Been searching for a closed HP for the last month to replace my new Sennheiser HD1s The HD 1s are very good with very deep base and smooth highs but not open sounding enough for me for Classical.
I’ve read hundreds of reviews and nearly pulled the trigger a couple of times. I was very close to getting the 99 Classics but then I read about the Shure 1540. This HP has really good critic and user reviews similar to the 99. Several user reviews noted that the 1540 sounded like a closed version of the HD650 which I own and love. Also the 1540 got excellent reviews for comfort, openness and soundstage. So I ordered the 1540.
They arrived today and after just a quick run through of my reference tracks I can say WOW these are really good. Extremely comfortable and fit and feel like an open HP. They are well made and have a quality look and feel.
As to the sound. Yes they are very similar to the HD650 but with a deeper more impactful bass and a more neutral (less warm) midrange. If you check frequency graphs for both you will notice that the 1540 bass extends deeper and the midrange is slightly recessed while the 650 has a more prominent midrange. Treble is almost identical. In concert hall perspective the HD650 is front row and the 1540 is row 10. The soundstage on the 1540 is bigger, wider and deeper and actually sounds more like an open phone than the 650. The 1540 is so comfortable and open sounding it’s hard to think of them as closed. I recently sold my T90s which were semi open and the 1540 is superior in every way. They were originally priced at $499 when released and at the current price of $374 they are a great deal.
I haven’t heard the Shure 1540 myself but I have heard a lot of good things about it. I know you were looking for a closed headphone to replace your HD 1. How does the 1540 compare to the HD 1 in your opinion?
I like the 1540 over the HD1. It’s so much more comfortable and is truly over the ear unlike the HD1 which did not quite cover the ears. As to sound the 1540 sub bass is even stronger. The mids are a little more laid back and the treble is more open and extended but never overly bright. With the 1540 it’s like wearing a comfortable open HP. The large Alcantra fabric pads make a nice seal without it feeling confining. As to soundstage and imaging the 1540 Is noticeable superior. It’s just a better phone from my perspective especially for classical and large orchestral tracks, film scores , etc. I also prefer it for Pop and Jazz as solo instruments and voices are not in your face as much. The 1540 does a good job of projecting the sound field out in front of you rather than just outside your head like the HD1s do. With the exception of the powerful bass the 1540 is quite smooth and neutral. I’m going to list my HD1s for sale.
I liked the sound of the Shure but head comfort was a problem for me; which was a shame. After an hour or so they just hurt to wear; must be the shape of my head sent them back and tried the Fostex. Excellent headphones though and that price is excellent.
okay, so you’ve had the Shure’s for several months now…what’s the word??? Strengths, weaknesses, would you buy them again??? I’ve heard in other reviews that the noise isolation isn’t the best even though they are closed; what’s your opinion??
Love them. They have actually improved with time. Beautifully transparent, spacious with a smooth and natural high end which is critical to my enjoyment of classical music. As to comfort I find them light and easy to wear for hours. Would buy them again in a heart beat.
Oh forgot. Yes they don’t entirely isolate you from your surroundings. More that they significantly mute it. However they do not leak. So no one will hear what you are listening to.
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve come to understand that isolation is critical for me, making me rethink what will work for me. Right now the Shure 1540’s and the BD DT 1770’s are two I’m considering…that won’t break the bank. So it’s good to have some feedback from someone who’s been using a pair for several months now.
The 1540 and DT 1770 are really two very different headphones. I have the DT880s and had the T70s. I find the Beyerdynamic headphones too bright in the treble for relaxed listening. I sold the T70s which were really bright for me. I found the 880s smoother and use them for monitoring when I record. For Classical music both Beyerdynamics are too bright. Also had AKGs and they were very open but light in the bass and also a little too bright as well The Shure 1540 is just perfect with a neutral midrange and a natural string tone. But it also has a solid natural deep low end. Best headphone I’ve ever had.
I’m probably 2 years late to the party but this specific thread drove me in creating an account and joining this conversation.
That was a very accurate description of this can. Thanks. I’m currently in this crusade of hearing something with a wider soundstage (mostly because I’m still not trained – started very recently in this hobby) and I had it right here all the time. I’m sure many will say it has a narrow presentation, but anyway. It surely differs from my HD6XX (HD650 to the masses) w.r.t that.
We’re probably wearing the same shoes here. But it also happens with my 6XX and Beyers DT 770 PRO, with the latter beginning to annoy in the first hour. I’m still hoping the pain will go away after a while – with all cans after repeated use. Note, all of them are comfortable to me. It’s just that I haven’t reached the “wear for hours” level as I’m used to with IEMs.
When Tyll from Inner Fidelity reviewed this can he actually showed a trick for the headband. Initially I was reluctant in bending it myself but I just did it this week to adjust it to my head. That metal is pretty sturdy and this thing is designed to last. The comfort did improve. My only discomfort is on the right ear. This is to confirm I’m not symmetric.
My SRH1540 is on my desk being powered by a Magni 3+ (with Modi 3 as DAC). Office is really quiet (like software development quiet) and it is actually good that I can still hear some of the surroundings (e.g.: someone walking into my cubicle). That’s a plus in such scenario.
However, the absolutely best feature for me, besides its comfort due being very light, is that I can decrease volume over time without losing the quality. What typically happens is that when I start hearing, music is louder and I gradually decrease volume. Somehow the brain adjusts itself and you don’t need that much volume anymore. I’d guess it is due the attenuation effect of the cups, even though it’s known they’re not isolate too much.
As far as for a con goes, I’d rant over the cable. I find it a little too bulky. You can hear it on the earcups (like a microphonic effect) when you move your head around. Nothing that triggers my OCD though. At least today.
I’d definitely buy it again. Specially on Black Fridays. Shure had $100 off in most of their stuff in 2019 and I’m already having an eye for their open version, i.e., 1840.
Good point about 1540. You can definitely listen at lower volume without any decrease in the sound quality. It’s another feature I love about this headphone. Same is true for the 1840 I which purchased recently for monitoring.
And another point I forgot to mention. This phone is not forgiving on poorly recorded/mixed/mastered tracks. At all. You probably noticed that already.
Just received the Grace M900. Only listened for a short time but it is an upgrade to the Dragonfly Cobalt. With the Shure 1540 I do not need to use the high power mode. No difference to me in sound via High Power (AC powered) vs USB powered. I don’t need to exceed 60 on the volume setting. 56 sounds right. A nice match for the 1540 with plenty of reserve power. M900 has a nice warm musical presentation with a wide soundstage, powerful low end and clear clean treble. Really does well with complicated musical passages so really nice for large orchestral classical.
Sorry for asking non 1540 related question but I have 1840 but the headband pads are really worn of, is this the stock headband since you bought? did you have any experience in having it serviced for wear and tear?
sent them back and tried the Fostex. Excellent headphones though and that price is excellent.
. What typically happens is that when I start hearing, music is louder and I gradually decrease volume. Somehow the brain adjusts itself and you don’t need that much volume anymore. I’d guess it is due the attenuation effect of the cups, even though it’s known they’re not isolate too much.
