What We Think:
Opinions about the SRH1840 headphones can lean towards one of two differing schools of thought: either audiophiles will think these to be amongst the best-detailed, most neutral open-back headphones available under $700 or they will conclude the pricing to be on the steep side of the dreaded 'diminishing returns' curve. After all, there are many classic headphones to be found at a less expensive 'under-$500' tier that might be said to compete with the SRH1840. So what did audio engineers bring to the table in the SRH1840 that's not heard in the Sennheiser HD650 or the AKG K701, for example? In two words: 'indoor weather.' For listeners seeking immersive engagement with their music, the SRH1840 creates its own personal universe of sound with a broad, simple soundstage presentation and exploded musical detail that reveals hidden parts lurking unheard in your favorite recordings. Midranges stay in clear relief at all frequencies and the upper treble ranges soar and sing with critical accuracy.
The drawbacks to our HeadRoom ears are it's a rather ruthless, unforgiving presentation not well-suited for compressed digital recordings since the SRH1840 tone is penetratingly precise and even slightly prickly at times. But feed the SRH1840 from an LP turntable source + headphone amp and you'll hear vast definition and a clear, unblunted musical space that sounds excellent with most genres and styles. Bass response is audibly fuller and better extended than the lower-tier SRH1440 edition but still remains extremely controlled without much sub-stratic mass, so hip-hop, reggae and electronic music people may wish to add low-end EQ depending on tastes. For producers and audio professionals performing final soundtrack or mastering edits, the SRH1840's faithfulness comes as a revelation of fresh insight into your work. Low sensitivity specs favors using the SRH1840 with headphone amps for maximized acoustic definition, improved dynamics and clearest possible transparency.
The SRH1840 headphone comes in a modern metal-flake grey/black color and has a totally open-back circumaural ['around the ear'] earcup construction that will completely cover the earlobes on most wearers. As with all open-back cans, the design provides no isolation or noise-blocking ability and will also 'leak' audio out of the headphones as well, so the SRH1840 are not recommended in situations where listening privacy is needed or for close-mic recording work wher you may be trying to avoid mic bleed. Two detachable headphone cords allow easy replacement if ever needed, a great thing to extend product lifespan and durability. The quality OFC headphone cabling attaches in a 'Y-type' design with discrete 'snap-in' connections into the left / right earcups. A extra cable is provided in the SRH1840 box along with an extra set of earpad cushions .
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 65 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB SPL/V
- THD+N:
- Isolation:
- Connector Type: 3.5mm (1/8")
- Cable Length: 2.1 m
- Cable Style: Straight Y
- Weight: 268 g
Product Features:
- Warm, smoothly focused tone but with accurate musical detail to the hilt
- 100% open-back earcup construction adds to 'airy' image presentation
- Detachable, easily replaceable headphone cord
- Great long wearing comfort with very lightweight full-size ergonomics