The overall feel of the headset is one of corner cutting compared with last gen, plastics feel and look cheaper and they dont look like they will last nearly as long as my old ones have. The earpieces rotate and the hinges seem flimsy and would probably break if they fell onto anything other that carpeted floor. The cable isnt as premium as the old coiled one but is serviceable I suppose. Comfort is not as good as the last gen not terrible but still feels more clampy on the head but maybe more time to wear in will help with that. Looks like they have an entirely redesigned build and comfort, which is great news for those familiar with the old pairs (especially the 440). Also, no more coiled cable! In my very brief experience with the originals they were both surprisingly listenable. They were a slight letdown on build and comfort so alas I never owned either pair myself. The comfort is great. Good padding on the right places, covers the entire ear and very lightweight construction.

New drivers and new acoustic characteristics. The design is more strict and modern. The headband is reinforced with metal (increased strength). A straight cable is included (a twisted cable is available optionally). It is possible to connect a cable with a headset (available optionally). The new SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones are ideal for recording, content creation and monitoring. A precisely tailored frequency response and 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers deliver rich bass, clear mid-range and extended highs. A lightweight, padded headband combined with Shure durability provide the ultimate listening experience. Is the minimum size of 840 and 840a the same? (when I was wearing 440 in the store, they didn't press close enough to my ears). Alongside the cable, you get a 6.3mm adapter and a no-frills shiny synthetic leather carry case in the box. The old SRH840 even included a spare set of pads, but you don’t get those this time.It’s an extremely different sonic soundscape to that of the recently reviewed Austrian Audio Hi-X15, for example. Those take a far more ruthless approach with trip-hammer treble and a more dynamic delivery, while the new Shure ‘phones offer a smoother, more relaxed sound. Shure SRH840A These are comfortable cans, too - light enough for you to wear for long periods at a time, but not so featherweight that you’ll forget you’ve got them on. The leather-style earpads sit nicely on your ears without too much pressure - they swivel, giving you a bit of extra flexbility - and the band has plenty of cushioning when you’re in it for the long haul. Considering how close the 440 was to the Harman Target, it will be interesting to see how this new model performs and whether it fixes the high-treble peak.

My only real design/hardware complaint is that they come with only one long 3m cable. I’d happily use the Shure SRH840A as general-use headphones, but they’re not made for that job. What's my biggest concern about these headphones is the build quality. The body is made of cheap plastic. Only time will tell how long the pivoting joints will last. Unfortunatelly that's the most vulnerable point of all headphones and having broken three already I'm a bit dissapointed to see Shure's product this flimsy. I play the guitar in them, the guitar in them sounds dense, full-bodied and angry, like a real pumped-up tube amp. I like it!The depth of the ear pads is the same 18-19 mm, but you can insert a wire or balcony insulation there, this will increase the internal depth and the speaker will not touch the ear, this will not affect the sound much, the stage and body of the sound will increase. In general, this is the sound of the 840, perhaps it differs in some way, but there is definitely no way to compare. If you are thinking of upgrading from the SRH-840's of the last gen and think you will be getting the same quality feel and durability I would say probably dont unless you can get them for a reasonable price i.e <€100. The big earcups and wider soundstage also leads to a more "distant" sound. Vocals didnt seem so close and intimate.