The mid-range can sound a bit forward with certain recordings, but I think it mostly knows its place in the mix.

The positions are not set in stone. I’m only human; I may miss out on certain details or traits that may only be apparent with repeated listening. Expect changes. Shure has released some updates to their classic studio staples, the SRH440 and SRH840. The new models have an "A" at the end. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS AND, TO THE EXTENT NOT PERMITTED, ARE HEREBY LIMITED TO THE DURATION AND TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY. SHURE ALSO HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. An intense sound given its significant treble boost, but countered by a smooth lower-midrange bump. They tend to hug your head in all of the wrong ways, and you most certainly feel them given how large they are but also how much they dig; into the top of your head as well as the sides. In addition to that,Somewhat thin-sound and shouty but overall a very well-tuned set, if extremely blunted and narrow in imaging.

The price of any additional compulsory component (e.g. electrostatic energisers) will be added to this MSRP value and valued accordingly. Simply inferior to its younger brother TH02. Very dull and muddy presentation. The model uses the same ear cups as TH02 but contains different drive units. The driver may have better components but execution must be bad. Not worth the asking price. The Grado SR60i is just a bit less expensive (on the street), and comes from a design philosophy that seems to parallel the approach Shure has taken with the 440s.Smooth and warm tone. Bass is somewhat loose at times. Treble has sparkles and at the same time sounds smooth. But relative to bass and treble, upper mids and lower treble are somewhat recessed, making the headphones' sound colored. Some people may feel them musical and full, but I prefer the Tascam TH02 at a lower price. The appearance is very good, though, with some feel of high quality. Very comfortable to wear with memory foam pads. A tad too shouty for my tastes, but far less offensive tonal characteristics than the average estat. Suffers from typical estat timbre and bass extension issues, but otherwise a very resolving and well-tuned headphone. Look elsewhere if: you prefer a sound that is either neutrally balanced or tilted somewhat toward the warm end of the spectrum, or if you demand the punchiest dynamics on wide bandwidth music.