let me get down to it, first off I've tested these for about 5 days and not everything I've listened to has been music to my ears, but that's not because of these headphones.. the bass is smooth, mids are wide and accurate, the high sparkle but are laid back a tad bit...

Having grown to love and rely on our old 'pro' headphones for years, unzipping the carry case for these new Shure SRH1540s felt a little unfaithful. Knowing that they're more than twice the price of my ol' faithfuls was a cause for pause before putting them on, but we had a job to do.

The SRH1540 epitomize our "ideal sound," making fewer compromises and scoring more wins than any full-size headphone we've heard under $1000.

Supremely comfortable; Tight; musical bass with excellent extension; Open; natural midrange; Sparkling; resonant treble; Tremendous detail

Expensive; Large

A terrific marriage of sound and comfort

Man, this is one hell of a headphone. Though it seems to me slightly hampered as a pro headphone by having a slightly "U" shaped EQ, and slightly hampered for the consumer due to lacking a smartphone cable, I can't but help fall in love with some of the things it does extraordinarily well.

First impressions count for a lot. This is especially true for headphones, because, unlike other types of audio gear, youwearheadphones. When you first try a pair on, do they feel good, or do they hurt? How do they feel in your hands?

Real carbon-fiber ear cups; Really hushes external noise; Really; really comfortable

Lacks mike and phone controls; Doesn't fold for compact storage

First impressions count for a lot. This is especially true for headphones, because, unlike other types of audio gear, youwearheadphones. When you first try a pair on, do they feel good, or do they hurt How do they feel in your hands

Real carbon-fiber ear cups; Really hushes external noise; Really; really comfortable

Lacks mike and phone controls; Doesn't fold for compact storage

Most headphones we test tend to have a moderate-to-intense bass response, so reviewing a pair like the Shure SRH1540 almost comes as a shock. Few headphones can extend down as low as 5Hz and yet deliver accurate bass response that doesn't boost the low-end into blowing out the rest of the mix.

Excellent audio performance; Impressively lightweight despite large size; Exceptionally comfortable; Ships with two detachable cables, a replacement pair of earcups, and the sturdiest hard-shell headphone case we've ever seen

No inline remote control or mic on either cable; Not for booming bass lovers

We've long been acquainted with Shure's great-sounding, comfortable headphones – and it is business as usual with its new closed-back over-ears.

Expansive; open; beautifully balanced; detailed; driven sound; Cosy; roomy fit; Light

Nothing

I do love a high-end American brand; there's something reassuring and macho about technology from the guys who invented it in its modern form. And there's no brand more Marlboro Man than Shure of Chicago, long-esteemed maker of microphones and headphones.