You weigh the pros and cons of numerous auditory factors, demo countless products, make your informed decision, apply that decision in the implementation of your set-up, acquire the appropriate headphone/amp/cable/source configuration and blast screeching old school Black Metal.  

For me, the 440s are too thin and flat sounding.  As mentioned in this thread, they are studio monitors and therefore should sound dry and neutral even after the 840 earpad upgrade.  Ever tried dedicated studio monitor speakers on your home system?  Same result.  I bought them for the good build...

I'm simply not cool enough to be the Alphadingo.

I would like a chance to hear the 840, and give Shure another chance.  I do love their microphones, the SM 57 is godly.

Quote: Certainly it all comes down to personal preference, and what one expects from their headphones.  Although I've never heard the 840's, I own a pair of 440s with 840 earcups, and to me they sound flatter than piss on a plate.  Now if that is the "neutrality" coming through, I don't...

I'll admit to owning seven, but I've got a couple of broken pairs of el cheapos and what seems like a drawer full of those awful white Apple buds.  I give 'em away as gag gifts.

Quote: I'm an old fart and use audiophile gear to listen to Darkthrone, Entombed and Turbonegro.  Don't know if I should laugh or cry...

Quote: I used the term digital music player as a reference to a compressed file music player, just to be clear.  The guy in question maintains that he can hear the compression even in lossless formats, and that's enough for him to reject the technology outright.

Quote: Yes, he feels even the cheapest $10 CD "walkman" sounds way better than any digital music player.  There's just no reaching some folks, I guess.    

I let a well known iPod hater listen with my Phiaton MS400s.  He got this blank expression on his face and said well, that's the best I've heard an iPod sound.  He still hates everything even remotely MP3 oriented, though.  Darn, I thought I'd made a convert. 

I thought the M50s were highly regarded on this forum.  I swear by mine.  I think they are well worth the price, especially considering the big box retailers shoving Beats, Bose and Skull Candy in peoples faces.  I guess I 'm pretty late to the hype party.