Shure Announces Updated SRH440A and SRH840A

Anyone who has to wear headphones for long periods understands the importance of comfort. So Shure has kept that concept at the forefront by updating their SRH 440 and 840 headphone line. The Shure SRH440A and SRH840A promise to maintain the sound quality and durability of their predecessors but have updated their design to remain contemporary while increasing comfort and wearability. Available now for $99 and $149, respectively, they won’t break the bank.

The Updated Shure SRH440A and SRH840A Design

The changes to the design are minimal. Shure has increased the padding on the head strap and ear cups while reducing the overall profile of the headphones to be more compact. This design change for the SRH440A and SRH840A means that they will be more comfortable, fit closer to the head, and be snugger. This change should also lead to less user fatigue, particularly useful to those who wear headphones for long periods.

The Shure SRH440A features an all-black color scheme. They have a very subdued Shure logo embossed in brushed silver, along with some well-placed silver highlights. Gone are the bright blue LED indicators from the old 440 and 840.

*The Shure SRH440A features new updated styling*

The Shure SRH840A gets a more premium finish. It has the same black motif but features gold lettering and highlights and a contrasting gold stitching on the headband.

*The Shure SRH840A have the same low-profile design as the 440A’s, but have stylish gold highlights*

Both the updated Shure SRH440A and SRH840A feature swiveling ear-cups as well as a removable 3.5mm straight cord. Also included are a carrying pouch and a screw-on, gold-plated 1/4″ adapter. Not bad for $99 and $149 respectively.

A threaded 1/4″ (6.3mm) adapter is included in the box.

The Specs

The Shure SRH440A and SRH840A both feature 40mm, neodymium drivers in a closed-back, circumaural design. The 440A’s have a frequency response of 10-22,000Hz @ 97dB sensitive. The 840A’s measure slightly better at a frequency range of 5-25,000Hz @ 197dB sensitive (according to the spec sheet – we think it is probably a misprint and should be 97dB). Both have 40-ohm impedance and have a maximum input power of 500 mW.

Shure SRH440A

Driver Type: Dynamic, Neodymium magnet
Driver: Size 40 mm
Frequency Range: 10 – 22,000 Hz
Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz): 97 dB/mW
Impedance (@ 1 kHz): 40 Ω
Maximum Input Power: 500 mW
Plug: Gold-plated 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo plug with threaded 1/4″ (6.3 mm) gold-plated adapter
Cable Length/Type: 3 meters (9.84 ft) / Detachable, straight oxygen-free copper
Removable Ear Pads
Collapsible
Weight (without cable): 268g (9.45 oz)

Shure SRH840A

Driver Type: Dynamic, Neodymium magnet
Driver Size: 40 mm
Frequency Range: 5 – 25,000 Hz
Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz): 197 dB/mW
Impedance (@ 1 kHz): 40 Ω
Maximum Input Power: 500 mW
Plug: Gold-plated 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo plug with threaded 1/4″ (6.3 mm)
gold-plated adapter
Cable Length/Type: 3 meters (9.84 ft) / Detachable, straight oxygen-free copper
Removable Ear Pads
Collapsible
Weight (without cable): 273g (9.63 oz)

Our Take

Shure released the 440’s and 840’s originally in 2010 and have not been updated since. While I am not a headphone connoisseur, I think I can safely say that a redesign was in order. The Shure SRH440A and SRH840A have maintained their original sound and build quality but have updated themselves with a more minimalistic and elegant design. At $99 and $149, they blend performance and affordability and will appeal to those looking for good performing and no-nonsense headphones.

For more information, visit Shure.com.