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This FiiO vs shure noise cancelling headphone comparison focuses on two distinct over-ear models. Both are closed-back designs with detachable cables for easy maintenance. The main difference lies in their driver technology and intended use. FiiO offers planar magnetic drivers for audiophiles, while Shure provides dynamic drivers for studio work. You can see how these specs affect your listening experience below.
Driver Type
Planar Magnetic
Dynamic
Weight
1.65 pounds
1.55 pounds
Connection
3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, 6.35mm adapter
Detachable coiled cable, 1/4" adapter
Use Case
Audiophiles
Studio, Mixing
Color
Champagne Gold
Black
Choose the first if
- You want planar magnetic drivers for a wide soundstage and powerful bass.
- You need a balanced 4.4mm connection option for high-fidelity sources.
- You prefer a lighter, foldable design for travel.
Choose the second if
- You need headphones optimized for home and studio recording.
- You want a closed-back design for accurate audio monitoring.
- You prefer a classic black color for professional settings.
Verdict
Choose the FiiO JT7 if you prioritize driver technology and balanced connectivity for critical listening. Pick the Shure SRH440 if you need a standard studio monitor for mixing and recording tasks.
FiiO JT7 vs Shure SRH440 Specs
driver technology
Edge: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
The FiiO JT7 uses a large 95x86mm planar magnetic driver with a 3µm ultra-thin diaphragm. This setup delivers a wide soundstage and powerful bass. It features a dual-sided N52 neodymium magnet array for high sensitivity. The Shure SRH440 does not list its specific driver type in the provided data. However, it is optimized for home and studio recording with an enhanced frequency response. Planar magnetic drivers typically offer faster transient response and lower distortion than dynamic drivers. If you prioritize detailed, high-fidelity sound reproduction, the FiiO design is superior. The Shure model focuses on accurate audio across an extended range for professional monitoring.
weight and portability
Edge: Shure SRH440 Studio Headphones
The FiiO JT7 weighs 1.65 pounds and features a foldable, four-axis ergonomic design. It is noted as being lighter than most planar headphones. The Shure SRH440 weighs 1.55 pounds and has a collapsible design. The Shure is slightly lighter by 0.10 pounds. Both models include carrying solutions, with the Shure including a carrying bag. The FiiO folds compactly for storage. For travelers who need the absolute lightest option, the Shure has a minor advantage. However, the FiiO’s foldable design offers similar portability benefits. Both are suitable for transport, though the Shure edges out slightly on raw weight metrics.
connection options
Edge: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
The FiiO JT7 includes a detachable cable system with both a 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm single-ended cable and a 4.4mm to dual 3.5mm balanced cable. It also comes with a 6.35mm adapter. This provides versatile connectivity for various audio sources, including balanced outputs. The Shure SRH440 features a detachable, coiled cable and includes a threaded 1/4 inch gold-plated adapter. The FiiO offers a balanced 4.4mm connection, which is rare and beneficial for high-end portable devices. The Shure uses a standard coiled cable design. If you use balanced amplifiers, the FiiO is the better choice. Otherwise, both provide detachable cables for easy replacement.
comfort and fit
Edge: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
The FiiO JT7 features replaceable earpads and headband. The earpads use breathable mesh fabric to reduce heat build-up during long sessions. The four-axis design ensures a comfortable fit. The Shure SRH440 has a closed-back, circumaural design. It does not specify the earpad material in the data. The FiiO’s mesh fabric is a specific comfort feature for extended wear. The Shure’s design is standard for studio headphones. Both are over-ear models. The FiiO offers more customization with detachable and replaceable parts. This allows you to swap worn components easily. The Shure provides a standard studio fit but lacks specified breathable materials in the data.
intended use
Edge: Tie
The FiiO JT7 is explicitly listed for audiophiles. It focuses on professional-grade sonic performance and long-term stability. The Shure SRH440 is optimized for home and studio recording, mixing, and accurate audio monitoring. If you are a critical listener seeking high-fidelity music reproduction, the FiiO is the right choice. If you need headphones for professional audio work, tracking, or mixing, the Shure is designed for that environment. The FiiO targets the enthusiast market with its planar drivers. The Shure targets the professional market with its studio optimization. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize music enjoyment or professional utility.
Choose the Right Headphones For You
Audiophiles wanting wide soundstage and deep bass
Our pick: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
The FiiO JT7 uses a large 95x86mm planar magnetic driver with a 3µm ultra-thin diaphragm. This delivers a wide soundstage and powerful bass. The dual-sided N52 neodymium magnet array ensures high sensitivity. You get professional-grade sonic performance and long-term stability. The foldable design weighs only 318g, making it comfortable for extended listening sessions without fatigue.
Studio engineers needing accurate audio for mixing
Our pick: Shure SRH440 Studio Headphones
The Shure SRH440 is optimized for home and studio recording. It features an enhanced frequency response that delivers accurate audio across an extended range. The closed-back, circumaural design provides isolation. This makes it ideal for mixing tasks where precision is key. The collapsible design and included carrying bag offer practical portability for professional environments.
Users preferring lightweight portable planar magnetic headphones
Our pick: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
The FiiO JT7 weighs only 318g, which is much lighter than most planar headphones. Its four-axis ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit. The foldable structure allows for compact storage and easy travel. You also get detachable earpads and a headband for easy cleaning. The included balanced cable ensures compatibility with various portable audio sources.
FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
Best for: Audiophiles seeking planar magnetic detail
- Connectivity
- 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, 6.35 mm
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Driver
- Planar Magnetic
- Features
- Detachable Cable, 4.4mm Balanced
- Use
- Audiophiles
- Dimensions
- 7.48 × 5.91 × 4.72 inches
The FiiO JT7 uses a large 95x86mm planar magnetic driver with a 3µm diaphragm to deliver wide soundstage and powerful bass. Its dual-sided N52 neodymium magnet array achieves 92dB/mW sensitivity, allowing easy driving by portable devices. Weighing 318g, it offers a foldable, lightweight over-ear fit. This model suits audiophiles seeking detailed, dynamic audio with balanced connectivity options.
- 95x86mm planar magnetic driver for wide soundstage
- High sensitivity of 92dB/mW with N52 magnets
- Lightweight 318g foldable design for comfort
- Includes 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended cables
- Heavier at 1.65 pounds compared to typical dynamic headphones
- Requires specific balanced cables for optimal performance
- You want detailed planar magnetic sound quality
- You prefer lightweight over-ear headphones for long sessions
- You use balanced audio sources like the 4.4mm cable
- You need active noise cancellation
- You prefer wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- You want ultra-lightweight dynamic driver headphones
Verdict: FiiO JT7 Planar Magnetic Headphones deliver precise, dynamic audio through their large planar driver and high sensitivity. They fit audiophiles who value wired, balanced connectivity and a lightweight, foldable build for extended listening.
Shure SRH440 Studio Headphones
Best for: studio monitoring and recording
- Form Factor
- Closed-back, circumaural
- Features
- Detachable Cable
- Use
- Studio, Mixing
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 4.5 × 8.5 × 9.5 inches
- Weight
- 1.55 pounds
The Shure SRH440 is a closed-back, circumaural headphone designed for home and studio recording. It features a collapsible design and an enhanced frequency response for accurate audio across an extended range. Weighing 1.55 pounds with dimensions of 8.5 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches, it includes a detachable coiled cable and a threaded 1/4 inch gold-plated adapter. This model suits professionals needing reliable monitoring gear.
- Closed-back design isolates sound effectively
- Detachable coiled cable allows for easy replacement
- Includes threaded 1/4 inch gold-plated adapter
- Collapsible build aids in storage and transport
- Enhanced frequency response delivers accurate audio
- Heavier at 1.55 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- Larger footprint with 8.5 x 9.5 x 4.5 inch dimensions
- Closed-back design limits natural soundstage width
- You need closed-back isolation for studio work
- You prefer a detachable cable for maintenance
- You require a gold-plated adapter for professional gear
- You prioritize lightweight comfort for long sessions
- You want open-back sound for natural imaging
- You need wireless connectivity for mobile use
Verdict: Shure SRH440 Closed-Back Studio Headphones fit engineers who need reliable isolation and a detachable cable for studio monitoring. They are less ideal for users seeking lightweight comfort or open sound.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones | Shure SRH440 Studio Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, 6.35 mm | – |
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Closed-back, circumaural |
| Driver | Planar Magnetic | – |
| Fit | Over-Ear | – |
| Features | Detachable Cable, 4.4mm Balanced | Detachable Cable |
| Use | Audiophiles | Studio, Mixing |
| Color | Champagne Gold | Black |
| Dimensions | 7.48 × 5.91 × 4.72 inches | 4.5 × 8.5 × 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.65 pounds | 1.55 pounds |
| Model | JT7 | SRH440-E |
| Size | – | One Size |
Frequently asked questions
Which headphones are better for audiophiles?
The FiiO JT7 is the better choice for audiophiles. It features planar magnetic drivers designed for precise, dynamic audio. The high sensitivity ensures detailed sound reproduction. Shure models focus more on studio monitoring rather than high-fidelity listening. You will get better detail with the FiiO option.
Do these headphones have detachable cables?
Yes, both the FiiO JT7 and Shure SRH440 feature detachable cables. This design allows for easy maintenance and replacement. The FiiO model supports 4.4mm balanced connectivity for improved signal quality. Detachable cables are standard in both over-ear designs for long-term usability.
Which model is lighter to wear?
The Shure SRH440 is slightly lighter than the FiiO JT7. The Shure weighs 1.55 pounds, while the FiiO weighs 1.65 pounds. Both are over-ear headphones designed for extended use. The difference is small, but the Shure may offer a marginally lighter feel for some users.
Are these headphones suitable for studio work?
The Shure SRH440 is ideal for studio monitoring and recording. It provides reliable isolation for engineers and mixers. The FiiO JT7 is less suitable for this use. It targets audiophiles seeking planar magnetic detail instead. Choose Shure for professional studio environments.
What driver technology do these headphones use?
The FiiO JT7 uses planar magnetic drivers. This technology delivers wide soundstages and powerful bass. The Shure SRH440 uses dynamic drivers typical for studio headphones. Planar magnetic drivers offer different sound characteristics compared to standard dynamic units. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize detail or isolation.
Do these headphones fold for travel?
The FiiO JT7 features a foldable build for portability. This makes it convenient for carrying in bags. The Shure SRH440 dimensions are listed, but folding is not explicitly mentioned. If you need a compact design for travel, the foldable FiiO model is the practical choice.