I know this makes me a bad employee, but.....

Can't fight the power. People who look for those solo and studio abominations probably wouldn't appreciate the subtle quality of the AKGK701. They probably want something more bangin' with doof doof bass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmyz 

I want people to buy the best money can buy them. I buy and sell high end watches for a living and go to college, but because that doesn't take up much of my time, I am also a specialist at a local boutique electronics and computer store, so my question is, when people are looking to purchase some Beats Solos (199), or Studios (299), what can I recommend to them in that price range that sounds better than what we sell? I know I should be selling what we have, but as an audiophile, I feel bad selling someone a product that isn't as good as they could get elsewhere for the same price. So, for 199, what can I recommend for someone who wants a good design and punchy bass, and also for 299? I was thinking AKG 701s for 299, or maybe something else? I know a lot about IEMs, but not too much about over ear headphones, so any help would be great!

 

Thanks!

A lot of people looking at beats wouldn't appreciate the K701s because they'll want MOAR BASS. The HD600s can be had in that price range nearly, but need an amp. Shure SRH840, ATH-M50 are both cheaper than $299, have decent bass and much better sound quality. Denon D2000 is another suggestion, more in line with the bass heads, though they also need some amplification to get the best out of them. DT770 Pros is a possible suggestion also.

SRH750s, Sonny Bass, and M50s I would say. 

Maybe the DT770s but I doubt people who want beats will wear these. 

EDIT: Yep vvanrij is right. Ultrasones are also a good option.

I would probably recommend good looking headphones since thats one of the reasons why people tend to purchase beats. 

Ultrasone's, Grado's, Sennheiser's, AKG's, Beyer Dynamics etc.

If they are really into the deep base thing etc., let em listen to some Ultrasone's.

you should first get the information what they really want for the product, then you should master the market for this product,  the more you know, the better you can do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmyz 

Which ultrasones are good/comparable? 

In that price range, probably the PRO 750.

Sony XB500/700 have more bass than the beats IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmyz 

I want people to buy the best money can buy them. I buy and sell high end watches for a living and go to college, but because that doesn't take up much of my time, I am also a specialist at a local boutique electronics and computer store, so my question is, when people are looking to purchase some Beats Solos (199), or Studios (299), what can I recommend to them in that price range that sounds better than what we sell? I know I should be selling what we have, but as an audiophile, I feel bad selling someone a product that isn't as good as they could get elsewhere for the same price. So, for 199, what can I recommend for someone who wants a good design and punchy bass, and also for 299? I was thinking AKG 701s for 299, or maybe something else? I know a lot about IEMs, but not too much about over ear headphones, so any help would be great!

 

Thanks!

lol this guy can't be serious. If you really feel this way just quit your job. Your hurting your store owner more than you're helping the customers.

keep in mind that the unaware customer may prefer the "beats" over any audiophile can. they may prefer the portability, looks, name. 

Having the same situation as the OP (selling Beats at my store), I've realized one thing. Unless Ultrasone decides to have Dr. Dre be the new face of the headphone line, people will not buy them. Most people don't understand quality over style. The Beats line is new, fashionable, and endorsed by a known producer. This makes them hip and trendy, and marketing like that will have every consumer eating out of the palm of their hands. I think the Beats line is absolutely horrible, with way too much bass and no clarity, but if it means that people will stop listening to those tiny white "iBuds" and listen to something that is only a little bit better, I'm happy. Maybe one day they'll take a dive into the audiophile world of headphones and realize what they've been missing all these years. 

Honestly, If someone walks in and just says "I want some Beats"  I would probably just sell em to them.  If someone came in and said something like "I want to upgrade from X, and I'm thinking about getting some Beats but I really don't know for sure," then I would gather some more info on their specific situation and go from there.  If it was me looking to buy, and the sales guy tried to sell me something else, it would probably just piss me off regardless of whether his/her intentions were good.  If I came in looking to gather some more learned information, I would very much appreciate candid advice regarding lower cost alternatives.