Review on Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones by Kim Palmer

I am writing this review six years after purchase. I was going to write it after a few years of wearing it, but forgot. So if you're looking for a pair of headphones that will last, look elsewhere. . These glasses are heavy as others have mentioned. The headband is awfully soft. The ear pads are thin and actually degrade the sound quality. You will need to replace them within the first year with either replacement Shure 940 ear pads or third party ear pads like Brainwavz which I purchased. The hinges are the biggest problem with these headphones. I simply glued on a piece of foam from the leftover packaging material and made the headband very comfortable with soft ear pads. However, the hinges need a complete overhaul. All of them are plastic with a small metal hinge inside that allows them to turn sideways easily. They come out nice and tight. I'd say after a few months of heavy use, or a year of casual use, they become noisy, annoying, squeaky annoyances. You will first notice them when you talk and eat. A few years later, they squeak with every little head movement. That's all, unless you accidentally break the loops entirely, as they're very fragile and probably only need a drop or a moment's squeeze when you fall asleep. her at. Given the weight of the headphones and the good workmanship of the speakers/drivers, this is a depressing fact that I had to come to terms with early on. First year. Unfortunately my Brainwavz skin is now peeling off after only 3-4 years of infrequent use. I take very good care of my electronics and protect them from dust and moisture, but the headphones still look worn. My rating is only three because the sound quality is very good. I wouldn't hesitate to rate it as the best/most balanced in the sub-$100 range. I still wear these headphones even though they look like they've been pulled out of a trash can and I have to sit statuesquely to avoid the squeaky hinges. I haven't bought a new set because I use a lot more headphones and I'm a poor guy, but it's definitely time to donate. Only buy these headphones if you like to rebuild/customize electronics, the value is still there.