear pads, extra detachable cable, 6.3 mm adapter

Audio

Driver Size40 mm mm

Driver TypeDynamic neodymium

Frequency Response5–25,000 Hz

Impedance46 Ω Ω

Sensitivity99 dB/mW dB

Connectivity

Cable Length1.83 m mm

Connector TypeMMCX 3.5 mm stereo plug with 6.3 mm adapter

Design

Headphone TypeClosed-back, circumaural, over-ear

Height228.6 mm mm

Width114.3 mm mm

Length254 mm mm

Weight286 g g

General

BrandShure

ModelSRH1540-BK-EFS

ColorBlack

SizeOne Size

Release Date2020-11-02

Acoustic

Acoustic Isolation @ 1 kHz15 dB

Power

Maximum Input Power1000 mW (1 W)

Sound

Maximum SPL128 dB

Dimensions & Weight

Height9.0 inches

Width4.5 inches

Depth10.0 inches

Weight0.70988848364 Pounds

Research Sources

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

thesoundapprentice.com

fullcompass.com

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User Reviews

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4.0

(401 reviews)

$549.00

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SRH1540-BK-EFSBlackOne Size 2 Year Manufacturer

Over-Ear Headphones

High efficiency of 99 dB/mW and low 46 Ω impedance, allowing easy drive from smartphones, portable devices, and professional amplifiers.

✓Premium accessories including a hard travel case, extra Alcantara ear pads, and detachable dual‑exit MMCX cables for versatile connectivity.

✓Replaceable fenestrated Alcantara ear pads with memory foam deliver excellent isolation and a comfortable seal.

Cons

✗Non‑foldable, rigid design reduces portability and makes it less convenient for travel.
✗Medium clamping force may feel too tight for some users and require headband padding adjustments.
✗Measured higher third‑harmonic distortion in the low‑frequency region, affecting deep bass purity.
✗Cable stiffness can be noticeable during movement, potentially affecting comfort.
✗Premium price point may be prohibitive for casual listeners seeking budget options.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Sonarworks highlighted the SRH1540’s exceptionally flat response (flattest among closed‑backs) making it ideal for critical mixing and mastering tasks.
✓Reviewers praised the lightweight 286 g aluminum/carbon construction for superior comfort during extended studio sessions.
✓High efficiency (99 dB/mW) and low 46 Ω impedance were noted as allowing easy drive from phones and professional amplifiers alike.
✓DIY‑Audio‑Heaven emphasized the premium feel and versatile cable options, suitable for both home and portable studio use.
✓The Sound Apprentice commended the balanced tonality and effective isolation compared to the SRH840 and TH600.

Criticized by Experts

✗Sonarworks reported elevated third‑harmonic distortion in the low‑end, indicating less clean bass reproduction.
✗Multiple reviewers noted the non‑foldable chassis limits travel‑friendliness for on‑the‑road engineers.
✗The medium clamping force was mentioned as potentially requiring adjustment for users with smaller heads.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users repeatedly praised the outstanding comfort provided by the lightweight frame and memory‑foam Alcantara ear pads for marathon listening sessions.
✓The stylish aluminum and carbon‑fiber design was frequently mentioned as a premium aesthetic that stands out among headphones.
✓Many customers highlighted the versatile, balanced sound signature that works well for both music enjoyment and casual gaming.
✓The included hard case and extra cables were appreciated for durability and convenience during travel despite the non‑foldable design.
✓Users reported excellent isolation and seal, reducing ambient noise in noisy environments.

Users Complain About

✗Everyday users complained that the non‑foldable design makes the headphones cumbersome to pack and transport.
✗Some reviewers mentioned the medium clamping force required additional headband padding tweaks for a comfortable fit.
✗The detachable cable was described as somewhat stiff, leading to occasional discomfort during movement.
✗A few users noted that the ear pad material can become slightly worn after extensive use, requiring replacement.
✗Minor gripes about the lack of an integrated cable storage solution were also mentioned.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consider the SRH1540 the most neutral closed‑back headphone in its class, praising its flat response, lightweight build, high efficiency and premium accessories. They note minor drawbacks such as low‑end distortion, a non‑foldable chassis and a medium clamping force, but overall deem it an excellent choice for studio mixing, tracking and mastering.

What Users Say

Everyday users love the comfort, stylish build and balanced sound, often highlighting the light weight and Alcantara pads as key strengths. Recurring complaints focus on the lack of foldability, occasional stiffness of the cable and the need to adjust the clamping force for a perfect fit.

Common Complaints

Non‑foldable design limiting portability, medium clamping force needing padding tweaks, cable stiffness during movement, and slightly higher low‑frequency distortion.

What People Are Saying

“outstanding comfort for long sessions due to light weight and Alcantara pads”
User reviews

How It Compares

vs. Shure SRH840

Advantages

✓SRH1540 is lighter (286 g vs 376 g) and delivers a flatter, more accurate response
✓Better comfort with Alcantara pads and ergonomic headband

Disadvantages

✗Both are non‑foldable, but SRH1540’s medium clamping force may still require adjustment
✗SRH1540’s low‑end distortion is slightly higher than SRH840’s

Choose SRH1540 for lighter weight and flatter response; stick with SRH840 if you prefer a tighter bass and don’t mind extra weight.

vs. Fostex TH600

Advantages

✓SRH1540 offers a more neutral, balanced sound compared to TH600’s brighter treble
✓Slightly lighter and includes premium accessories like extra pads and hard case

Disadvantages

✗TH600 provides a wider soundstage and more pronounced 3D effect
✗SRH1540’s low‑end distortion is higher than TH600’s

Pick SRH1540 for neutrality and comfort; opt for TH600 if you prioritize a spacious, bright presentation.

vs. Sennheiser HD650

Advantages

✓SRH1540 has low impedance (46 Ω) making it easy to drive from phones, unlike HD650’s 300 Ω requirement
✓Includes detachable MMCX cables and a hard travel case, which HD650 lacks

Disadvantages

✗HD650 is renowned for its iconic warm sound signature, which some listeners prefer over SRH1540’s neutral tone
✗HD650’s build is more foldable for travel

Select SRH1540 for studio neutrality and portability accessories; choose HD650 for a classic warm sound and foldable design.

vs. Oppo PM‑3 (discontinued)

Advantages

✓SRH1540 matches the PM‑3’s flat response while offering a more robust aluminum/carbon build and better accessory bundle
✓Higher efficiency (99 dB/mW) makes it easier to drive

Disadvantages

✗PM‑3’s design is more compact and includes integrated cable storage
✗SRH1540 is heavier and non‑foldable compared to PM‑3’s portable form factor

Prefer SRH1540 for durability, accessories and ease of drive; consider PM‑3 if you need a compact, travel‑friendly solution.

Rating Trend

Rating4.0/ 5Reviews401+17 reviews -0.20