Beyerdynamic T5p 2nd Gen vs Shure SRH1540

Despite the headphone design, the sound from these has good soundstage and separation. There is a feeling of width to the music which, while not very wide, can help enhance immersion.

These headphones offer great clarity, so it should be very easy for you to appreciate the music. There is a little extra energy to the highs which gives the airiness and detail but without becoming harsh. This is balanced by slight elevations to the bass for extra oomph yet the low end is still controlled. These are neutral enough for monitoring or recording use, yet can still be a fun listen.

With these on, you will only hear very little of the noise around you. The large and thick ear cups go over the ear and seal really well, and the closed ear cups are able to drastically minimize noise that may bleed in with your music. These can be used for tracking music in the studio, listening to mixes for errors, or for music listening outdoors.

The ear pads and head band feature thick memory foam, covered by protein leather. They feel great on the skin and are effective at minimizing pressure on the head.

The headband and yoke are made out of metal, giving the cans a very sturdy feel and premium look. The ear cups feature soft touch plastic with laser etched metal. These headphones look and feel solid and give the impression that they will last.

Each ear cup has a 3.5mm connector where you attach the cables. This makes the cables very easy to remove, and it should not be difficult to find replacement cables of different lengths or types if needed.

The SRH1540 gives the sound accuracy and noise isolation necessary for studio monitoring use. They are also lighter and more comfortable than other studio headphones.

Despite the perforated ear pad surfaces, the sound is effectively isolated inside the ear cups. The thick memory foam is quite effective at preventing the sound from leaking out and noise mix in.

The sound signature favors accuracy more over boosted frequencies. The highs are detailed yet are not too bright or harsh. The mids have good presence and never gets in your face and the bass delivers good punch while staying controlled.

The interior materials of the ear cups are of thick, quality memory foam which are soft with just the right level of firmness. On the surface is a perforated fabric material which is smooth on the skin and helps in breathability, so heat build-up around the ears should not be an issue.

These headphones may look bulky, but are actually pretty light at around 280g. Aircraft grade aluminum is used on the yokes, while the ear cups have carbon fiber inlays, both of which are light yet sturdy materials. The low weight makes these relatively easy to wear.

The cable attaches to the ear cups via an MMCX connection, with magnets surrounding the connectors. The connection is quite secure, yet can be disconnected with some force. This reduces the chances of damaging the cable or the headphones should the cable be accidentally yanked.

The cable is fairly thick, Kevlar reinforced, and has a lot of strain relief on the termination points. This robust construction should allow the cable to withstand regular use and abuse for a long time.

The accessories that are included are not abundant, but really add a lot of value. There is an extra pair of the high quality ear pads which is a rare inclusion for high end headphones, along with an extra cable. Also, there is a case with a hard plastic shell; a step up from the usual soft case that is included with most headphones within the price bracket.