Intro  
 
Ever since I got my hands on the old Grado SR60i over a decade ago I have been on a journey to find the best Mid-Fi headphone in the under $400 range. I have tried and owned many of the top recommendations in the segment in that time. The DT 880 Pro has been on my wish list for years. Finally, I was able to get a pair off a fellow head-fier in almost new condition for $180 USD. Here in Canada it's hard to find under $250 USD. As of now I feel this is the last one I needed to try in my journey to find my favorite Mid-Fi headphone. I will be comparing this with the following in my collection:
 

1. AKG K612 Pro​
2. Fostex T50RP MK3​
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 Ohm)​
4. DT 990 Premium (250 Ohm)​
5. Sennheiser HD 600​

 
I have published reviews for each of these headphones. Checkout my other reviews if you are interested in knowing more about any of them. Beyerdynamic is one of the few manufacturers I truly respect in the headphone industry. As a happy DT 770 Pro owner I do have a soft spot for Beyerdynamic. Credited for inventing the very first headphone, they know their stuff and it shows. Nearly all models are Made In Germany, which says a lot in year 2016. Although the DT 880 was introduced in the early 80's, it's remained relatively unchanged since. Originally there was just the Pro (250 Ohm) version. Now there are a few "Premium" versions at various impedances (32,250,600). I decided on the original DT 880 Pro (250 Ohm) version for the following reasons:
 

• It's easier to drive than the 600Ohm variants, and is virtually identical in audio fidelity.
• The head band padding is easily removable/replaceable on the Pro version.
• I find the clamping force too loose on the Premium version.
• The headband is thicker and higher quality steel on the Pro version.
• I don't like the appearance or feel of the sharp metal clip on the adjustment portion of the Premium version.
• Lastly, I prefer the coiled cable for its versatility and durability (snags are less likely to cause damage).

 
 
My Setup
 
 
In testing I used the TEAC UD-H01 32bit DAC connected via USB to my Windows 7 desktop. Then line out from the TEAC with RCA (full 2.0V RMS) to my Schiit Valhalla amp. Although this is a tube amp, it's one of the most neutral and low distortion out there. Unlike other tube amps the Valhalla does not add much, if any warmth in the mid-range. Compared to my SMSL SAP III solid state the Valhalla is more resolving with a bit more treble extension, fuller bass, and wider soundstage. Despite the SMSL being flatter, I find the Valhalla an overall improvement in almost every area. So I decided to write my impressions in this review with the Valhalla.
 
 
I use the foobar2000 player with EQ off playing various files from FLAC to m4a to mp3 (VBR/CBR 320). In terms of sound signature preferences I like more mid centric headphones with tight, accurate bass (quality over quantity). I frequently have long listening sessions and I do get irritated by sibilance on certain bright headphones like the DT 990. This is because I have quite sensitive hearing. I listen at much lower levels than anyone else I know. In terms of musical tastes, I enjoy all genres of music spanning across many different era's. But I have a soft spot for singer/songwriters with gifted vocals.
 
PS: I acquired the DT 990 Premium and Schiit Valhalla used from a local friend two weeks after my DT 880's came. I will be publishing reviews on those in the coming weeks.
 
 
Design/Build (10/10)
 
 
The packaging is modest, just a cardboard box. Included in the box is the headphone itself, 6.5mm screw on adapter, and a nylon soft carrying case. The DT 880 Pro feels substantial in the hand at 295 grams. They look and feel more expensive than they are. The headband itself is made of solid steel and is much thicker than average. I have yet to hear of anyone managing to break the headband on these. The DT 990 Premium headband feels flimsy in comparison. The generous padding on the headband can be removed and replaced or cleaned easily by undoing the button clips, another feature not available on the DT 990. Doing so will reveal the cable running along it to each driver.
 
 
The adjustable portion is held together securely with two large screws on each end. The adjustment does "click" into place with markings to easily get a visual confirmation that both sides are set the same. The markings are engraved, no paint to rub off over time and easy to use in the dark. Left/Right are clearly marked on the outside, with Braille markings for the blind. Above this is the engraved Beyerdynamic name with logo appearing on both sides. On the inside you will see "Made In Germany" engraved and on both sides.
 
 
The drivers are suspended by another steel portion that is securely fastened to the ear cups with screws. This is the steel portion that "clicks" up and down for adjustment. The available adjustment is large and should fit just about anyone from children to adults. I found the right fit at 4 "clicks" up the adjustment. The ear cups do not rotate to sit flap on a table, but they do tilt up and down.
 
The ear cups are made of high quality plastic with aluminum accents and a stainless steel grill on the exterior. The grill itself has a nicely polished finish which feels soft to the touch. The grill is anything but flimsy, it would take a lot of force to bend or dent them. Much higher quality than the grills on the HD 600. I like the fact they are stainless steel also, no paint to chip or rub off over time. The model "DT 880 Pro" is painted on the outside of the grills though. The metal grills on the 880 make them look and feel more premium than the DT770/990. The bladed grills on the DT 990 Premium are actually plastic. The HD 600 still has a slight edge in styling with the larger oval see through metal grills and granite like finish.
 
 
Moving onto the ear pads, I was surprised to find the velour material on the DT 880 is not the same as the 770. It looks identical but the 880's are more "plush" to the touch, even more so than the more expensive HD 600. I suspect Beyerdynamic uses a higher thread count on the velour for the 880/990 pads than the 770 ones.  It appears the 770 pads offer more isolation at the cost of comfort. The foam padding however is identical in its firmness. In terms of removing/installing the ear pads, the procedure is the same. Simply pull them off to reveal a foam covering the drivers.
 
The rear of the pads look identical, but I noticed the velour material goes farther back on the 880 pad before the seam. Some people complained about discomfort from the stitching of the 770 rubbing on the ears. This is not a problem with the 880 since the stitching is closer to the rear of the ear pad. Plastic guides can be popped out to remove the foam covering the driver. Under that is a much thicker and denser black cotton material glued to the center to offer some dampening. Under that is a thin white cotton mesh, also glued on.
 
The coiled cable is permanently fixed to the left driver. I prefer single sided cables for one reason, it's another easy way to tell which side is which in the dark. The cable is about 5ft in length, up to 10ft when stretched out. It is terminated to 3.5mm with a screw on 6.5mm adapter included. The cable is not replaceable but it is securely fixed and durable. As an owner of other headphones with replaceable cables, I think the feature is overrated. Connectors not only wear out, but can sometimes affect sound when moving around or not securely fastened. I have yet to replace a cable on any headphone. If you need more length or you're afraid of damaging the cable, use a headphone extension cord. I really don't see a "need" for a replaceable cable. Unless you plan to go portable with this headphone, in which case there are much better options for that purpose. Every other part can be replaced on this headphone, including the drivers themselves. Finding parts is easy because of their long-standing popularity. This is a big plus for working professionals who are more likely to abuse their gear.
 
All DT series headphones are exceptionally well made. But of all three models and variants the DT 880 Pro feels and looks the most "premium". You'll be challenged to find a better made headphone in ANY price range. The design is remarkably simple and easy to service. It's clearly designed to be a headphone for the working professional. The DT 880 beats out every other Mid-Fi headphone I've tried or owned in terms of build quality, hands down. I swear the design team had the German Tiger tanks in mind when they made this. I give it 10/10.
 
 
Comfort (9/10)
 
The clamping force is firm out of the box. Noticeably more than the HD 600 and DT 770 (10 years old now). The steel is very stiff, I would not worry about breaking it, just bend it to your will. After several weeks I did not find it to be a problem. But it will take some time before it loosens up to be like the DT 770, which is perfect for me right now. I prefer the Pro series headband because the Premium one on the DT 990 I found to be too loose. To the point where any quick movement of the head would throw them off. If you could prop the DT 880 on a headphone stand or something to stretch it out it wouldn't take long to get the clamping force just right. The padding is ample on the headband, and it contours perfectly to my head, no hot spots at all. Pressure on the top of the head is very well spread out, no spaces on the top of the head can be seen with them on. It's one of the best headbands I've used in terms of how well it contours.
 
Let's face it, Beyerdynamic makes the best velour ear pads on the market. They are large enough to fit nice and cozy inside. When your ears do touch, it's like snuggling up with your favorite teddy bear. I wish they made underwear like this! Padding is great, even with the firm clamping force out of box, the ear pads did a great job of eliminating pressure. I do wear glasses and can experience pressure on the top of the ears sometimes, but this was never an issue with the DT 880. Because the ear cups are semi-open, they never became sweaty or even warm inside. They truly provide all-day comfort, on par with the DT 990.
 
I did find when the coiled cable is stretched it will pull on the headphones. The simple solution was to stretch it out and tie it to something to get some slack. Another easy solution is to use a headphone extension cord, which doubles as a security measure to avoid damaging the cable in case of a snag. Overall I would still give a slight edge to the HD 600 in comfort because pressure is more evenly distributed on the larger oval ear cups, and they are more breathable. I give it a 9/10, knocking it for the firm clamping force out of box.
 
Sound (9/10)
 
 
There is slight isolation from ambient noise, but it's quite minimal. It's not enough to use in a noisy environment. Sound leakage is not bad, much less than the HD 600, but more than the T50RP. You might be ok at lower volumes without bothering others. It really depends on the ambient noise in your environment. In terms of power requirements it's maybe 10% more than the HD 600. I go from 10 to 11 o'clock on the volume knob of my Valhalla. I've never seen anyone pass 1 o'clock when trying them out. You can achieve moderate listening levels at 75-85% volume on most portable devices. Desktops and laptops get loud enough at 60-70%. I would still consider amplification required to get the best out of them. Bass response, among other things, is greatly improved when properly amplified. In terms of burn-in I did not notice any change before or after 150+ hours. But keep in mind mine were used.
 
To summarize this headphones sound signature in a few words I would say it's like a sip of hot chocolate while sitting in front of a warm fire on a cold day. It's inviting, yet polite and comforting. It's a great balance of transparency and detail in the treble, with a more forward mid-range for added warmth. It's a more "Sennheiserized" sound signature than the DT770/990, which I found to be more aggressive (V-shaped). Beyerdynamic adds a touch of sparkle up top while keeping the mid-range luscious and intimate.
 
The immediate improvement over the HD 600 for me was the more spacious and engaging soundstage. I put it up there with the best of the fully open headphones I have tried like the AKG K612 Pro. It's on par with the T50RP MK3 in this regard. The DT 880 manages to retrieve great detail in the treble without being harsh or distracting, even with imperfect sources. The T50RP for me was a bit aggressive and a little too unforgiving in this regard, while the HD 600 was a bit of the opposite. The DT 880 manages to find a great middle ground. The treble is more extended and transparent then the HD 600. The treble never bleeds into the mids, which is very important to me because I'm a sucker for mids. Of all my headphones the DT 880 Pro has the most pleasing treble.
 
No question the king of the mid-range for me has always been the HD 600. This is really the only reason I keep coming back to it. Of all the headphones I have tried the DT 880 comes the closest to pleasing me to the same degree. Both present a forward mid-range that sounds equally natural and intimate. I spent many days trying to distinguish the slightest difference in the mid-range. In the lower mids to bass there is more "weight" in the HD 600. This adds a bit more depth to male vocals and lower tones. I still have to give the HD 600 a slight edge in the mid-range, but I feel this is overshadowed by the 880's superior treble extension and soundstage.
 
The bass that's there is good. It's well extended, tight, and controlled. I just wish there were a tad more of it. Although the amount of impact is less than the 770, it's quicker and more composed. Bass on the 990 Premium hits a little harder but is not as composed either. This is the area where the HD 600 makes up some ground. The HD 600 is just "weightier" and hits with more authority, particularly in the sub bass. Honestly though, all open headphones in this segment are lacking in bass to some degree. For bass lovers the T50RP trumps the HD 600 while offering a much better value. I think a headphone for listening pleasure probably needs to accentuate bass a little, especially for the younger folks. For mixing/monitoring applications you want as flat as possible. For that purpose the DT 880 and K612 are likely the best in this group. The K612 being the more neutral of the two, but the DT 880 being more transparent and rich. Bass is an easy fix with EQ or amplifiers which have a bass boost. You can't really fix lack of detail, soundstage, etc. So if I had to put up with something it would be in the area of bass response. And too little is better than too much. I found just 2-3DB of boost was just right for me. I give it a fantastic 9/10 for sound.
 
 
Verdict (9.5/10)
 
 
Here in Canada the HD 600 is hard to find under $400 USD. The DT 880 Pro is significantly less at about $250 USD. Having owned both now, I would have to recommend the DT 880 over the HD 600. I don't feel you would be missing out on anything. In fact, you're getting improvements in a lot of areas that matter. The Beyerdynamic is better made and more durable. It has a simpler easier to service design. It's just more practical and versatile. Some might be able to make a case that the HD 600 sounds better. Regardless, the price difference of about $100-150 is better spent on a DAC and/or AMP if you don't already have good ones. When you take the value proposition into account, the DT 880 Pro is the king of Mid-Fi. The only case I can make for the HD 600 is for bass heads, but chances are even that won't satisfy. Those people are better off going for something like the DT 770 or T50RP MK3 for half the price.
 
Value aside, if you had to pry one away from me now (880 or 600), I would have to let the DT 880 go. If you asked me the same question before I had the Schiit Valhalla I would of said the opposite. The Valhalla adds a touch of detail and richness to the treble that works magic on the HD 600. I suspect this amp would do wonders on any high impedance headphone with a "dark" or "veiled" sound signature like most Sennheisers. That being said, the DT 880 already has that magical sparkle in treble so if you own flat or dark amps the 880 is still the better choice, especially on a budget.
 
 
Comparison Notes
 
The headphones differ to a much greater degree in their design, materials, and craftsmanship than their audio fidelity. Those factors are much less subjective. Yet people read these reviews and put more weight on audio fidelity. I am comparing some of the best headphones in their respective class, which all sound great in their own right. Our comments as reviewers, especially with regards to audio fidelity, are completely subjective. Remember that your ears, and more importantly your setup, is unique. It's easy to build a bias by reading what other people have said before giving it a fair chance. Don't do it! If you like something because of its value, design or feature set, try it out yourself before forming an opinion on how it sounds. Don't be afraid to share an opinion that differs from everyone else. Truth wont prevail by being agreeable.
 
Anyway, below is how I ranked the headphones from best to worst (left to right) in each category. "+" indicates a tie.
 

1. Mids/Vocals (HD600,DT880,K612,T50RP,DT770,DT990)
2. Bass Response (T50RP,DT770,HD600,DT990,DT880,K612)
3. Soundstage/Imaging (DT880+DT990,T50RP,K612,HD600,DT770)
4. Highs (DT880,T50RP,DT990,K612,HD600,DT770)
5. Transparency/Detail (DT880+DT990,T50RP,HD600,K612,DT770)
6. Neutrality (K612,DT880,T50RP,HD600,DT770,DT990)
7. Isolation (DT770,T50RP,DT880,DT990,K612,HD600)
8. Comfort (HD600,DT880+DT990,K612,DT770,T50RP)
9. Materials/Craftsmanship (DT880,DT770,DT990,T50RP,HD600,K612)
10. Style (HD600,DT880,DT990,DT770,T50RP,K612)
11. Value (K612,T50RP,DT770,DT880,DT990,HD600)
12. Overall Audio Fidelity (DT880,HD600,T50RP,DT990,K612,DT770,)
13. My Favorite (HD600,DT880,DT770,K612,T50RP,DT990)

 
Below is how well each headphone paired with the Schiit Valhalla.
 

1. Valhalla Amp Pairing (HD600,DT880,K612,DT770,T50RP,DT990)

 
The Valhalla powered all headphones without a hitch, I am just nitpicking here to rank them in hopes this will be informative. You may have noticed I moved the T50RP MK3 down in a few categories since I reviewed it. The treble is a little more irritable with the Valhalla in the mix, so take this into account. It's getting less and less head time because the HD 600 and DT 880 are my go to open cans. For my bass head moments I still prefer the DT 770 for its isolation and more agreeable treble. The DT 990's treble is even more irritable than the T50RP to my ears, so it gets the least head time.
 
I hope you found the review, however biased, helpful in making your own decision. If you did, please mark it helpful so others will see it. Happy listening!

Intro
 
 
I got my pair for $145 USD. This is my first pair of Planar Magnetic aka Orthodynamic headphones, and my first crack at Fostex as a brand. Note the T50RP is the more popular semi-open variant. Fostex sells this same headphone in closed (T40RP) and open (T20RP) designs also. This is the MK3 (3rd gen) of the RP Series lineup, which has been around since the 80's. I have not owned other variants or previous generations of the T50RP, so I won't be able to comment on how this fairs against those. Although these headphones are heavily moded in the DIY community, I will only discuss the impact of a couple ear pad replacements. You can check the forums for other modifications. That being said, the review was compiled using the original ear pads for the sake of fairness and audio fidelity, being true to the way Fostex intended.
 
Anytime I get a new headphone I can't help but compare it with the others in my collection. So towards the end I will comment on how the T50RP MK3 faired against the following headphones I own:
 

1. Sennheiser HD 600​
2. Sennheiser HD 380 (not pictured)​
3. AKG K612 Pro​
4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250Ohm)​

 
I have published reviews for each of these. If your interested in knowing more about any of them checkout my other reviews. I decided to try something new this time. I got some unbiased "non-audiophile" friends and family members to "blind" test this headphone in comparison to the above headphones also, excluding the HD 380. They did not know their cost or any specifications about any of them. I let them choose the tracks they wanted to test with and gave them roughly 30-60 minutes to draw their own conclusions. This was not done in a controlled environment. It's completely unscientific, so take it with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, I did find the results interesting and thought people might find this informative. So I will include their feedback at the end of this review.
 
 
Like myself, many who are interested in this headphone will be looking at experiencing a planar for the first time, as this is one of the most affordable. There is a lot of misinformation regarding this technology out there. First of all, it's not new, it's been around since the inception of the loudspeaker. Despite some of the marketing garble floating around, dynamic drivers are not technologically inferior. There are some advantages of each, however the type of driver is only one small aspect. There are several other factors in the engineering, design, and implementation that all need to come together to achieve greatness. The best dynamic speakers can still outperform the best planars, and vice versa. So please don't think because someone has a planar that it's automatically superior to any dynamic driver. Like anything else, let YOUR ears be the judge of that.
 
 
My Setup
 
 
In testing I used the TEAC UD-H01 32bit DAC connected via USB to my Windows 7 desktop. Then line out from the TEAC with RCA (full 2.0V RMS) to my SMSL SAP III amp. I use the foobar2000 player with EQ off playing various files from FLAC to m4a to mp3 (VBR/CBR 320). In terms of sound signature preferences I like more mid centric headphones with tight, accurate bass (quality over quantity). I frequently have long listening sessions and I do get irritated by sibilance on certain bright headphones like the DT 990. This is because I have quite sensitive hearing. I listen at much lower levels than anyone else I know. In terms of musical tastes, I enjoy all genres of music spanning across many different era's. But I have a soft spot for singer/songwriters with gifted vocals.
 
 
Design/Build (7/10)
 
 
It comes in a modest cardboard box, with two cables included. A black 10FT 6.5mm, and an orange 4FT 3.5mm. Other than a warranty card and spec sheet nothing else is included. Upon removing the headphone from its bubble wrap baggy I was pleasantly surprised by the large size and lightweight design (315g). It feels solid in the hand. Plastics are of good quality. The headband is faux leather but higher than average quality, with generous padding and large Fostex branding on the outside.
 
 
The metal posts forming the adjustable headband stand out with their gun metal like finish. It's not steel, it's some sort of reinforced aluminum alloy. It feels strong and solid. The drivers slide up and down the posts for adjustment. The range of adjustment is very large. It should fit just about anyone, from children to adults. However, there are no markings at all, so it's more challenging to get both sides adjusted the same. To make things worse there are no clear "clicks" in adjustment. So after proper adjustment, it is possible for it to move on you over time during daily use. The plastic parts are securely fastened with screws, nothing is loose, everything feels solid. The orange braided wires are clearly visible going from the headband to each driver. The cups are vented on the outside and have a good range of articulation in all directions. It's like they pivot on a ball joint. It's the first headphone I've seen with this design and I really like it.
 
 
Right and left are clearly marked. The 3.5mm terminal with proprietary locking mechanism is located on the left, making it easy to tell which side is which in the dark. The included cables are of average quality, nothing too impressive. But at least they included two for the most common uses, portable and studio/home. Simply plug them in and turn 90 degrees to lock them in securely. I did find the 1/4 inch terminal on the 10FT cable to be a bit bulkier than normal, but had no issues with it fitting in any of my amps. I was happy with them and see no pressing reason beyond aesthetics to replace them. However, any 3.5mm cable should fit, it just won't make use of the locking mechanism. So cable replacement options are plentiful if that's your thing.
 
 
These are large semi-open headphones. They lack portability, and the isolation of closed-back options. Very few portable devices have enough power to drive these. They really are made for studio or home use only, however they can take a lot of abuse if you plan to travel with them. The design is very modular and parts are readily available, which is a plus. Style wise they are all business. It's clearly function over style with these. But they do conform very well to the contours of the head. So they don't look as obnoxious as some other pro level cans. You just won't be winning any popularity contests with it.
 
 
The ear pads are a complete disappointment. The pleather material and foam padding screams average. To make things worse they made the pads very thin. Despite being full-size there is little room for the ears to fit inside the pads. So it feels like more of an on-ear design. As someone who wears glasses, this was unacceptable. Fostex, what were you thinking? Let's ruin an otherwise very well designed headphone with some "flapjacks" for ear pads? Well, that’s what they did. Anyone who considers this headphone should be prepared to replace the ear pads. I will cover ear pad replacement options in the next section.
 
 
The ear pads wrap around in a groove cutout around the drivers. The pads simply pull off. Upon removing the pads, you see a removable piece of foam dampening around the driver. Interestingly, the square drivers are rotated 45 degrees inside the cups. There is a cloth mesh material glued to the metal drivers also.
 
 
Overall for the design I have to give it 7/10, knocking it mostly for the ear pads. And I would have preferred a "clickable" adjustment that has much less chance of moving on me.
 
 
Comfort (4/10)
 
 
I would put the clamping force as moderate. You will feel it but it's not strong. Comfort on the top of the head is fantastic. It's generously padded and contours very well, no hotspots at all. It did take a little work to adjust properly and find a good seal, but it feels secure on the head when you do. After a couple hours it did get warm. Beyond a couple hours I needed to take the pressure off a bit. I felt some discomfort on the top of my ears around where my glasses sit. This is due to the lack of padding on the ear pads, and the fact my ears would not fit completely inside them, or at least it felt that way. In addition, I found myself constantly moving them around, it just felt like work to keep the right seal and comfort.
 
 
Needless to say, I did replace them. Thankfully, it was simple, affordable, and resolved all the comfort issues. I ended up going with the Brainwavz HM5 Velor Memory Foam pads ($20-30 on amazon). This is a good budget option. The more premium option is to go with the Shure 1540 replacement pads (HPAEC1540) which are also memory foam but use high end alcantara fabric. At my time of purchase they were hard to find, and about 3 times the price of the Brainwavz pads. The velour on the Brainwavz is not as velvety smooth as those on genuine Beyerdynamic or Sennheiser headphones I own. The memory foam is great though, I am happy with them, especially for the price.
 
 
It did take some flexing and massaging of the new pads to get them to fit around the groove. But once you get them in, it's a nice snug fit. I had no problems with the pads moving around after installation. You might be thinking of the acoustic effect of changing ear pads. I did do quite a bit of research myself before deciding on my set. Basically, stay away from angled pads, or very thick ones. Don't go any thicker than the ones I suggested. You don't want your ears too much further away, otherwise it becomes overly bright with reduced bass response. Memory foam seems to be preferred because of the higher damping factor (more dense, less leakage) over traditional foam. It also happens to be more comfortable. In terms of the fabric, cloths like velour won't provide as much seal as pleather like material. This can have the effect of reduced bass response. However, I found this to be negligible, if at all perceptible. Alcantara is the best of both worlds, offering better seal than velour while maintaining the same, if not higher level of comfort. Thankfully we can fix what Fostex did, but we shouldn't have to. I have to rate them based on what Fostex gave us. So it's a 4/10 here.
 
 
Sound (9/10)
 
 
Before I get into how this headphone performs, people need to understand how much power it requires. Orthodynamic drivers are known for being difficult to drive. This one is no exception. The T50RP requires the most power of any headphone I have. In my setup, it requires about 20-30% more power than the HD 600. That being said, I can drive them from moderate to ear bleeding levels at 10 to 11 o'clock on the volume knob. Some listening to these on my setup were pushing it as high as 2 o'clock. My SMSL SAP III is a budget amp ($70). But it's one of the most powerful under $100. So you don't need to spend a fortune, but you definitely need something powerful. I tried driving them directly from my TEAC, which has a decent 40mw RMS at 32 Ohm. It could barely run them at moderate levels at 2 o'clock. This is the only headphone I have which the TEAC can't drive on its own. Frankly, I had no need for my SMSL until I got the T50RP.
 
Note that in my setup the TEAC DAC and SMSL amp are independently powered, the SMSL is getting a full 2.0V RMS line input from the TEAC. This is rarely the case when using a DAC/AMP combination unit. The internal DAC rarely outputs a full 2.0V before going into the amp section. Meaning the amp needs to do much more work. It's best to go with powered standalone DAC and amp units for several reasons, this is one of them. Avoid USB powered DAC's or amps. USB powered DACs with very few exceptions will not output 2.0V RMS. USB powered amps just don't have the juice. Avoid portable amps, only the most powerful ones have a shot at driving these, and cost several times more than something like my SMSL.
 
 
There is a moderate level of isolation but not enough to use in a noisy environment. Sound leakage is minimal. You can get away with work environments at low to moderate levels without bothering people around you. I did not notice any major changes before or after 50+ hours of burn-in. I like to try and summarize a headphones sound signature in a few words. I would say this one is spacious and agile. A very engaging, high energy can. Soundstage and separation was the first thing that surprised me when I put these on. I did find myself turning my head to identify if that "noise" was coming from somewhere in the house at times. Instruments are clearly defined in their own space relative to one another and the vocalist(s). The imaging is fantastic, ideal for mixing and monitoring applications.
 
The treble is very detailed and transparent, it picks up all the little nuances. It is also analytical and will pick up any imperfections perfectly. Which is what you want in a monitoring headphone. Highs are very well extended all the way up to 35Khz. I did find the high's to be slightly more forward than the mid-range. Instruments are presented with authority. So vocals took a step back, until they reached the upper range, like in strong rock or female vocals. Initially I found the treble to be a little harsh on certain tracks at high volume. But it never became sibilant. It was not a problem at moderate volumes, and eventually I did get used to it. I found that the T50RP was actually revealing some distortion in the upper range on certain songs. So I can't really fault it for that. Just be warned this headphone will reveal any slight errors in a recording and make them glaringly obvious. If you experience harshness or even sibilance, it's likely your source. Nevertheless, I would still say the highs are more prevalent over the mid-range.
 
 
Despite the well extended, forward highs, they never bled into the mid-range. And because of the fantastic separation, the mids are still very well defined in the presentation. They just aren't as present as I am used to on warmer headphones like the HD 600. It's as if the artist moved the mic a few inches away from their mouth. The mids still have every bit of depth and detail though, and I did find them pleasing. Especially when the track would settle down. It's likely the way the tracks were mixed though. The HD 600 is doing something to bring the vocals out more, and rolling off on the high end. So the T50RP is the more neutral of the two, and likely more honest to the original.
 
Bass response is another area that surprised me about this headphone. This is usually a strong point for dynamic drivers. It's so well defined amidst the rest of the track. It's very quick, accurate, and hits with authority when the track calls for it. There is an area in the sub-bass that the HD 600 just doesn't dare go. And the Fostex does it effortlessly. There is a definition to the bass that you miss on the HD 600. Even compared to the DT 770, bass impact was more substantial on the T50RP. It was more extended and defined. Even those bass heads among us will be pleased with the bass on the T50RP. But it's not the "boomy" type of bass most are used to on dynamic drivers. The impressive part is that Fostex manages this exquisite bass extension without bleeding into the mids at all.  It never sounds muddy, even at dangerously high volumes. I attribute that in part to the excellent soundstage and separation. The only headphone which gave me as nice of an experience with bass response would be the HiFiMan HE-400 (older model without the "i" or "S").
 
 
Overall the sound signature Fostex delivered is on point. It's like an athlete who manages to display tremendous strength, but does it gracefully and effortlessly. There is no real weak point in the performance. It manages to present a very close to neutral signature with slightly elevated treble, which most will really enjoy. I consider myself sensitive to treble, I never could get used to the DT 990 in this regard. The T50RP was just at the limit of what I could withstand at high volume, but at normal listening levels deemed safe for extended periods, it yielded a very enjoyable experience. One that will have me holding onto these for many years to come. I give it a fantastic 9/10 for overall audio fidelity.
 
Verdict (8/10)
 
 
The T50RP MK3 is an interesting headphone. It has great potential and offers a lot for its asking price. But it's clearly not perfect. If it was, it wouldn't be moded so heavily by the DIY community. Many of the comfort issues can be addressed by experimenting with ear pads. You may have to invest into decent amplification. Those who do so will be happy with their purchase. But let's be honest here, most consumers have no interest in modifying the headphone to "improve" upon what they already paid the manufacturer to do for them. If your someone who is not willing to deal with these things, there are several other contenders in or even below this price range. The AKG K612 Pro is a great open-back option, and the closed-back Sennheiser HD 380 Pro is fantastic too. Either of those would be a much easier recommendation for the majority of people.
 
If you are unlike the majority of people and like the idea of experimenting with mods and amplification, then, and only then, I am comfortable in recommending this headphone. Just be ready to spend some more time and money on it. So with the new ear pads does it dethrone my HD 600? The superior comfort and magical mid-range of the HD 600 still has me going back to it every time. But the T50RP's soundstage and bass response is so good I just can't let them go.
 
 
Comparison and User Feedback
 
Below is how I ranked the headphones from best to worst in each category.
 

1. Mids/Vocals (HD600,K612,HD380,DT770+T50RP tied)
2. Bass Response (T50RP,HD380,DT770,HD600,K612)
3. Soundstage/Imaging (T50RP,K612,HD600,HD380,DT770)
4. Highs (T50RP,HD600,K612,HD380,DT770)
5. Transparency/Detail (T50RP,HD600,K612,DT770+HD380 tied)
6. Neutrality (K612,T50RP,HD600,HD380,DT770)
7. Isolation (HD380,DT770,T50RP,K612,HD600)
8. Comfort (HD600,K612,DT770,HD380,T50RP) /w ear pad mod T50RP moves ahead of HD380
9. Materials/Craftsmanship (DT770,T50RP,HD600,HD380,K612)
10. Style (HD600,DT770,T50RP,HD380,K612)
11. Value (K612,HD380,T50RP,DT770,HD600)
12. Overall Audio Fidelity (HD600,T50RP,K612,HD380,DT770)
13. My Favorite (HD600,T50RP,DT770,K612,HD380)

That pretty much summarizes it. I still prefer the HD 600 overall. But the T50RP edged out every other headphone I have. Despite being on the tail end of audio fidelity, the DT770 still ranks high up there because of it's versatility, having good isolation, amazing comfort, and great build. Honestly, all of them are perfectly adept for studio monitoring and home listening alike. They are all great in their own right, and I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with any of them. There is a reason I have kept all of them.
 
 
Below I will summarize the feedback I got from the "non-audiophile" test results. I have paraphrased what they told me into more technical terms for clarity. I will show their overall favorite from best to worst like above. The HD 380 was not part of this test. They used the T50RP MK3 with the Brainwavz velour memory foam ear pads, not originals.
 
Anna (29 year old female and family friend)

1. Favorite (T50RP,HD600,DT770,K612). Said the T50RP had the best bass and was easier to hear things in the distance.

 
Joseph (30 year old male and brother-in-law)

1. Favorite (HD600,DT770,T50RP,K612). Said vocals sounded "louder" and "clearer" on the HD 600. He liked that he did not need to increase volume as much to hear the vocals well on the HD 600. He picked the DT770 over the T50RP because of the build and comfort of the DT770.

 
Janeth (my wife)

1. Favorite (HD600,K612,T50RP,DT770). Said similar to Joseph, liked vocals on the HD 600. Found the vocals better on the K612 over the T50RP also, in addition to added comfort. Liked the bass on the T50RP over the DT770.

 
As you can see, what people will prefer depends largely on what they prioritize. But hopefully you found this review and information helpful in making your own decision. If you did, please mark it helpful so others will see it too. Whatever you choose, I hope you love it. Happy listening!

Setup
 
 
I got my pair on sale for $150 USD. I have had a few lower end AKG headphones and have never been disappointed with the value and sound signature they offered. It's been a long time coming but I was finally able to get a higher end AKG in the K612 Pro. In this review I will be comparing it head to head with the venerable Sennheiser HD 600. Here in Canada the HD 600 is about double the price but offers a good benchmark to compare with.
 
 
My source in testing is the 1/4inch headphone output of my TEAC UD-H01 DAC/Amp connected via USB to my Windows 8.1 desktop. I use the foobar2000 player with EQ off playing various files from FLAC to m4a to mp3 (VBR/CBR 320). In terms of sound signature preferences I like more mid centric headphones with tight, accurate bass (quality over quantity). I frequently have long listening sessions and I do get irritated by sibilance on certain bright headphones like the DT 990. I enjoy all genres of music spanning across many different era's. Enough about me, I've had this headphone for a few weeks now and after 50+ hours of burn in and constant use I am happy to share my experience.
 
 
Design/Build (7/10)
 
 
 
Packaging is average nothing too fancy. Upon opening the Velcro lid on the box the headphone is sitting in a plastic bag with warranty card in the box. The 3 meter cable comes with the 1/4 inch screw on adapter attached. The cable is not replaceable but is of reasonable thickness and should hold up to abuse. The first thing I was drawn to was the real leather headband with quality stitching and AKG engraving. A really nice touch at this price point. The headband is also flat on the inside vs the bumpy one on the Q701. To keep cost down this unit is made in China though.
 
 
Ear cups are plastic with black and silver metal grills. The ear cups do tilt up and down but do not rotate flat. The replaceable ear pads are a thick and plush padding with velour covering. Simply twist to unlock and they pull right off. Over the inside of the drivers is a thin padding with a 1/2 inch circular cutout in the center to expose the driver to the ear. The padding is then covered with a soft breathable nylon material which is attached to the replaceable ear pad. The nylon feels great on the skin if the ear should ever touch the inside. The nylon covering is a nice touch. Most headphones, including the more expensive HD 600, leave the inner foam exposed.
Right and left are large and clearly marked. It's a small detail but I like to be able to tell which side is which in the dark. The top right side of the leather headband has a small engraved graphic, not sure if it was AKG's intention, but it serves the purpose well. The outer headband portion is made of two steel bars with plastic coating. The auto adjusting headband design used on the K612 is a unique feature to AKG taken from the K701/Q701. The inner leather headband is suspended with elastic nylon strings and moves along the tracks of the outer steel portion held together with plastic guides. It seems to work well, it slides up and down quietly and effortlessly.
 
 
Style wise I really like the simple black and silver color scheme. It looks nearly identical to the K702/Q701 (black). On the head they do appear huge though because of the dual headband design. Overall the materials, look and feel reflects the price. You know you're holding a professional grade piece of equipment. The main difference between this and the Q701/K702 in terms of design is the cable. Honestly though, as an owner of headphones with removable cables, it's an overrated feature. Connectors are bulky and wear out. If you take care the cable will last a lifetime. I have yet to actually "need" to replace the cable on any headphone of this quality. I can't personally comment on long term durability of the design yet, however, it's been in use by AKG for decades now.
 
 
Comfort (7/10)
 
After several weeks clamping force is light to moderate. But this can be formed by bending the outer metal headband to your liking. There is plenty of flex in the headband. At only 238 grams comfort on the ears was never a problem. I did not have any issues with sweat either. However, I did have a bit of a hotspot on the top of my head after 2 or more hours. As nice as the leather headband is, it's not padded at all. The nylon elastic part forming the auto adjust feature pulls the headband down even more. The larger your head, the farther the elastics will be stretched, and the harder they will push down. I have an average size head and I felt it. So people with large noggins might have a more serious issue.
 
I tried to remedy this by forming the leather headband in an arc to conform to the top of my head better. Then I stretched the elastics out by hand being careful not to stretch them to breaking point. This helped but I still find myself pushing it up periodically to relieve pressure. I anticipate this should be less of an issue as the elastics stretch over time.
 
 
Another note for those with large noggins. I only have one fingers width of clearance left on the top of my head for adjustment. That really isn't very big at all since I have an average size head. On my HD 600 I am only half way up the available adjustment. Comfort wise I give a clear edge to the HD 600 because of the larger oval ear cups and superior headband support, despite being 20 grams heavier. In terms of durability I would say they are about the same. Style wise the HD 600 probably looks fancier with the granite counter top like finish and larger see through metal grills.
 
 
Sound (8/10)
 
 
Boy do the K612's like power! At only 120Ohms they require more power than the 300Ohm HD 600 to achieve the same volume. On my TEAC UD-H01 it needs about 15-20% more power. That being said I could drive it from moderate to ear bleeding levels from 11 to 12'oclock on the volume knob. My TEAC is not considered very powerful (40mw RMS at 32Ohm) so I would say anyone with a modern desktop or even portable amp should be fine. I did not test the K612 without the amp, but from what I have read mobiles and onboard audio devices usually don't cut it. Unless they have built in amplifiers. They are totally open and offer no isolation. Sound leakage is significant, on par with the HD 600. The sound did not seem to change at all before or after 50+ hours of burn in.
 
 
If I was to use a single word to describe the sound signature of the K612 it would be "accurate". It really is very accurate across the entire spectrum. It's very neutral, even more so than the HD 600. I consider the HD 600 a bit more forward in the mids and slightly more rolled off on the highs. More laid back I guess you could say. So I was worried that the highs could get irritating, as they did on my testing of the DT 990. So I threw some Kenny G at them on high volume. After more than an hour I experienced no irritation at all. No sibilance whatsoever.
 
A track I love to test imaging and soundstage with is Letter by Yosi Horikawa. The K612 was impressive, on par with the HD600 for sure. Truly great at this price point. The only real weak point for some will be in bass response. Although very tight and accurate, it lacks a bit of oomph compared to the HD 600. You just don't get as much impact. This really doesn't take away from anything else though, and you still hear the low tones right down to 12hz. It's just not going to please those bass heads among us. Heck, even the HD 600 is considered light on bass by many.
 
 
The HD 600 still has the incredible ability to resolve details and present them in a more natural way. It's hard to explain but all the little nuances in vocals and stringed instruments are brought out a bit more. You hear them on the K612 too though, just not quite as clearly. It's something you wouldn't miss that you could only tell by a direct side by side comparison. This slight improvement will be enough to justify the upgrade for some. All things considered the K612 is still among the best sounding headphones in its class.
 
Verdict (8/10)
 
 
I consider the K612 an improvement over the Q701 at a lower price point. Not only is the headband more comfortable, the highs are less irritating, and the bass is fuller. AKG has never had a better sounding headphone at a lower price point. Audiophiles will be pleased with the reproduction on this headphone. The only real competitor in its price range is the Audio Technica AD900X. But I think more people will prefer the sound signature of the K612, it works better across more genres. A lot of people have fit/comfort issues with the headband on the Audio Technica's too.
 
Although I do think the HD 600 is more comfortable, natural, and revealing with improved bass. I am keeping the K612. It's rare to find a headphone in this price range that has such a versatile sound signature. I would not hesitate to buy it again. It's a great bargain under $200.

Intro/Setup
 
 
The on-ear open-back design is not a very popular segment. I suspect most overlook this category largely because of the lack of isolation compared to the many closed-back designs in the same price range. However, open-back designs usually sound better at any given price, and are quite a bit more comfortable. This segment appeals to those who want to try out the open-back sound on a budget, or those who want something for the office that allows you to hear the phone ring when it’s on. I happen to fall into the latter category.
 
 
I found my pair on sale for $70 USD. I also own the well regarded Grado SR60i in the same category and price range, which I will compare head to head with the HD 239. My source in testing is the 1/4inch headphone output of my TEAC UD-H01 DAC/Amp connected via USB to my Windows 8.1 desktop. I use the foobar2000 player with EQ off playing various files from FLAC to m4a to mp3 (VBR/CBR 320).
 
 
Design/Comfort (6/10)
 
 
The HD 239 comes well packaged and includes a nylon soft pouch for transport. The one sided (left) cable is fairly short at 1.4m and terminated to a straight 3.5mm. No ¼ inch adapter is included. The length is ok for portable use but some will find it too short for office use. The cable is a weak point in the design. It’s super thin, akin to cheap $10 in ear headphones. Worst of all you can’t replace it. Although the straight 3.5mm connector should not be a problem fitting through the cases on portable devices, it would have been nicer to see an angled connector.
 
 
The headphone is entirely made of plastic with the exception of the screws, black metal grills and silver accent around the grills. Although the plastics feel pretty cheap and thin, particularly on the headband, the design is actually quite durable. I wouldn’t be worried about throwing them around. You’re just not going to get any brownie points for build quality or fancy materials here, it just screams average. Maybe even below average considering the $100 USD MSRP. I find Sennheiser doing this a lot recently, releasing well-designed products with sub-par materials and craftsmanship in hopes to make more on shear volume. Well I can’t argue, it’s clearly a winning strategy.
 
 
The ear cups rotate 90 degrees to sit flat on a desk. The ear cups also pivot to ensure a proper fit for different shaped heads and ears. The replaceable ear pads are the most interesting part of this headphones design. They are mostly made of microfiber cloth material, with a leatherette portion in the center that rests on the ear to provide an enhanced seal. Inside of that is a perforated cloth center. The leatherette material is very soft on the skin, akin to that used on Bose OE headphones. However, the padding is not memory foam.
 
 
To remove the ear pads simply pull. There’s a plastic edge which clicks at various points around the ear cups. They simply click back in place the same way. Upon removal you can see the foam has two layers. The outer blue portion is plusher, while the inner white portion is denser and firmer, akin to the design of a pillow top mattress. The center portion of black padding is completely separate and removable. This black portion is much less dense and allows the ear to get “closer” to the driver. Less is more when it comes to getting between the drivers and your ear drums. It’s refreshing to see how much thought Sennheiser put into these ear pads.
 
 
The head band uses the same microfiber cloth as the ear pads for support. The padding is light but adequate. The headband is quite flexible and even out of the box clamping force for me was moderate. After weeks of use I would say it’s on the light side of moderate. Comfort is above average for an on-ear headphone, even amongst open-back designs. Even with glasses I never had discomfort on the ears or head after several hours of use. Best of all no sweating issues like most closed-back designs, even full-size ones. The enhanced seal also provides higher than average isolation for a headphone in this category. Leakage is minimal. I think many owners will be pleasantly surprised by this. In my quiet office environment I could listen at low levels without bothering people beside me, while still being able to hear the phone ring. Some could get away with moderate volumes depending on the ambient noise and how close others will be.
 
 
Visually they look subtle on the head and follow the contour of the head quite well. The black metal grill and silver accents are a nice touch. They look stylish without attracting much attention. A good look for teens and adults alike. Overall it’s a nice package with a good blend of comfort, portability, isolation, and style. But it’s cheaply made in terms of materials, with the biggest weak point being the cable, which can’t be replaced. At an MSRP of $100 USD I expect better from Sennheiser.
 
 
The Grado SR60i has better craftsmanship (hand made in Brooklyn) and higher quality materials. But lacks the style and portability of the HD 239. The cable is at least 5 times thicker on the Grado. It comes with the ¼ inch adapter too. It’s also longer at about 1.7m. The straight 3.5mm connection is bulkier though. Plastics on the ear cups are much thicker and higher quality. Although the ear pads are less sophisticated, they are larger and just as comfortable. I also don’t mind the metal headband. After molding it to my liking the comfort is at least on par with the HD 239. If you can get over the vintage styling, the SR60i is a refreshingly simple and well-made competitor.
 
 
Sound (6/10)
 
 
Both headphones are 32 Ohm. Although the SR60i can be driven to adequate levels from portables the HD 239 will get a little louder. This is because the SR60i provides less isolation, requiring you to compensate for ambient noise by further increasing volume. Also the drivers are at least 25% larger on the SR60i. On paper the HD 239 has a slightly greater response range 16 Hz – 23 kHz vs the 20 Hz – 20 KHz of the SR60i. I put very little value on numbers, largely because manufacturers make them up as they go these days, but some people care.
 
Bass response is generally a weak point for open-back headphones, especially cheap on-ear ones like these. Sennheiser did a great job of addressing this with the HD 239. Bass is definitely more present without sounding loose or boomy. The quantity of bass still won’t satisfy the bass heads among us, but it’s tight and well controlled. I suspect the ear pad design is a large contributor to this. Bass has always been a weak point of the SR60i and compared to the HD 239 it pales in comparison.
 
The weakest area for the HD 239 is in sound stage and imaging. Stereo separation is barely noticeable for me. It just sounds congested, even connected to my fabulous TEAC UD-H01 DAC. Because this is an area people need to learn to appreciate I doubt many will notice. Especially those who don’t own higher end open-back headphones, or stick to mobile sources. As a proud owner of the HD 600 I do appreciate the SR60i’s much more in this regard. For me the SR60i more than makes up for the lacking bass with superior sound stage and separation.
 
I love my mids, and for me the HD 239 was lacking again. Vocals sound distant and stringed instruments lack detail. This is a major strength of the SR60i. In comparison the music comes alive. Vocals in particular have a more forward presentation. This combined with superior separation is so much fun to listen to, particularly on more complex tracks. It just makes me smile. When it comes to high’s it’s more of the same.
 
To summarize, the HD 239 is the more neutral of the two, but slightly on the dark side. It also has great bass response for an open-back headphone at this price point. The SR60i is a stark contrast in sound, providing a brighter, more airy, and resolving nature in the mids and highs. It more than makes up for lackluster bass response with superior sound stage. In terms of sound signature these two couldn’t be farther apart.
 
 
Verdict (6/10)
 
Tyll from innerfidelity favored the HD 239 over the SR60i. That was a large contributing factor for purchasing this headphone. For the first time I couldn’t disagree more with Tyll on this one. As a happy SR60i owner I was expecting better. Sure the HD 239 is flatter on the graph with better bass. It might be more portable, stylish, and practical. But in terms of the build and experience it screams boring to me. Sometimes new isn’t always better, and there’s a reason the SR60i has been a classic for so long. It makes people smile, something you won’t see on a graph. Only time will tell, but I predict the HD 239 will be forgotten in the not too distant future.
 
NOTE: My comparison was with the SR60i. The newer SR60e has greatly improved bass response and should be an even stronger competitor.

Intro/Setup
 
 
The full-size closed under $200 category is a very popular one among pro’s and casual listeners alike. The most similar competitor to this I own is the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250Ohm. I will make some comparisons to this and the smaller on-ear Sennheiser HD 25-1 II which I also own. My source in testing is the 1/4inch headphone output of my TEAC UD-H01 DAC/Amp connected via USB to my Windows 8.1 desktop. I use the foobar2000 player with EQ off playing various files from FLAC to m4a to mp3 (VBR/CBR 320). I managed to get my pair of HD 380’s on sale for $100 USD. Now on with the review!
 
 
Design/Comfort (7/10)
 
 
If you plan to transport this headphone frequently you will be pleased that it folds flat and includes a hard case. The case is of good quality nylon with large zipper and imprints for placing the headphone properly inside it. The coiled cable is thick and terminated to a straight 3.5mm but includes a screw-on ¼ inch adapter. The cable is not removable. Apparently it can be replaced in case of damage, but that seems to be more difficult that it’s worth. Edit: Thanks to waimak for pointing out the cable is actually user removable and terminated to 2.5mm as shown below. There are also aftermarket cables available which is great.
 
 
 
 
Construction is entirely made of plastic, with the exception of metal screws and the hinges suspending the drivers. The metal hinge has an audible “click” when folding the drivers inward for storage. Initially the “click” felt a little uncomfortable, as if I just snapped something. But I got used to it after working it in a bit by folding it repeatedly. The plastics are thick and of good quality, with plenty of flex in the headband. The build feels akin to the HD 558 in terms of plastics used. The adjustable headband clicks into place nicely with each adjustment but there are no markings to ensure both are the same length. Padding is a standard foam with synthetic leatherette material for ear and head support. Ear pads are user replaceable. Ear cups are oval, with the drivers positioned at an angle towards the ears. This is part of Sennheisers Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R) technology.
 
 
Clasping force was very firm for me out of the box. After weeks of wearing it and stretching it out by hand I would say it’s still on the firm side. At only 220 grams the padding was adequate on the head and ears. The ear cups are very roomy inside for larger ears to fit without touching the edges. However, they did get warm for me after the 2hr mark. If I don’t take them off for some air at this point they can get sweaty. That’s at home in front of my PC at room temp. So if you plan to take these out walking on a warm day it will definitely get sweaty. Visually they appear huge on the head. This is largely because the headband doesn’t form well to the contour of the head. When it’s on you can slip several fingers between the side of your head and the headband itself. Even the top of the headband for me is quite linear, leaving a bit of a hot spot on the top of my head. However, because of the lightweight construction and clamping force it doesn’t become a discomfort.
 
 
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 is much better made. The plusher padding, more contoured headband, and velour material gives it a clear edge in comfort. Let’s face it the made in Germany DT 770 is built like a tank. It’s a no contest in terms of durability and craftsmanship. The 770 is not as portable though, and really needs amplification. So the HD 380 still offers a great value. The best part of it, the sound quality, is what sets it apart.
 
 
Sound (9/10)
 
 
Since sound is so subjective let me first briefly describe my tastes. I tend to prefer more mid centric headphones with tight, accurate bass (quality over quantity). I frequently have long listening sessions and I do get irritated by sibilance on certain bright headphones like the DT 990. So something like the sound signature of the HD 600 is ideal for my tastes. With that in mind, on with my thoughts on the HD 380.
 
At 54Ohm it can be run adequately from portables. But not nearly as high as the HD 25. It does benefit from amplification, particularly in bass response. But this is the case with almost any headphone, especially full-size ones. I wouldn’t say you “need” amplification though. Isolation is average, slightly less than the HD 25 and DT 770. My impressions didn’t seem to change before and after 50hrs of burn in. The sound signature is quite neutral with ever so slightly rolled off highs. Which I find very pleasing to listen to, especially for long periods at high volume. It never becomes irritating.
 
Particularly impressive to me is imaging and sound stage on this headphone. Its miles ahead of the HD 25 and a slight step up from the DT 770 in this regard. It’s actually not far off the wonderful HD 600 in this respect. This closed headphone manages to sound airy with great separation. I believe this is unmatched in any headphone in its class. The other major strength, and an overall improvement over the HD 25 and DT 770 is the bass response. Lows go right down to 8hz in generous quantity, yet manages to stay quick and tight, never boomy. Bass is more present than the HD 600 but not in a distracting way. I don’t feel like it takes away from anything else. It's the most pleasing bass I've heard on a closed headphone.
 
As mentioned the highs are slightly rolled off, but presented with great detail and separation. Because of this the mids take more of a front seat, which I actually love. Overall it’s a very similar sound signature to the HD 600, albeit less refined and detailed. Compared to the HD 25 it’s clearly a step up in bass response and sound stage. The DT 770 has more bass but is loose and boomy sounding in comparison. In addition the HD 380’s mids are more present and detailed. Overall it’s pretty laid back with enough low end to surprise you when the track calls for it. It’s another winner from Sennheiser.
 
 
Verdict (8/10)
 
 
Hopefully by now you understand what to expect with the HD 380. It’s a winner in terms of sound quality, especially for the price. In my case I was looking for a good closed headphone for home use over extended listening sessions. Unfortunately, I had issues with heat after 2hrs with the HD 380. The added comfort and finish of the DT 770 has me reaching for it in favor of the HD 380 every time. However, the HD 380 sounds better, is more portable, and much easier to drive. At my time of purchase it’s also half the price. Although the HD 25 is double the price, it’s much more portable and durable with better isolation. So one can justify going with any three of these fantastic headphones and never look back.
 
Sennheiser is going in the right direction with the HD 380, especially sound wise. But I would like to see a future closed headphone like this with velour ear pads and a more durable headband design akin to the DT 770. Basically the comfort and build quality of the DT 770 with the sound signature of the HD 380. One can only dream though. That being said, at under $150 USD I have no hesitation in recommending the HD 380 for anyone looking at a closed full-size headphone in this price range. Especially if sound quality is a top priority.

This will be short cause I don't have much time right now. I just got this on an impulse buy on clearance (open box). At $160 I could not resist.
 

 
Sounds amazing via USB on Windows 8.1 with latest drivers. I don't have alot of higher end DACs to compare it to but I have had alot of aftermarket sound cards and decent portable Amp/DACs like the TEAC HA-P50. It's a huge step up from that, which was my previous daily DAC/Amp. Very neutral, bass is very well controlled.
 

 
The headphone amp is a good pair with all my headphones from 20-300ohm. The HD 600 needs no more than 11 o'clock on the dial. I thought my HD 600 was already great, now it sounds simply divine. My only gripe is the lack of volume control for the Line Out. Overall I am very pleased indeed, specially at this price. But I could see how some would pay $500-600 and never look back. I would if I wasn't so poor.
 

Smaller than I expected from photos. High quality materials, switches, and knobs throughout. I have 20-300ohm headphones in my collection and with the Lo/Hi gain switch this amp was a great fit with all of them. Even with my HD 600 (300ohm) I did not need to pass 11 o'clock on the volume dial with high gain. It can take power input from DC IN and use Micro USB for digital input at the same time (isolating power from the digital signal). So it can be used as a desktop or laptop sound card. It can also charge while in use with the single Micro USB input. Sound is a step up from on-board audio (Dell XPS 8700) for sure. But will not replace a middle to higher end full-size Hi-Fi desktop amp/dac. From my on-board audio it's more analytical and will reveal imperfections in recordings quite clearly. It does add a few DB to bass but other then that it's quite neutral. No hiss or hum is audible all the way up (very low noise floor). On bass heavy headphones like my DT 770 Pro 250ohm I found the bass boost a bit much, especially at high volumes. However, on my more neutral HD 600 the bass boost was quite pleasant. Either way you can adjust this through an equalizer to your liking. True plug and play on all my devices. Tested with the following:
 
-Windows 7, 8, 8.1
-Moto X 2013 with Android 4.4 Kitkat
-Moto G 1st gen with Android 5.0 Lolipop
-iPhone 6 Plus iOS 8
 
Seems the volume can't be changed on iOS 8, not sure about other versions. It's just fixed at max volume in the iPhone. Not a big deal since you can change it with the volume knob on the amp. In all Windows tests it pulls the driver from Windows Update with no problems. Android just works. Upgraded the firmware to latest version 1.24 without a problem. I can't comment on battery life as of yet. Tested the TEAC Hi-Fi app on Windows. It's got great sound but lacks alot of features. Particularly no EQ and lacks importing universal playlist files like m3u. Foobar200 has identical sound with way more features.
 
 
In Canada this is hard to find under $300. That being said it's not the best value for improving sound quality for a desktop setup. At $300 or so you can get a much better desktop amp/dac. But if you don't have enough right now for a desktop and mobile setup, this will still improve audio from desktops too. But if you already have an aftermarket sound card or very high end motherboard it likely wont improve anything outside of adding a bit of power through the amp. Highly recommended as a mobile amp/dac, but I would not pay more than $250 for it.

My Setup
 

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Tested with my Dell XPS 8700 desktop going optical out to a Yamaha RX-V365 amp (1/4 inch headphone out). I played various files (FLAC, MP3, M4A) at different bit rates using the fubar2000 media player with all EQ off. I am borrowing this DT 990 from a friend who purchased it a few months ago. I will compare this headphone to my Sennheiser HD 600 throughout this review. Note the HD 600 is double the price but serves as a good benchmark.
 
 
Design/Comfort (8/10)
 

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In terms of design this is nearly identical to the DT 770. Since I already went into detail on the design in my DT 770 review, I will only focus on the differences here. Instead of the tiny ported design on the side of the DT 770 ear cups, the DT 990 has a larger cutout on the rear grill. It's interesting to note that although the rear ear cups are fully grilled, the cutout for the driver to breathe is a small circle (1 inch diameter) in the center. If you look closely you can see this in the photo above. This design does impact how this headphone sounds in a significant way which I will cover in the next section.
 
In terms of comfort the 990 is more comfortable than the 770, but you will only notice this on much longer sessions. This is because the 990 is 20 grams lighter and more breathable. Compared to the HD 600 it's 10 grams lighter, but less breathable. There is even more room in the oval ear cup design of the HD 600, with better headband support. In order of most to least comfortable I would say HD 600, DT 990, and DT 770.
 

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Being an open design sound leakage is obviously greater than the 770. However, leakage is not as significant as the HD 600. It actually does provide a little isolation in comparison. This might be in part to the small 1 inch cutout vs the completely open grill of the HD 600. Aesthetically the HD 600 with it's granite counter top like finish and metal grills looks the best of the three.
 
I much prefer the cable design on the HD 600. The coiled design of the 990/770 is convenient for transport but causes cable tension when in use. And lets be honest, none of these headphones are meant to be portable. Unfortunately the cable is not replaceable on the 990/770. However, in terms of durability and quality materials Beyerdynamic takes the cake for sure. The HD 600 does have issues with cracks appearing on the headband. Mine developed this within a couple months. For more on the superior durability of the 990/770 checkout my DT 770 review.
 

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Sound (6/10)
 
Because the ear cups are not completely open like the HD 600, the 990 has less leakage and superior isolation. This explains why bass response is superior with the 990, on par with the 770. Response range is equally great and honest on both the DT 990 and HD 600. But when the song calls for it you feel the bass impact more and for longer with the 990. However, the 990 doesn't get it all right when it comes to mids or treble. Treble is bright with sibilance in the upper (9k+) range. This can become harsh at high volumes over extended periods. Particularly in songs with instruments like violin or saxophone.
 

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Mid range is recessed or distant compared to the "in your face" mids of the HD 600. It's as if I put some sort of padded covering over the drivers in comparison. Soundstage and separation for me is on par with the DT 770. It's good, but I was expecting better considering the open design. Again, this could be due to the partially closed ear cup design of the 990. The HD 600 has the best soundstage and separation of the three, hands down. The 990's harshness in treble and recessed mids can be remedied somewhat with an equalizer. However, even EQ'ed to my liking the DT 990 just doesn't sound as revealing or natural as the HD 600. I give it 6/10 mostly due to the harshness which caused ear fatigue.
 
 
Verdict (6/10)
 

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Coming from my positive review of the 770 I was expecting more from the 990. Especially considering an open design is easier to make from an engineering standpoint. To be fair it's not a bad sounding headphone in it's own right, especially when EQ'ed. It's just facing fierce competition in this price range. The HD 558, HD 598, DT 880, and AKG Q701 are all viable open back contenders. The DT 770 sounds better and offers a better value in the Beyerdynamic lineup if you need isolation. The DT 770 is also available in various impedances while the 990 is not. The HD 558/598 have better mids and treble but lack in bass. If budget permits upgrading to the HD 600 is worth every penny. In the future I hope to get my hands on the DT 880 and AKG Q701 to see how they compare.

My Setup
 
Tested with my Dell XPS 8700 desktop going optical out to a Yamaha RX-V365 amp (1/4 inch headphone out). Then going 3.5mm out from the desktop to my SMSL SAP III headphone amp. I tried it through on-board audio directly from my Dell inspiron laptop, then with the SAP III amp in the mix also. I played various files (FLAC, MP3, M4A) at different bit rates using the fubar2000 media player with all EQ off. I purchased my DT 770 used off a professional DJ. They are several years old and have had their fair share of abuse. I will be comparing this headphone with my Sennheiser HD 600 throughout this review. Although the HD 600 is an open back design at double the price, it's useful to compare it as a benchmark.

 
 
 
Design/Comfort (8/10)
 
A photo or video can’t really portray the quality of the materials used on this headphone. The plastics are thick and have a high quality “thud” when you hit them. The headband is made of solid steel wrapped with a leatherette cushion held on with button clips. A thicker piece of steel is used to suspend the drivers and forms the adjustable portion of the headband. The two steel pieces are held together with a solid piece of plastic fastened with two large screws on either end. The whole assembly attaches securely with screws to the drivers. The overall design is refreshingly simple and incredibly durable. Indeed they do say “Made in Germany” and it shows in the craftsmanship. Given all the steel material it only weighs 9.5oz, a mere 0.3 oz more than the HD 600. Overall I give a clear edge to the DT 770 in materials and craftsmanship.
 

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In terms of styling, it’s clearly function over style with this one. It looks fine, you’re just not going to make any fashion statements with it. The HD 600 does look better on and off the head, hands down. Velour ear pads are simply divine, and these are no exception. Looking more closely I realized the ear pads are actually a vented leatherette material on the backside. You normally wouldn’t see this unless you peel them back. This portion is stitched to the front portion of velour. This design provides improved isolation and bass extension while maintaining optimal comfort. The coiled cable design is not my favorite though, and unfortunately it’s not replaceable. The cable is quite heavy and I just can’t stand having cable tension weighing down on my headphones. My remedy was to tie it to something to give me more slack where I wanted it. I much prefer the light and hugely long cable of the HD 600 which you can simply fold up and tie to your liking. Some like that it’s terminated to one side. This really doesn’t matter to me. I much prefer the HD 600 cable and the fact it’s replaceable is just a bonus.
 

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Minus the cable, all the parts are replaceable on this headphone, just like the HD 600. However, when it comes to durability, the DT 770 takes the cake. Like many others my HD 600 got the cracked headband within months. The best warranty is no warranty issues at all. This DT 770 has had years of abuse and outside of the worn out lettering, you could barely tell. The metal and higher quality plastics contribute to this, but it’s also just a more durable headband design.
 

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I have been an avid open back headphone user because with my glasses and fat head I always had issues with the clasping force on closed headphones. This was not a problem with the DT 770. Clasping force for me is perfect, and the headband support on the top of the head is adequate. The other issue I’ve always had with closed headphones is heat. Within a couple hours I usually start sweating. After several hours of use the DT 770 got warm but never to the point of sweating. Being a heavy, durable full sized headphone of a closed design, this level of comfort is unparalleled. Overall I still consider the HD 600 more comfortable. This is due to the lighter weight, roomier oval ear cups, and even more breathable open design. That being said, the DT 770 is definitely not uncomfortable by any means, and remains the most comfortable closed headphone I have ever used. Overall I give it 8/10 for the annoying cable design and lackluster styling.
 

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Sound (9/10)
 
Any desktop grade amplifier or amplified sound card will have plenty of power. Onboard audio (unamplified) on laptops or desktops will get loud enough in the 75-100% range. However, bass extension improves significantly when amplified. Even with my $70 SMSL amp I noticed a significant improvement, without the need to ever pass 50% volume. You can get this headphone with lower impedances if needed, but any powered amp will have plenty of power. In terms of power it requires about the same as the HD 600 in my setup.
 

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My first impression of the DT 770 was the improved bass extension. I was expecting this coming from an open design, but the HD 600 is no slouch in the bass department either. Bass manages to stay tight and completely honest. The moment the track calls for deep lows you feel them, but then and only then. I found myself asking “At what cost does this improved bass come?” So I threw some strong female vocals at it. The highs were very crisp, more in your face than the highs of the HD 600, but never harsh, even at unsafe volumes. Because of this, the mids took a bit of a back seat when compared to the mouth-watering mids of the HD 600. Moving on to more complex compositions, separation was outstanding across the spectrum. Sound stage is really great for a closed headphone. Better than my Sennheiser HD 25-1 II. It won’t have your head turning to locate that “noise” in the room like the HD 600 does. However, every instrument and vocal is always separate and it never sounds boxy. This could be in part to the ported design of the drivers. So “At what cost does this improved bass come?” Slightly laid back mids and a smaller sound stage. Overall I give it a fantastic 9/10.
 
 
Verdict (9/10)
 

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To be fair the DT 770 is half the price of the HD 600. All things considered you get a better value with the DT 770. Beyerdynamic manages that with superior materials and durability. You do get slightly laid back mids and a smaller sound stage with lackluster styling. However, you're still getting a completely honest representation with superior bass, durability, and isolation, without sacrificing much comfort. If needed the laid back mids can be easily remedied by EQing the highs down a tad. If you need isolation and are not looking for portability this is probably the best headphone money can buy, even at double it's price point. For my purposes I still prefer the open back design, but I still use the DT 770 in cases where I need to work in a noisy environment. I give it a 9/10 due to the cable design and lackluster styling.
 
As a result of my positive impression of the DT 770 I am itching to get my hands on the open back DT 990. This would be a more interesting comparison to the HD 600. A friend has a pair of 990's I plan to borrow in the next few months. I will post a comment with a link to my DT 990 review when I get to it.
 
Edit: I have posted my DT 990 review now.

Edit: My V2 has recently began to produce a constant pulsating static noise that persists as soon as it's warmed up, and never goes away. It is loud enough to be audible over music, but does not seem to get louder with volume (like the hum). The issue persists even with volume all the way down. I am currently in communication with Bravo support (Henry) via email about this.
 
Edit2: Henry sent me a replacement power supply but both issues persist. After filing a dispute in paypal he has given me a full refund. He failed to respond to me until I filed the dispute. A bad product with poor support, I do not recommend buying anything from Bravo Audio.

 
Edit3: Due to the quality issues this has been sitting unused for several months. I plugged it in the other day to show a friend and it would no longer power on. Completely dead after only 10-20 hours of total use on it.
 
Used primarily with my Sennheiser HD 600. The DAC being used is an X-FI Fatality Pro. I also own a Fiio E11 which I will make some comparisons to. This product pretty much stands alone in it's price point for Tube amps ($70). In this price point, most solid state amps have considerably less power. An impulse buy I just couldn't resist.
 

 

Design (7/10)
 
In the box you get the unit itself, with the tube installed, safely packaged, with the power supply and power cord. No manual or documentation was present, but each I/O is clearly labeled IN/OUT. It looks and feels solidly built, besides some glue like residue I had to remove in places. A minimalist design at only 3 inches square, fits perfectly on a crowded desk. The blue LED lights at the base of the Tube look great, not overly bright in the dark. Inputs for RCA or 3.5mm. Output is 1/4 inch (6.5mm). Volume knob feels solid, and does not distort or add static when adjusting. However, the unit does get very hot to the touch, particularly on the two black heat sinks on either side. It seems to get the warmest after about 30 mins of use, but never gets hotter, even after several hours. This is likely normal for most Tube amps, specially compact ones like this.
 
Sound (5/10)
 
First I would like to say that volume was adequate at 60% with my HD 600 connected to my X-FI directly. So with this purchase I was expecting to get a bit of an introduction to the Tube sound, with some extra power when/if I need it. When listening to the Bravo V2 under 45% volume, I did get a hint of warmth and a more present mid range, without missing anything in the bass or treble. The sound stage and detail, although good, was no real improvement over the X-FI directly. The Achilles heel of this product is that it cannot be used beyond 45% volume. The hum becomes audible through the music beyond this point.
 
At first I thought I had a ground loop issue causing the hum, but I confirmed it was the amp by testing it with a battery powered laptop. My X-FI has no audible hum until about 80% volume, and even then it is not enough to be audible with music playing. Maybe I was spoiled with my Fiio E11, because this thing sounds dead silent even at 100% volume, not to mention it's more compact, and has a gain switch with bass boost. Compared to the Bravo, the Fiio is more flat and sounds much cleaner at higher volume, despite having less overall power.
 
To be fair, I only require more than 45% volume on the Bravo when my X-FI is at 40% or less. If I up my X-FI to 60-70% volume, I require no more than 20-30% volume on the amp. With this configuration, volume is much higher than the X-FI can produce alone, so I would never "need" to go past 45% on the amp. However, I wanted to let the amp do to the work, so I could hear the warmth of the Tube sound come through more. I also like to know that the extra power is there if I need it for future setups/headphones. Unfortunately, this was a big let down for me. If your considering this amp with anything over 300ohm impedance, look elsewhere.
 
Verdict (5/10)
 
When used under 45% volume, sound was still no real step up from my X-FI directly. I could of lived with this, if I could have used at least 70% of available power. Maybe my expectations were too high for a product in this price range. I realize Tube amps generally have more distortion and lower SNR than their solid state competitors, specially in the lower price ranges. Regardless, I can't recommend an amp that is only 45% usable, even in this price range. If a product cannot operate properly at the higher specs, it should be designed "within" the usable power band (like the Fiio E11). I can't stand behind a company or product that is advertised to tow 3 tuns but falls apart after 1.5. In hindsight, I wish I had purchased something like the Fiio E10/E07k, or even the Schiit Magni (a mere $30 more). For those hoping for a good cheap introduction to Tube sound, keep looking. The bottom line is, you can do much better, even at this price point. They call this a "Class A", I give it a D minus at best.

[size=13pt]

Setup​

[/size]

 
[size=11pt]I have used these directly connected to my Creative X-FI Fatality Pro sound card, then through my Fiio E11 and Bravo Audio V2 amplifiers (separately). I have also tried them with my Sansa Clip+ (Rockboxed) and my Galaxy Nexus phone, both paired with the Fiio E11. I have owned them for a little over 2 months now, with over 100 hours of run-time on them.[/size]
 
[size=11pt]I tested these with various media formats (OGG, MP3, FLACC) at various bit rates (128kbps – 320kbps). My operating system is Xubuntu 13.04, and I am using the default ALSA driver. I use Audacious as my media player with EQ off. I enjoy all genres of music from many different era's, so I prefer a neutral sound signature with adequate but not overpowering bass. Below are some of the other headphones I currently own.[/size]

1. [size=11pt]Sennheiser HD 558, HD 25-1 II, CX-200 Street II[/size]
2. [size=11pt]Grado SR60i[/size]
3. [size=11pt]AKG K142, K403, K350[/size]
4. [size=11pt]Sony MDR-V700, MDR-V300, XB700, XB500[/size]

 
[size=11pt]Am I a true Audiophile? I am proud to say yes, yes I am. I am not really sure why people are hesitant to call themselves an audiophile. Maybe they think it's some elite cult you have to be voted into or something. In any event, the definition of audiophile is "a person who has a great interest in high-fidelity sound reproduction." I would venture to say most people who invest in these headphones fall into that category, whether they know it or not.[/size]
 
[size=11pt]However, because I have a wife and two kids to feed, I can't afford the $$ or time to get the setup some people have. Yes, that means I can't afford a $300 cable, or a $3,000 amp. That means I am your average Joe audiophile who has to think long and hard, to squeeze the best sound out of every dollar spent. Because of this, I think my setup is likely very close to what most people might have who are considering a headphone like the HD 600. And let me tell you now, you do not need a $1,000 budget to get high-fidelity sound.[/size]
 
 
[size=13pt]Design/Comfort (10/10)[/size]

[size=11pt]From the satisfying "click" you get adjusting the headband, to the sexy looking speakers behind the steel mesh, you get a sense of quality and style that justifies the price. The padding (velour) is soft and plush, the clamping force is just right. The paint job is akin to a granite counter top. When visually comparing these to the HD 558, you can tell it's in another class entirely. In addition, Sennheiser has managed to make them even more comfortable. I wear glasses, and I have worn these for 6+hrs straight with no discomfort whatsoever. This is quite a feat considering the heavier and larger construction.[/size]

[size=11pt]The replaceable cable is slightly thinner and allot lighter than the 558. The isolating material on it is soft and slick to the touch, vs the rubbery, sticky feeling of the 558 cable. It is terminated to a standard straight 3.5mm, but includes a really nice 6.5mm adaptor. When the adaptor is on, you would think it's actually terminated to 6.5mm. I was actually fooled into looking for a 6.5mm to 3.5mm adaptor in the box. I had issues connecting my 558 to some mobiles with the bulky adaptor, not an issue with the 600.[/size]

[size=11pt]This is a completely open headphone. In comparison to my other open headphones, it seems to "leak" sound out the most. I am not sure if it's because they have larger drivers, but people in the room will definitely hear your music, even at low levels. At times the wife watching TV in the same room (15 ft away) will ask me to turn them down, albeit only when I crank them. But this design is part of the reason it sounds so wonderful. Just be aware this is not something you want to be using in public.[/size]
 
[size=11pt]In terms of durability, this has stood the test of time, and even if you were to have an accident, nearly every single part can be removed and replaced on this headphone, including the speakers themselves. In this regard, it is just like the legendary HD 25-1 II. Best of all, Sennheiser does not charge you a premium for replacement parts. This gives you piece of mind and a sense of belonging. Once your in, your taken care of for life.[/size]
 
 
[size=13pt]Sound (10/10)[/size]

[size=11pt]I have heard many headphones, but none gave me the feeling this one does. The closest would be the Grado SR60i, the one that got me started in all of this to begin with. I purchased many headphones since, but none sounded significantly better, until the HD 600. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "mouthwatering". The detail is so raw and natural, and the separation of each note across the entire spectrum (even bass) is exquisite. Particularly impressive to me was the depth/texture you hear from instruments (and vocals), from drums to violin, and everything in between. Everything the SR60i does well, the HD 600 does better, and everything it lacks (bass/comfort/design), the 600 does masterfully.[/size]
 
[size=11pt]The experience is best on acoustic or live recordings. More complex compositions like you find in classical or rock, or anything with great vocals, are fantastic too. Honestly, nothing sounds "bad" with this headphone, those are just the area's where you can easily tell the difference when comparing it. Those who primarily listen to electronic, with allot of bass, might not appreciate everything the HD 600 is capable of.[/size]
 
 
[size=13pt]Do you need an Amp? [/size]

[size=11pt]Probably the most commonly asked question about this headphone, so I give it a section of it's own. The short answer is, try it out with what you have first. You will be surprised at how easy these are to drive, despite the high impedance. When connected direct to my X-FI Fatality Pro, volume was sufficient for me at 45%, on quieter tracks I would go to 60%. As reference, the HD 558 and SR60i would require no more than 30% on the quietest tracks. I could still experience the headphone in all it's glory connected this way. [/size]
[size=11pt]In my experience, the HD 600 needs about double the power of your average headphone. So if you set volume past 50% with your current setup using an average headphone (32-70Ohm), you will need an amp. Contrary to what people say, most modern aftermarket sound cards (like mine) in the $90-$150 range can drive these to adequate levels. Specially new ones with built in headphone amps. So I suggest you get a sound card before considering an amp, this would give you a better DAC (most are 110dB SNR or more). That way if/when you get an amp, you wont need one with a DAC. This increases your options and will usually save you money.[/size]
 
[size=11pt]If your going to be using a laptop/mobile device or all-in one PC, you will probably want an amp. I suggest to start with something portable, affordable and powerful, like the Fiio E07K (Andes). This amp has a DAC, but if you must use your devices DAC, simply leave volume under 70% on the device to avoid introducing more noise. Let the amp do the work, and you will be fine. That is what I do on my Fiio E11 with my Galaxy Nexus/Sansa Clip, and it sounds fine, with plenty of power to spare. I suggest the newer E07K model because it's more powerful and can be used as a desktop amp too (works while charging).[/size]
 
[size=11pt]When comparing my X-FI to either the E11 or Bravo, sound seems to stay more neutral and clear (less noise) at higher volumes with the amps. But the volumes I need to push it to hear that difference is beyond what I consider safe for longer periods. Listening at safe levels, differences are negligible, even more so when comparing one amp to the other. If I was to get very analytical at higher volumes, I would say the X-FI has slightly heavy highs, the Bravo more mid heavy and warm, with the Fiio being the most flat. However, I hear a much larger improvement when going from my Galaxy Nexus+E11 to my X-FI alone, than going from the X-FI to X-FI + E11/Bravo. The main improvement is in sound stage and separation. This probably holds true for most cases going from a mobile to a desktop setup. I still consider the sub $100 amps worthwhile if you actually "need" more power, just don't expect it to improve the sound significantly, beyond adding volume. In my case, to make a worthwhile upgrade from my X-FI, I would need to spend $400+ on an amp.[/size]
 
[size=11pt]For those who are into it, I hear great things about how receptive the HD 600 is to all forms of amplification. Some claim to hear big differences between amps or cables, even within the same price range. However, be careful not to fall victim to buying based on reviews at this stage. I say this because improvements at this point are largely dependent on ones tastes and/or analytic listening ability. People and their ears are not all created equal. In addition, reviews are based on the individuals unique setup, which could be drastically different than yours. Just like buying a new set of clothes, consider it a process to determine what fits you, at a price your comfortable with. You may have friends/family that own some good amps or hi-fi stereos, the older the better. Give those a try next time your there. If you actually hear a big improvement then you know it might be worth it for you to start shopping around. Go to a local store with your own source and headphones to test, or at least buy with a flexible return policy. Don't rush it, the more time you take, the happier you will be with the outcome.[/size]
 
 
[size=13pt]Verdict (10/10)[/size]
 
[size=11pt]I highly recommend this headphone for anyone who is considering spending this much, you will be hard pressed to find anything with a better blend of sound quality, comfort, style, and durability. The only other real contender is the Beyerdynamic DT880 600ohm. The 880 has better bass but requires allot more power and is not as modular, durable, or stylish (in my opinion). If you plan to ever use them away from your rig (but not in public), the HD 600 is a no brainer. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to drive. Worst case scenario you just need a sound card or a sub $100 amp like the Fiio E07k. If you are looking to get into amplification, this headphone is a great one to experiment with. 10/10 across the board for this puppy.[/size]

Overview/Design (9/10)

This is primarily designed to amplify sound out of mobile devices that do not get loud enough for you, either because they are low quality, your headphones are not sensitive enough, or you’re going deft . As a bonus, it has a built in bass boost with 3 settings (off, 1, 2). It also has a good quality easily replaceable Lithium Ion battery (BL-5B), and comes with the mini USB charging cable and 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable. Also in the box are two silicone bands of different sizes to attach the unit to the back of your mobile device.

The unit has 2 LED lights, a blue one that comes on when powered, and a red one for charging. The power switch is built into the volume knob. You know it’s charged when the red light goes out. For those who plan to use this as a laptop or desktop amp, note that it cannot be powered on (blue) while being charged (red). It also has a high/low output switch.

The unit is surprisingly small and light, especially considering the power output. It is well-built with high quality plastics. The volume knob is metal and requires a good amount of force to move it, and I never had a problem of the volume changing while in my pocket. Battery life for me was between 8-9hrs average, but varies based on volume. Giving it 9/10 because it could still be smaller, and the mini USB port is being replaced by micro USB now as the standard. It would also be nice to use it while charging.

Sound (8/10)
Sound wise, it does what it’s designed to do exceptionally well. It’s mainly noticeable due to higher volume, but the bass boost works well, and it gets loud and stays clear without distortion all the way up. I did not test the AMP with high impedance headphones, I only own moderate to low ones myself. When connected to my Galaxy Nexus phone, with various headphones (Q350, HD-25 II, SR60i, HD558) the difference was night and day, but mostly due to the lack of power output of the phone. Bass boost is nice to have on mobiles that don’t have that built in.

However, when connected to my Sansa Clip (Rockboxed), I couldn’t really tell the difference when listening at my usual volume. That being said, the Sansa has plenty of power to drive any of my headphones to satisfying levels. I never really go beyond -12DB volume on the Sansa alone. I also found the bass boost less satisfying than using the built in bass adjustment on the Sansa. I still give it 8/10 because it does very well for poor quality sources like phones.
 
Verdict (8/10)
 
[size=11.0pt]If you already use a decent quality portable that gets loud enough for you without distortion, and has built in bass boost or bass/treble adjustment, you will not notice much improvement. If you plan to use this as a desktop or laptop AMP, look elsewhere because you can’t use it while charging. If you have low sensitivity headphones you want to go portable with or you have a portable player that does not sound good or loud enough (like most phones), you will love this product. If your deft or like to crank volume in general, I highly recommend this. In my personal case, the Sansa is more compact to bring along with my Phone than the Fiio, but I still use the Fiio when my Sansa dies. So I still find it useful. But keep in mind the Sansa Clip is under $40, so it presents a cheaper way to get better sound on the go. Because there are portable players that are much smaller and produce comparable audio for less, I give it 8/10.[/size]

I bought this on sale for $250 to upgrade from my 8 year old Logitech Z-2300’s, which served me very well. I see these going for nearly double that at many retailers. I actually purchased the Audioengine A5+ (for $350) first, but ended up returning them because I began hearing a rattle in the passive speaker. I decided to give these Edifier’s a try before trying another A5 set. I was satisfied with the A5’s, and planned on adding a woofer latter on. But after hearing the Edifiers, there was no going back. I will compare them and explain why. I have always preferred 2.1 systems for their space saving, easy wiring, and value. A similarly priced 5.1 or 7.1 system would be less powerful. And since I normally play music or movies/videos (in stereo) on my PC, I really have no need for a surround experience. When I do play games, I use headphones (Sennheiser HD558).
 
Setup

 
My setup is a Creative X-FI Fatality Titanium Pro sound card. I have it currently connected using the Digital Optical connection. I found that when using the provided RCA to 3.5mm analogue cable I could hear a faint hissing that would get louder with volume. This persisted on my onboard and sound card, and would go away if I removed the cable. When using my own Optical cable, the hissing went away, it could have just been the cable, but I had no spare to swap with. However, in theory, my higher end sound card should do a better job of converting digital to analogue since it’s got a higher end DAC. Ideally if you have aftermarket sound going analogue should be better. The speakers did sound great with onboard sound also, just not quite as powerful at higher volume. If you can’t afford the speakers and a good sound card, rest assured they do sound fine with onboard. I primarily tested them playing flacc, mp3, and ogg music files from my personal collection using Winamp with EQ options off. Anyway, on with the review!
 
Overview/Features (10/10)
 
I will not delve too much into the spec’s here; you can find them on Edifier’s website if you haven’t already. But I would like to point out the satellites are 2-way, and the woofer uses 2 passive radiators on either side, quite different from other woofers in this price range. Most agree radiators produce better bass overall, but some are just so used to the punchy bass of traditional woofers, and still prefer those. They are well-made speakers; I was surprised at how heavy even the satellites were when compared with the more expensive and larger Audioengine A5+. Esthetically, I think they look a lot better, and the satellites take up less desk space.
 
The wired remote allows for changing all your normal functions like input (CD, PC, and Digital), bass, treble, balance, LED backlight, and woofer volume. It shows a numerical representation of the volume (0-50), a feature the A5 was missing. The A5 has no indicator of how high the volume is, the knob just turns indefinitely. The wireless remote has all the same functions including mute. When compared to the A5’s, the Edifiers have a lot more configuration options, the A5’s remote only had volume, mute, and power. The wired remote also has a convenient 3.5mm output on the side for headphones, another feature missing on the A5.
 
Overall, when it comes to features and style, the Edifiers deliver well on both fronts, providing you with all the functions you would need, while adding a stylish touch to anyone’s desk (10/10). They look and feel high end, especially the woofer, what I consider the crown and jewel that holds it all together. But be warned, although the satellites are quite compact, the woofer is massive; confirm you have room beside or under your desk.
 
Sound (7/10)
 
Being 2-way satellites, they do a good job of filling my large room. They are in the dining room which is open to the kitchen and living room, a little over 900 sq ft. When sitting directly in front of them, the sound is directed really well towards the center, creating a great stage presentation one would expect from a 2-way satellite. The A5’s were fantastic in this regard also, but quite a bit more powerful.
 
Overall the satellites produce a neutral sound signature when leaving treble and bass at 0 (normal). The highs are good, and mids are up front and in your face. However, the A5’s sounded a little crisper, with mids and highs that cut through with more power at higher volumes. In terms of volume, compared to the A5’s, there both 75Watt RMS. But the mids on the A5 come through to a greater extent, and get louder, while staying more crisp at higher volume. In terms of volume, the Edifier satellites are just average in my opinion, and when pushed, they simply cannot match the Audioengine's. But keep in mind the A5's are more expensive and have no woofer.
 
The bass is definitely the biggest improvement I saw when compared to the Z-2300 and A5 sets. The woofer is really what holds the whole thing together in this set. In contrast to traditional woofers, which produce punchy thumping sound, these produce a smoother, faster, and much tighter bass. This becomes especially noticeable on tracks with quick variable bass frequencies, and it only gets sweeter the louder you go. Instead of hearing the thumping punch, you feel the vibration to a much greater extent, and once I got used to this, it became much more satisfying to listen to, especially for extended periods. If I was to disconnect the satellites, I still hear the music. The bass is musical in its presentation, more true to the music and much more extended than traditional woofers. This is really what pulls the Edifiers miles ahead of the A5’s, and makes them a significant upgrade from the Z-2300’s.
 
I actually prefer this woofer to my Velodyne DLS-3500R that I use in my media room, purchased for $400. At $250, I would gladly pay for the Edifier woofer alone, and if my budget permitted, I would add the Audioengine A4 passive speakers ($250) and power them right from the woofer, for the best of both worlds. Because of the average performance on the satellites, I give it 7/10 for sound.
 
Verdict (7/10)
 
You might think it would be unfair to compare a 2.1 to a 2.0 set, but in this case, there similarly priced (actually Edifier was $100 less at my time of purchase). And many claim the A5’s bass is sufficient to run them without a woofer, and before hearing the Edifiers, I would probably have agreed. I do not consider myself a bass head by any means. But after hearing the Edifier woofer, there was no going back to the A5.
 
Although I prefer the sound of the A5 satellites to the Edifiers, it’s not enough to make up for the bass performance of the woofer. The wired remote and better functionality sealed the deal for me. For those who can afford it, I would recommend buying these (at under $300) and the Audioengine A4 passive speakers ($250) for the best of both worlds. Or if you already have a decent woofer, the A5+ or A4 would be a great addition. If you need it all, or are considering the A4/5’s without a woofer, you would be better off with the Edifier set, especially for those who like their bass. Just double check you have the room for this beast of a woofer. I would have given this 10/10 if it weren’t for the average performance of the satellites.

 
The HD 25-1 is more than a great sounding headphone, it has stood the test of time, and proved to be one of the worlds most durable and versatile headphones. There's many detailed reviews of this classic headphone, so I won't go too much into the details. In short, all I can say is the hype and praise these headphones have received is well deserved. After owning these, I began noticing professional DJ's and Sports Announcers on TV wearing these all the time. Funny I never noticed that before, but I can see now that they use them for a good reason. I think the reason these are so well regarded is more so because of their design/comfort/durability/versatility vs their sound quality (which is great too).
 
Sound (9/10)
 
The sound signature of these is quite balanced, with a slightly above average bass response, likely due to the above average isolation they provide. The sound stage is about average for a closed headphone in this price range, but the separation on more complex compositions is impressive to me. They are very sensitive and easy to drive, which makes them ideal for portable use. They get loud enough to be dangerous, even from portables. Like most higher end headphones, they also benefit from high end amplification, but it's by no means required to reach their potential. Due to their balanced sound signature, these will please lovers of any genre of music. They are equally suited for gaming or movies also. Gave it 9/10 due to the average sound stage, there's other closed headphones that do better in this regard.
 
Design/Comfort (10/10)
 
The reason Sennheiser built a reputation off this model is the design and versatility of it, it is a true feat of engineering. The plastic is of high quality, making them light and durable. The clasping force is moderate, and combined with the Velour ear pads, I notice no discomfort at all when wearing them all day, even with my glasses on. With the leatherette ear pads they come with, you will get warm after 1-2hrs, but you get a slightly better seal, which improves bass impact slightly. I think the added comfort of Velour more than makes up for the unnoticeable decrease in bass impact. It's easy to get the right seal on all head sizes/shapes. Once there on, they stay there, even when running/exercising. The split headband helps keep them from moving. 
 
They look good when there on, not overly stylish or big, a more minimalistic look. The cable is just the right length too (1.5m), and conveniently terminated to a 90 degree 3.5mm connector, with a screw on ¼ inch adapter too. For those who care, mine say Made In Ireland. Because these are so modular, you can easily take these apart and customize them with custom paint jobs or after market cables if that's your thing. All the parts are easily replaceable, and easily available, which is something no other headphone achieves in this price range with this sound quality and comfort/durability. For many, this headphone is the last one they ever purchase, simply because it won't break, sounds great, and is so versatile. For those who manage to break something, a replacement is easy to find. That's why you see so many professionals using these on a daily basis.
 
Verdict (9/10)
 
I highly recommend this headphone, for anyone. It will be the last headphone you buy. I can honestly say I was skeptical of the hype these had, but after owning them, I quit using all my other closed headphones in favor of this one, not just for the sound quality, but the versatility it provides. It's like a good ol' Acura; it might not look the most flashy, or perform spectacularly well in any one area, but it does everything well, takes a beating, and never lets you down. Gave it 9/10 due to the constantly raising price of this model.

 
This was the first AKG product I purchased. I decided to try a more affordable model to get an impression of the AKG sound. I bought this for $28 on a clearance sale, a major discount from the MSRP of $99.
 
Sound
 
From the moment I played the first track on these, I was blown away by the overall sound signature of this headphone. It is very clear that AKG put the money into what matters, the drivers. AKG took away all the fancy stuff, a no frills approach, and put your ears as close as possible to their investment (the drivers). The bass is punchy and tight, more so than many other open headphones I own at more than double the MSRP of this. The mids are incredible, in your face and up front, where they should be. These are very easy to drive, and as a result, get really loud, even from portables. For those who listen at high volumes, you will love this, it gets louder than any headphone I have tried. The sound stage is average, especially for an open design, but the outstanding bass, mids, and volume more than make up for this. The overall sound signature is great for any genre of music.
 
Design/Comfort
 
Honestly, from first visual impression, I was surprised to see it with such a high MSRP, it looks more like a sub $40 headphone. After opening it up and trying it on, I realized the plastic and metal is above average quality, it looks cheap but don't be fooled, it's well made.
 
Comfort overall for me was acceptable. I wear glasses, and most on ear headphones get uncomfortable after a while. These did get uncomfortable after 1-2hrs of use. The discomfort for me comes from the ears due to the clamping force and minimal padding over the drivers. I find this gets a bit better over time as the headband stretches out. Because there so light, the little headband pads are adequate, and I feel no discomfort there. 
 
They look good when there on, they are sleek and minimalistic, people will barely notice them. Once there on, they stay put, even when running/exercising. Since there so sleek, you can easily put a hat or toque over top. The folding design and small size is perfect for portable use, however, because there open, I do not recommend using these in quiet public places.
 
Verdict
 
These represent the AKG sound signature very well at a great price point. The design is simple, and no frills. The money goes into what matters, the drivers. AKG takes away the fancy stuff and gets you as close to the drivers as possible. You hear the difference this makes immediately. I highly recommend these, specially if you can get them under $50. I have been a loyal Sennheiser user for years, but AKG has won me over with these. I will be looking at AKG for my next $200-300 purchase now.

 
I have only owned this for a couple months, but it did not take long to see why these are highly regarded. They quickly became my favorite all-rounder headphone for home use. I also own the Sennheiser HD 25-1 II, and Grado SR60i, I will make some comparisons to these also. Although sound quality is important, I will take a more balanced look at how practical these are to use on a daily basis.
 
Comfort/Design
 
I consider the comfort and design of a headphone to be just as important as sound quality, because this is what will ultimately determine whether I will find it practical to use on a daily basis, and whether it will last for many years to come.
 
The HD 558 is hands down the most comfortable headphone I have ever worn. The open design, the Velour headband and ear pads, the light weight construction, the perfect clasping force, and the roomy size inside for the ears all work in harmony to create what many consider to be one of the worlds most comfortable headphones, in any price range. I can wear them all day long (even with my glasses on), with no hint of discomfort, no heat or sweat issues. Grado SR60i's being on ear style do get slightly uncomfortable with glasses on over extended periods. This is a non issue with the HD 558. In terms of style, these look fantastic on your desk, or on your head. The fusion of comfort and style is truly a feat of engineering on Sennheisers part.
 
Some have concerns about the plastic construction, and what affect it will have on durability. Although I have only owned them for a couple months, I have no doubt they will last many years. The Sennheiser HD 25-1 II has legendary durability, and is completely plastic also. The look and feel of the plastic is top notch. There were reports of cracking on earlier models, but this has been addressed with newer models. Sennheiser has been great in honoring their 2 year warranty from what I have read of those affected. Heck, you have 2 years to “break” them in .
 
The only real conn in terms of design for me is the cable. The 3.5mm connector is huge, and wont fit many portables, specially ones with protective cases. And even if your lucky to have it fit, it will stick out by nearly 4inches, more than doubling the size of most portables, making them not so portable anymore. On my desktop, I use Logitech Z-2300 2.1 speakers, which have a 3.5mm input on the remote control that I used to use for my other headphones, but this connector is too big to fit, really annoying.
 
The length of the cable at 3m is over double what most people need. The fact it's replaceable is nice, however, I can't seem to find any of these cables to buy. The headphone connector is 2.5mm, but its a really narrow shaft, and most 2.5mm cables I found are too fat to fit. Plus, theres that nifty locking mechanism that only the official Sennheiser cables have. My only option seems to be to cut this one down and re-terminate it myself, or find a pro to do it for me.
 
Sound
 
The sound stage on these is similar to the Grado SR60i, that is to say, its fantastic. Yes, it will occasionally have your head turning to locate that “noise” behind you, on tracks you heard hundreds of times already. The HD 558 does this all with slightly better separation on more complicated compositions, especially in the mid range. In comparison to the SR60i, the highs are more subdued, which I consider an improvement. SR60i's are great, but the highs are a little overdone in my opinion.
 
The area where the HD 558 really takes the cake is the mids. The mids are in your face, right where you want them. They are far superior to any headphone I have in this regard. The only real conn in terms of sound, for some, will be the bass response. It is a noticeable step up from the SR60i. It keeps up well, you hear it all, but not with that satisfying punch or rumble that you would get with a closed or more expensive ($400+) open headphone.
 
The nice thing about these is your average source or portable will be able to to run them with no problem. It seems when you break the $250 price range your going to need to double your budget to get a decent source to enjoy their full potential. Not the case with the HD 558. As with most higher end headphones, these can shine even more when connected to high end amplification, but it is by no means required.
 
Verdict
 
If your looking for a great all-rounder for the home under $200, these are hard to beat. At home people tend to leave headphones on for extended periods, and you will have a hard time finding something more comfortable or better sounding in this price range. The only way I can't recommend these, is if your a complete bass head, in which case, your alternatives in this price range will be destroyed in every other area besides bass, and will leave you in a puddle of sweat within the hour. And if your looking for something portable, you should not be looking for an open headphone, specially a full size one. My HD 25-1 II is my portable headphone of choice, and the HD 558 has become my home all-rounder of choice. Between these two, I have a quality headphone for any application, at home, or on the go. Viva la Sennheiser!

 
[size=10pt]I also own the Grado SR60i ($90), and Sennheiser HD 25-1 II ($200). I will make some comparisons to these also. I realize many people consider sound quality to be the most important thing about a headphone, but I will take a more balanced look at how practical these are to use on a daily basis.[/size]
 
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[size=10pt]Design/Comfort[/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]From the moment you take them out of the box, they feel and look more expensive than they are. People are always surprised to hear the price. The stainless steel accents and leather handmade ear pads add to the luxurious feel/look. They are solid, and built to last. The cable is not replaceable, but is very sleek. The flat design makes it easy to manage. The connector is compact, and should not get in the way of protective cases on portable devices. At only 24Ohm impedance you will have no issues running these off portable devices, no amp required. The headband (also leather wrapped) grasps on with a moderate force, balanced out by the plush memory like foam ear pads. I feel no discomfort from the pads or band on my head, even for longer sessions. [/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]However, after about 1-2hrs, I find they do get warm, even sweaty if you don’t take them off. This is especially bad if you walk or do any physical activity with them on. As for style, people tend to call me Princess Leia when I wear them in public. If you have a particularly large head, these will make it look exponentially larger. I have an average size head, but this, the sweating issue, and the sheer size (can’t fold them), prevents me from taking these when going out in public. I tend to reach for my HD 25-1 for superior isolation, portability, and style when going out. I also never have issues with sweat on my HD 25-1 (with velour pads), even during light physical activity.[/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]As others have noted, these are not completely closed, meaning there will be some moderate noise leakage at high volume. This only becomes an issue in extremely quiet environments. Even then, it only becomes an issue if you crank volume beyond what I consider safe for longer periods of time. I do not recommend these to someone who listens at very high volumes, in public areas.[/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]Sound[/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]These definitely live up to the name Xtreme Bass. Bass extension is substantial, especially in the very low range. It picks up things in the lower register that my SR60i and even HD 25-1 miss completely on certain songs. The sound stage is actually above average for a closed headphone, sounds wider than HD 25-1, but slightly less separation on more complex compositions. The SR60i, being an open headphone, obviously offers superior sound stage and separation in comparison, this becomes especially apparent on rock, classical genres. The highs on these are a little bit over emphasized for me, and can get irritable at higher volumes. This is especially noticeable in genres like rock or classical. The mid’s are probably the weakest area for this headphone, simply because the bass and highs are more emphasized.[/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]I find the bass a little tighter, faster, and punchier, on my HD 25-1. But the XB700 has a ridiculously low response, in the very low range that some songs resonate in; you get that satisfying rumble that stays tight. In low ranges like this, the HD 25-1 simply cannot compete, it misses this completely. So there is a bit of a trade off there. Keep in mind the HD 25-1 is over double the price also. Overall, when it comes to sound, I would say the HD 25-1 is superior as an all-rounder. But for those who primarily listen to bass heavy tunes, or just want something that excels in that genre for a good price, XB700 is for you.[/size]
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[size=10pt]Verdict[/size]
[size=10pt]Overall, for the price point, this is a good headphone for those bass lovers among us. It is well built, and will last many years, a great value at this price. But I could not recommend this as a portable every day commuter, due to the sheer size, slightly lacking isolation, and style (be prepared to be name called). And if you plan to wear them for long periods, be aware that these can get really warm. If you like to listen at above average volumes in public places, you may want to get an actual closed headphone. If you enjoy a lot of variety in your music, or you like Rock, Classical, Pop, you can get a more balanced headphone in this price range, like the Shure SRH440. [/size]
[size=10pt] [/size]
[size=10pt]In my experience, if I am at home, I usually grab my Grado SR60i’s, they are more comfortable for long periods, and sound better for a wider variety of music. I only dig out my XB700’s if I feel like putting on a bass head session for a while. If I am on the go, I will grab my HD 25-1, due to their superior portability, isolation, and styling. For my taste and lifestyle, the XB700 are just not as practical as the other two. But when I do get in that Bass head mood, the XB700 never disappoints.[/size]