Dynamic drivers or balanced armature are most common in earphones. Balanced armature drivers are notable for how tiny and lightweight they can be; these qualities allow manufacturers to include multiple balanced armature drivers in a single earpiece that cover different frequency ranges. Like two-way or three-way stereo speaker setups, this tends to lead to a more accurate sound signature, but it all depends on the driver tuning. In each of the bags we found two identical cables and a single, screw-on ¼-inch adapter (more on the cables in the next section). Underneath the panel, we found replacement ear pads just like those already installed on the headphones.

Just a disclaimer : I code test tones for headphones (I'm preparing a new set of test bench and analyser for measuring headphones), I do some science analysis on audio/image and while amateur, I can do mimicry, sing and play a few instruments. Not bragging, but just a bit of a notification that I know what I'm listening to.

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The problem with most full-sized headphones we test is that their large size and weight usually make them a little cumbersome, and eventually uncomfortable to wear. Sennheiser’s HD800wereimpossible to forget you had on. With the Audeze LCD3, we just felt it would be best for us to sit still. Even the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 had enough clamping force at play that we’d ultimately need a rest. The headphone themselves are very light, adding to the overall comfort. The padding on the headband is generous and plush. Now, the pads... They used Alcantara pads. From my memory Alcantara is a synthetic material, first used by the legendary Sennheiser HD800. These are perforated Alcantara pads, with memory foam under it. As I expected, these are ultra comfortable, and doesn't get as hot as pleather. Nice choice Shure. Overall comfort is exceptional, much much better then SRH940, and slightly better then SRH1840. I recently worn these to a trip to Penn, about a 6hr ride, and didn't have any issue with the comfort. En résumé: Un magnifique casque de type fermé, très bien conçu, pour la gamme de prix d'environ 400€. L'équivalent dans cette même tranche de prix en ouvert, serait plutôt le Sennheiser HD660S. Tout dépend de vos goûts.

I forgot to cover this at the beginning. The isolation on SRH1540 is decent. It's not superb like on ears like DT1350 or Momentum, but they still manage to give decent isolation. The leakage is also fair. There is some leakage at high volumes, but I use my SRH1540 in classrooms without disturbing others, so it's not too bad. So, Shure 1540s, excellent mids, very good imaging, just "Ok" isolation and leakage control, but a little bit too much bass. They are indeed enjoyable headphones and one of the most comfortable headphones I have ever put on BUT sadly, at this point in time, they are not for me. I'm still a fan though. Shure knows how to create products and cater to specific audiences. I just hope that on their next headphone they do something with their presentation (i.e. tame the lows a bit, more clarity up top) and change the design a bit so that one doesn't look weird wearing their headphones! Exceptional comfort is another factor in their appeal to audiophiles, where many hours of wear calls for greater comfort.What you will get is some pretty serious audio technology including a set of 40mm neodymium drivers, a diaphragm developed with APTIV film for what Shure describes as “improved linearity and lower THD - total harmonic distortion”, along with a steel driver frame with a vented centre pole piece. According to the manufacturer, this last bit of kit “eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all listening levels”– but, as ever, I'll put that claim to the test in the following section. Shure SRH1540 review: Sound Soundstage is very good for closed cans. I've listened exclusively to open cans on my reference system for the last few years, so I'm very used to the open rendering of the music. While the Shures will never be confused with open cans, they are very open in sound. There's good air and imaging there. They do form a very 3D image that circles your listening space. They don't fall victim to the "three blob" soundstage that many headphones produce. Imaging is believable with good space and placement. It's among the best I've ever heard in closed cans. I'd say it's very accurate within the confines of a closed can system. I edited this review on 2/28/14 to include some new thoughts. I placed the edits at the bottom of this review**

There are two basic builds for headphones. Circumaural designs fit wholly over and around the ear, encircling it with earpads that typically create a soft seal against the skin and scalp. Supra-aural models rest on the ear but don’t create a seal around it. These models are often called, respectively, over-ear and on-ear headphones—and frankly, both of those terms are much easier to remember for most people.

At this moment, I'm looking to get a he6 or hd800. I don't think I can find anything cheaper than those that'll outresolve srh1540. I'm also getting a hd700 and beyer t1 right now before he6/hd800 with the hope I can find something cheaper that'll outresolve srh1540. Let me hope that they outresolve my boi and save me some money for the time being. I want to upgrade straight to raal sr1a when I have the money The 1540’s sound signature will appeal to v-shaped headphone fast who like a lively bass and treble response. The midrange is its weak point, though it isn’t a gaping void like some v-shaped headphones can tend to be. Make sure you have a decent DAC/headphone amp – like the Audiolab M-DAC – to get the most from your music The Sound. It is very even through out the range with nothing drawing too much attention to certain frequencies. Vocals are great treble is sweet yet detailed. Bass is solid and deep without being overbearing. Fact is they have a lower reach then my PMC floor stander’s which go very low.