[itzjon]

Hey everyone I am down to decided between the shure 840 and the
M-Audio Q40. I listen to music off of my Iphone and I am looking to listen all types of music but mainly hiphop/rap and some soft rock, R&B, and pop. I will be using it on mainly loud areas like school, the poker table/casino and a lot of cars, buses, and planes, so leakage does not bother me and I was wondering if anyone could tell me which one to get. Price doesn't matter seeing as there around $20 difference.

 

[Landis]

Will these be mobile at all? As in walking around or purely stationary.

The SRH840s are great, but moderately heavy and the coiled cable is a nuisance for moving about. However, they are built like a brick and I would be absolutely fine if someone wanted to throw my pair out of a second story window to concrete below. I haven't heard the Q40s, so I can't give you a comparison between sound quality.

If you want mobility, I'd recommend remaking this thread in portable audio forum. If that's not an issue, considering grabbing a pair of SRH840s from a big box store like Best Buy just to give them a try-- if they aren't your cup of tea, return them (no restocking fee) and look elsewhere. If they are you cup of tea, then return them and buy from elsewhere as they can be had for much better than their MSRP of $250.

 

[foaming at the ears]

I, too, only have experience with the 840 and they are good for hip-hop out of an iPod. They are much much better for that genre with an amp. As Landis said, it's still worth it to check it before you buy it (for example, I have slight comfort issues with its headband that could be a deal-breaker for you).

The 840 is also quite versatile (I listen to rock, hiphop, classical). Good hunting!

 

[HeyItsBattleKid]

From my experience, the Q40 have the largest bass scene of any headphone I've tried. They get the lowest bass, all while dedicating a lot of space throughout the entire low frequency range. They don't give as much room to mids and highs, but they are definitely not forgotten. I didn't really like the clamping force of them either. Kinda hurt my jaw, and I have a smaller head size.

 

[Pianist]

@ OP: Have you considered IEMs? Hifiman RE0 at $79 will sound better than SRH840 unamped.

If you prefer over the ear headphones, then I recommend SRH750 DJ. It will sound better than SRH840 unamped.