ATHM50(s) vs Shure SRH840. Source: Laptop
Jun 15, 2012 at 3:50 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 10
Meego

Meego

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I'm upgrading from my $60 pair to a single $150 budget one with no extra add-ons, and after hours of reading I narrowed it down to the M50 and SRH840.
I've been hearing bad things about the m50 lately that it's over-hyped, and that the SRH840 is terribly uncomfortable. 
Can I get opinions on which is generally "better"?

I listen to all genres, but more so vocals and trance. I do like bass as a lot of my "fun" songs is quite intensive, but I do not want it to drown out all other instruments and the vocals.
 
Jun 15, 2012 at 4:11 PM Post #2 of 10
SRH840 has very comfortable pads but it does get a bit sweaty after a few hours of listening. The headband is a bit heavy as well so it'll need some time to get used to. M50 is lighter in terms of weight but it's way less comfortable due to the material of the pads. I have both and I find it much less fatiguing to listen to the 840 compared to the M50.
 
Sonically I'd prefer the SRH840 due to its ability to suit to almost any music genre, and the mids are much clearer than the M50. 
 
Jun 15, 2012 at 5:48 PM Post #3 of 10
Sonically the 840 is the more balanced and better choice, but it's a bit harder to drive than the M50.  If you buy the 840, make sure you can return it in the even your laptop won't drive it to your satisfaction--or budget an affordable portable amp (which will be of benefit even if you select the M50).
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 2:40 AM Post #4 of 10
Quote:
kg jag said:
Sonically the 840 is the more balanced and better choice, but it's a bit harder to drive than the M50.  If you buy the 840, make sure you can return it in the even your laptop won't drive it to your satisfaction--or budget an affordable portable amp (which will be of benefit even if you select the M50).
Click to expand...

 
yup absolutely agree. i'm pairing mine with the hippo cricri+ and it sounds better than unamped. both the 840 and M50 benefit from amps in some degree but not really necessary on the M50 IMO.
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 2:26 PM Post #5 of 10
What do you mean "drive"? I can't afford an amp as i'm dumping the budget I have on the pair itself. 
I'm leaning towards the SRH840 as i'm hearing they have better sound overall.
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 5:39 PM Post #6 of 10
Quote:
meego said:
What do you mean "drive"? I can't afford an amp as i'm dumping the budget I have on the pair itself. 
I'm leaning towards the SRH840 as i'm hearing they have better sound overall.
Click to expand...

 
"Drive" = power the headphones.  This means the little amp inside the cheap portable device or the $3,000 stand alone headphone amp--and all everything all types in between.
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 6:32 PM Post #7 of 10
Quote:
kg jag said:
 
"Drive" = power the headphones.  This means the little amp inside the cheap portable device or the $3,000 stand alone headphone amp--and all everything all types in between.
Click to expand...

Mmm.. that's a problem as I do not know how they should sound. How would I know if it's not sounding as it should? They have a 44  impedance if my memory serves correctly, is it too much for a laptop?
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 6:42 PM Post #8 of 10
Quote:
meego said:
Mmm.. that's a problem as I do not know how they should sound. How would I know if it's not sounding as it should? They have a 44  impedance if my memory serves correctly, is it too much for a laptop?
Click to expand...

 
44 Ohms (measuring resistance) is pretty efficient, but it's not the entire story.  You also need to how much power a headphone needs--how sensitive it is.  Although other headphones can be different (e.g. lost bass, sound stage, a combo of things,etc.), with the 840 it's how loud it will play from your particular device.  There is a problem if the volume is low.  If it is, you will need an amp.
 
Jun 16, 2012 at 6:44 PM Post #9 of 10
Quote:
kg jag said:
 
44 Ohms (measuring resistance) is pretty efficient, but it's not the entire story.  You also need to how much power a headphone needs--how sensitive it is.  Although other headphones can be different (e.g. lost bass, sound stage, a combo of things,etc.), with the 840 it's how loud it will play from your particular device.  There is a problem if the volume is low.  If it is, you will need an amp.
Click to expand...

The M50 is .73v to 110db SPL. SRH840 is .66v to 110dB. It's so close you really won't notice much of a difference. I got the numbers to 110dB SPL from InnerFidelity's measurements.
 
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