[PyroStorm]

On a purely sound quality-based scale, which one is better, the SRH440 or CAL!? This is discarding factors such as isolation, comfort, etc., and assuming optimal source, DAC and amp conditions.

 

[jc222284]

SRH440

 

[idletime1213]

I'll go with the CAL myself. I think it's the best sub $100 headphone, no glaring weakness and an excellent allrounder

 

[PyroStorm]

Bump to get more opinions.

 

[LizardKing1]

Isn't the SRH440 still like twice the price of the CAL?
 
Also, from what I read the SRH440 is considered very neutral, while I know the CAL is anything but neutral. So what do you listen to mostly? That gives us an idea of what the best sound signature would be between those two, since sound quality is made up of quite some subjectivity.

 

[Marximus]

CAL:  warm, bassy, comfortable.  440:  bright, punchy, uncomfortable.

 

[PyroStorm]

I listen mainly to rock, classic and a little pop. I also do a little tracking and mixing, so I'm looking for neutral balance and good sound quality.
 
For future reference, the CAL! is ~$55, while the SRH440 is ~$80.

 

[dakanao]

I know this is a very old topic, but here is my opinion:
 
I tried the Shure SRH-440 and 840 out today at my local big headphone store. I noticed they had this weird like ''radio sound'' as if their source was a high quality radio if you know what I mean. But I didn't have this problem with other headphones.