[Samehada]

   
You'd be surprised if you look at the %THD measurements for example, the Beats Solo2 "beat" the $1500 AKG K812. I'm not saying the Solo2 sounds better than a flagship headphone, I'm only saying that the measurements look pretty good.

 
After inaudible comes inaudible.

 

[cb3723]

hey... I couldn't believe it when I listened to the studio 2's for the first time. I was astounded. They were the best headphones I had heard at that point. I've been saying they were fantastic since at least 4 months ago I believe? It turned me from a beats hater into a beats liker. I now have a few audiophile cans in my collection... I dont want to put 200$ into a portable headphone... But if I get a good price on a used solo2, I'll be buying it. Loved it when auditioned in the stores. It took me a few weeks after I tried the studio 2 to get over that it was a beats headphone, but now my perception of the brand has changed completely. I've been praising them publicly since before the solo 2 came out.

Cool.

It's funny when noting Tyll's review of the solo2 when it comes to styling, where he had the Sennheiser Momentum on ear and v-moda-xs along side the black solo2's, the latter of which is clearly more reserved than the other two!

Just as some may find it hard to believe a beats headphone could ever be discussed in audiophile terms, the same applies to styling - who would have thought competing models from Sennheiser and v-moda would ever have stronger styling features that could actually reduce their respective appeals in comparison to the subtle classic styling of the new solo2?

 

[Kamakahah]

This is an exciting turn off events. The most bought headphone in the world was previously filling people's ears with garbage and the were happy to consume It. Now they can have their popular fashion and their ears will be indoctrinated with good sound.

I have a strong distaste for certain companies involved and on ears are probably my least favorite style, but I would rep them to friends who prefer mainstream gear. I'll need to give them a good listen first, but the review from Tyll and others is promising.

 

[obsidyen]

I tried both Beats Solo 2 and Phillips Fidelio L2 today. I liked Solo 2, good headphones for the price. More audiophile than previous Beats phones, warm and good bass. Good for USD 200. Fidelio L2 was much better though. Much better build quality, leagues better sound, tighter bass with good impact... I bought Fidelio L2 in the end. Still though, Solo 2 is good, just not as good as Fidelio L2.

 

[cb3723]

This is an exciting turn off events. The most bought headphone in the world was previously filling people's ears with garbage and the were happy to consume It. Now they can have their popular fashion and their ears will be indoctrinated with good sound.

I have a strong distaste for certain companies involved and on ears are probably my least favorite style, but I would rep them to friends who prefer mainstream gear. I'll need to give them a good listen first, but the review from Tyll and others is promising.

In Tyll's YT video review where he refers to the previous model of solo as terrible, he's actually referring to the first ever model of the Monster Beats Solo headphone that he reviewed back in 2011.

The actual model that the solo2 replaces is the solo HD monochromatic drenched in colour series, which is also a very good portable headphone to my ears, but still the penultimate part of the solo chain that produced the now Wall Of Fame solo2.

Nonetheless the solo2 is a radical evolutionary jump more so in its form factor - but one that makes perfect sense as it ties itself in the style dept. to the Studio 2.0 which in itself was a radical evolutionary departure from the prior model of beats Studio in as much it gave more by being less. The Studio 2.0 reduced it's form factor to a svelte streamlined understated classic with improved sonics and ANC power delivery from prior batteries to built in USB rechargeable and in itself paved the way perfectly for the solo2 to shine as it does today.

Sonically, the solo2 is not such a radical jump from the monochromatic series that came just before it - IMO, the solo2 is a more reserved and refined version that makes perfect sense to the acclaim it's now enjoying.

solo HD monochromatic drenched in colour (white version)
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1097920/a/874680/beats-by-dr-dre-solo-hd-monochromatic-white/

I tried both Beats Solo 2 and Phillips Fidelio L2 today. I liked Solo 2, good headphones for the price. More audiophile than previous Beats phones, warm and good bass. Good for USD 200. Fidelio L2 was much better though. Much better build quality, leagues better sound, tighter bass with good impact... I bought Fidelio L2 in the end. Still though, Solo 2 is good, just not as good as Fidelio L2.

Congrats on your new headphone purchase dude!

I've not heard the Fidelio L2 myself but do own, love and appreciate the Fidelio X1, which is a totally different headphone to what we are discussing here - small, portable on the move friendly closed back headphones that sound excellent, but nonetheless still part of the Fidelio family.

Another more comparable headphone to your newly acquired L2 would be the closed back DJ centric A5-Pro which Philips made from the ground up in collaboration with acclaimed superstar DJ Armin Van Buuren - and if you are unfamiliar with that particular gent, well let's just say that he's the trance master and producer of the globe that regularly DJ's to audiences of 50K + at all the biggest and best music festivals around the world including ULTRA in Miami.

His collaboration with Philips took over a year and five prototypes to produce one of the most amazing DJ headphones I've heard to date (though initially I was taken aback a little as I expected a more bassy sound than it turned out to be) - they literally ticked all the boxes required for a DJ can and even invented some in the process - it's even got a novelty "quick draw" feature that's fun and isn't a detraction from the cans v-moda beating build quality and finely tuned sound signature that is a departure from the usually bass emphasised expectancies that other acclaimed DJ headphones adhere to such as the legendary HD25 1 mkII.

Sennheiser HD25 1 mkII (Adidas Classic)
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100910/a/874680/sennheiser-hd-25-1-ii-adidas-originals/

Philips A5-Pro
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1147471/a5-pro-dj-headphones-by-philips-in-collaboration-with-armin-van-buuren/sort/display_order/

Philips A5-Pro "Quick Draw" Feature
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1155590/philipsa5-pro-in-collaboration-with-armin-van-buuren-dj-headphones-demonstration-from-folded-to-open-unique-quickdraw-feature-novelty-cool-huh-lol-d-tricks-aside-the-a5-pro-may-well-be-the-most-significant-dj-headphone-to-come-along-since/sort/display_order/

Tyll mentioned in his review that the Momentum on ears, v-moda xs and solo2 would remain on the Wall of Fame until something came along and knocked all three off. Then somebody mentioned a can on Innerfidelity informing that it's FR bettered all three currently on WOF. The headphone that was mentioned is one I've owned for some time now and has been mentioned in the new summer buyers guide, I think by jude himself, and IMO has the ability to perhaps be that very can that has the all round ability to knock all three off Tyll's WOF. I mentioned this on Tyll's site and Tyll is now in hot pursuit of a review pair, based on his reply to me. Let's just say this headphone in question just kicks ass way above its weight but is more expensive than the solo2 - the Thinksound On1 - man, this can just blew me away from the second I put it on and hit play on my DAP.

I may be wrong, but Ive a feeling the Thinksound On1 will replace the solo2 some time in the near future, but the beats fanboy in me secretly hopes the solo2 can gain a bit more time to soak up it's WOF status....if you read this Mr.Hertsens sir, please take your time with the ts On1...solo2 needs a little more time to savour the flavour of audiophile success

"I have a dream can"
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1117822/i-have-a-dream-can-martin-luther-cans-new-beats-solo2-headphones-photo-manipulation-pop-art/sort/display_order/

Thinksound On1
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100330/thinksound-on1-monitor/sort/display_order/

Link to Jude's buyers guide review of ts On1 (scroll down page to locate)
http://www.head-fi.org/a/head-fi-buying-guide-over-ear-headphones-

Also very worth mentioning, Beats by Dr. Dre contributes a portion from the purchase price of every Beats by Dre (PRODUCT)RED Solo2 Headphones to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

http://www.red.org/en/shop/beats-by-dre-productred-solo-2-headphones

solo2 (PRODUCT)RED
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1125439/red-beats-solo2-connected-directly-to-ipad-with-armani-cow-skin-cover/sort/display_order/

http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1125443/red-beats-solo2-on-ipad-with-armani-cow-skin-cover/sort/display_order/

 

[DisCHORDDubstep]

That thinksound dont have dat cool looks that the solo2 has tho! ... In all honesty, the on1 looks pretty cheaply built except what appears to be real wood on the sides?

 

[obsidyen]

In Tyll's YT video review where he refers to the previous model of solo as terrible, he's actually referring to the first ever model of the Monster Beats Solo headphone that he reviewed back in 2011.

The actual model that the solo2 replaces is the solo HD monochromatic drenched in colour series, which is also a very good portable headphone to my ears, but still the penultimate part of the solo chain that produced the now Wall Of Fame solo2.

Nonetheless the solo2 is a radical evolutionary jump more so in its form factor - but one that makes perfect sense as it ties itself in the style dept. to the Studio 2.0 which in itself was a radical evolutionary departure from the prior model of beats Studio in as much it gave more by being less. The Studio 2.0 reduced it's form factor to a svelte streamlined understated classic with improved sonics and ANC power delivery from prior batteries to built in USB rechargeable and in itself paved the way perfectly for the solo2 to shine as it does today.

Sonically, the solo2 is not such a radical jump from the monochromatic series that came just before it - IMO, the solo2 is a more reserved and refined version that makes perfect sense to the acclaim it's now enjoying.

solo HD monochromatic drenched in colour (white version)
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1097920/a/874680/beats-by-dr-dre-solo-hd-monochromatic-white/
Congrats on your new headphone purchase dude!

I've not heard the Fidelio L2 myself but do own, love and appreciate the Fidelio X1, which is a totally different headphone to what we are discussing here - small, portable on the move friendly closed back headphones that sound excellent, but nonetheless still part of the Fidelio family.

Another more comparable headphone to your newly acquired L2 would be the closed back DJ centric A5-Pro which Philips made from the ground up in collaboration with acclaimed superstar DJ Armin Van Buuren - and if you are unfamiliar with that particular gent, well let's just say that he's the trance master and producer of the globe that regularly DJ's to audiences of 50K + at all the biggest and best music festivals around the world including ULTRA in Miami.

His collaboration with Philips took over a year and five prototypes to produce one of the most amazing DJ headphones I've heard to date - they literally ticked all the boxes required for a DJ can and even invented some in the process - it's even got a novelty "quick draw" feature that's fun and isn't a detraction from the cans v-moda beating build quality and finely tuned sound signature that is a departure from the usually bass emphasised expectancies that other acclaimed DJ headphones adhere to such as the legendary HD25 1 mkII.

Sennheiser HD25 1 mkII (Adidas Classic)
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100910/a/874680/sennheiser-hd-25-1-ii-adidas-originals/

Philips A5-Pro
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1147471/a5-pro-dj-headphones-by-philips-in-collaboration-with-armin-van-buuren/sort/display_order/

Philips A5-Pro "Quick Draw" Feature
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1155590/philipsa5-pro-in-collaboration-with-armin-van-buuren-dj-headphones-demonstration-from-folded-to-open-unique-quickdraw-feature-novelty-cool-huh-lol-d-tricks-aside-the-a5-pro-may-well-be-the-most-significant-dj-headphone-to-come-along-since/sort/display_order/

Tyll mentioned in his review that the Momentum on ears, v-moda xs and solo2 would remain on the Wall of Fame until something came along and knocked all three off. Then somebody mentioned a can on Innerfidelity informing that it's FR bettered all three currently on WOF. The headphone that was mentioned is one I've owned for some time now and has been mentioned in the new summer buyers guide, I think by Jude himself, and IMO has the ability to perhaps be that very can that has the all round ability to knock all three off Tyll's WOF. I mentioned this on Tyll's site and Tyll is now in hot pursuit of a review pair, based on his reply to me. Let's just say this headphone in question just kicks ass way above its weight but is more expensive than the solo2 - the Thinksound On1 - man, this can just blew me away from the second I put it on and hit play on my DAP.

I may be wrong, but Ive a feeling the Thinksound On1 will replace the solo2 some time in the near future, but the beats fanboy in me secretly hopes the solo2 can gain a bit more time to soak up it's WOF status....if you read this Mr.Hertsens sir, please take your time with the ts On1...solo2 needs a little more time to savour the flavour of audiophile success

"I have a dream can"
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1117822/i-have-a-dream-can-martin-luther-cans-new-beats-solo2-headphones-photo-manipulation-pop-art/sort/display_order/

Thinksound On1
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100330/thinksound-on1-monitor/sort/display_order/

Link to Jude's buyers guide review of ts On1 (scroll down page to locate)
http://www.head-fi.org/a/head-fi-buying-guide-over-ear-headphones-

Also very worth mentioning, Beats by Dr. Dre contributes a portion from the purchase price of every Beats by Dre (PRODUCT)RED Solo2 Headphones to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

http://www.red.org/en/shop/beats-by-dre-productred-solo-2-headphones

solo2 (PRODUCT)RED
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1125439/red-beats-solo2-connected-directly-to-ipad-with-armani-cow-skin-cover/sort/display_order/

http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1125443/red-beats-solo2-on-ipad-with-armani-cow-skin-cover/sort/display_order/

Thanks mate, I appreciate all the links. I should check out Armin's headphones, I love trance and I've been a fan of Armin since late 90s, back from his Ibiza days. Also lots of other trance/EDM djs such as Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Tiesto etc. (though Tiesto doesn't produce trance anymore but electro/progressive house).
 
You know I appreciate Beats for making headphones with good sound, higher quality bass. I think it's the Apple touch. I don't like Apple as a brand much but I believe Beats products will be more refined now. A good mix of fun sound  & high quality sound. I might have even bought Solo 2 if I hadn't come across L2. They are portable unlike Fidelio X1. I think Philips will release Fidelio X2 in a few months. The sound is very good indeed, even though not for bassheads perhaps (though it's got a good amount of bass).
 
I considered buying Thinksound On1 but in the end, I decided they just looked too cheap. Now I can understand they're sensitive to environment and whatnot but the fact that they looked like fake Audio Technicas made me reluctant to buy them. Everyone raves about its sound quality though so I guess they got the sound right at least, if not the looks.
 
You know Tyll is such a cool guy, I wish he was my uncle or something. I could try all the gear he reviews. It'd be so awesome.

 
 
Ps: Have you seen "It's All Gone Pete Tong" ? Great film about a DJ.

 

[cb3723]

That thinksound dont have dat cool looks that the solo2 has tho! ... In all honesty, the on1 looks pretty cheaply built except what appears to be real wood on the sides?

LoL - Thinksound's look has purpose - they are going for the zero carbon footprint organic look using reclaimed materials including the wood used, which I guess is a noble step away from the industry norm.

I've conversed with Thinksound's CEO, Mr.Aaron Fournier, gracious enough to reply to my email to him I sent praising his mighty sounding On1 on ears headphone.

If you heard this can young dubs, I'd chance your aesthetic dislikes may very well disintegrate - they sound IMO, class leading

Thanks mate, I appreciate all the links. I should check out Armin's headphones, I love trance and I've been a fan of Armin since late 90s, back from his Ibiza days. Also lots of other trance/EDM djs such as Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Tiesto etc. (though Tiesto doesn't produce trance anymore but electro/progressive house).

You know I appreciate Beats for making headphones with good sound, higher quality bass. I think it's the Apple touch. I don't like Apple as a brand much but I believe Beats products will be more refined now. A good mix of fun sound & high quality sound. I might have even bought Solo 2 if I hadn't come across L2. They are portable unlike Fidelio X1. I think Philips will release Fidelio X2 in a few months. The sound is very good indeed, even though not for bassheads perhaps (though it's got a good amount of bass).

I considered buying Thinksound On1 but in the end, I decided they just looked too cheap. Now I can understand they're sensitive to environment and whatnot but the fact that they looked like fake Audio Technicas made me reluctant to buy them. Everyone raves about its sound quality though so I guess they got the sound right at least, if not the looks.

You know Tyll is such a cool guy, I wish he was my uncle or something. I could try all the gear he reviews. It'd be so awesome.

Ps: Have you seen "It's All Gone Pete Tong" ? Great film about a DJ.

Party!

Cool, - have you ever visited the white Isle yourself?

Believe me, you need a fortnight to recover from it - it's back 2 back partying till the morning, then there's the outdoor fun in the sun parties

Nowhere else will you find such a concentration of the worlds finest spinners all congregated in one place during party season - it's quite hedonistic to say the least - and still quite a blur to me, but I still remember clubs like Eden's midweek Godskitchen night with Judge Jules, Ferry Corsten, Es Paradis with Ann Savage, Amnesia which when we were there had Tiesto do a full 8 hour set - man it was hot in there and heaving, the place was packed to capacity and Club Pacha's Ministry of Sound's night with...er....that's where things go very blurry - lol

Yeah, Tyll Hertsens a cool guy for sure - but just so there's no misunderstanding - I'm not related to him in any way - I'm just an average Joe that he's been kind enough to reply to.

IMO, Tyll's solo2 review is one of the most significant and important ones in....a generation? Why? Because Mr.Hertsens knows full well that it's the beats solo2 headphone that is going to deliver quality audio to the masses - and no other headphone brand has the capability of doing so. Also, he's not afraid to tell it as it is - you can tell by the beginning of his YT review video by his sharp intake of breath that he knows full well he's just about to drop the beats bomb, that the blast waves are still fanning out across the audio global community as we speak.

And for me, that deserves so much - respect as does other pioneers of the evolution of the beats sound like HiFiGuy528

If there's such a thing as a gateway drug, then beats is the audio equivalent for sure - it was for me, just I didn't forget about Dre

I have watched the film you mention - but not all the way to the end - I will have to return to it, though what I did see of it was so sad to watch a DJ loosing his hearing, yet in denial of it

A film I love for it laughs and awesome Ibiza soundtrack is "Kev & Perry Go Large" - lol - that flick cracks me up every time

Currently listening to my solo2's with Skrillex'feat. Ellie Goulding "Summit" which really showcases the solo2's sub bass qualities, but I'll have to check the Philips L2 sometime soon for sure - are you going to give your impressions of yours anytime? I'd be interested on your further thoughts for sure

Me with my red solo2's listening to Skrilex, just now - lol
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1176247/beats-solo2-product-red/sort/display_order/

Skrillex feat. Ellie Goulding - "Summit"
http://youtu.be/-e_3Cg9GZFU

Also definitely worth a mention of a reviewer right here on Head-Fi that I have a ton of respect for - MacedonianHero, whom I believe is going to add the solo2 sometime soon to his current highly successful and kick ass thread found here:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/672743/comparisons-21-of-the-top-closed-portable-headphones-around

 

[drkp80]

Interested. How is the soundstage on these?

 

[SoundWalker]

At first I was not terribly blown away. The low-end bass felt a little reserved and the high-end bass felt a bit exaggerated as if to compensate.
 
 
After spending a week with these, I have to admit I am now quite impressed. 
 
They now feel much more balanced. Often lots of agressive attack which I like. Feels almost like they are amplified. It can perform quite respectably in the high-end frequencies though I can see how some might call it a little dark.
 
I find the stage to vary in feeling. Sometimes it feels impressive (studio recordings) and sometimes it feels tight or very up-close (live concert recordings). It has a dark smokey room feel to it. Not too sure about this aspect.
 
I feel as though these headphones are quite balanced overall and above average in performance.
 
From my experience so far, they excel at dubstep (don't laugh) type music. I find this track really makes them shine.

 

[cb3723]

Interested. How is the soundstage on these?

It's pretty good for an on ear closed bk portable - but not as good as Thinksound On1 - but for that you're gonna pay an extra £100/$165 roughly

And the styling of the Thinksound is very much a huge departure from the slinky poly cool subtleties of the solo2 - I appreciate both, but tastes will always vary of course

 

[cb3723]

At first I was not terribly blown away. The low-end bass felt a little reserved and the high-end bass felt a bit exaggerated as if to compensate.


After spending a week with these, I have to admit I am now quite impressed. 

They now feel much more balanced. Often lots of agressive attack which I like. Feels almost like they are amplified. It can perform quite respectably in the high-end frequencies though I can see how some might call it a little dark.

I find the stage to vary in feeling. Sometimes it feels impressive (studio recordings) and sometimes it feels tight or very up-close (live concert recordings). It has a dark smokey room feel to it. Not too sure about this aspect.

I feel as though these headphones are quite balanced overall and above average in performance.

From my experience so far, they excel at dubstep (don't laugh) type music. I find this track really makes them shine.

Dude - you're on my wavelength - I already recommended this same track - check my last post but one from this one

edit: which colour did you choose?

 

[SoundWalker]

Dude - you're on my wavelength - I already recommended this same track - check my last post but one from this one

edit: which colour did you choose?

It's very possible I discovered that track from your post then. I can't remember haha!
 
I went with the black with red highlights. It barely won over the dark silver color. Actually I'm still not sure if I made the right color pick. :/

 

[cb3723]

It's very possible I discovered that track from your post then. I can't remember haha!

I went with the black with red highlights. It barely won over the dark silver color. Actually I'm still not sure if I made the right color pick. :/

Black is very nice stealth h34r: but a fingerprint magnet - same as Tyll's review pair, I've every colour (beats fanboy -go figure ) except white and pink, though Apple have also a new matt white which is so white it makes the gloss white look light grey :eek:

If you click the below link, you might want to put on your shades before hand - very bright white

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/HGFH2ZM/A/beats-by-dr-dre-solo2-on-ear-headphones-special-edition-matte-white?fnode=fe537f797af793d64f51f8f89f1a24f5883aea3593beb1ad6f30d4dfaa96c2b10c99903ad15d0b3d6a16827e57f7f0d62d990d7dc915f67cbecbedee972b9ff053e89ac95634b5ac2c6e1ae25f84e89105c8c8e55f37fcf6fe1292a89849a615785b117e100b01a00c0b1fcac0b48b51&fs=f%3Dbeats-onear-overear%26fh%3D40a1%252B3230%252B30d5%252B30d6

Expect a host of matt colours to follow no doubt :rolleyes:

But regarding the black solo2 - it's the renegade of the pack as it's the only one (so far) to have a red "b" logo on each earcup to the rest of the colours silver reflective "b"

Black solo2's don't conform to the norm :evil: maybe a badass beatsass :veryevil:
But one things for sure - whatever colour - they're all "Wall of Fame" acclaimers...

http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1173175/beats-solo2-now-officially-on-tyll-hertsens-innerfidelity-wall-of-fame-beats-haters-are-kod-and-are-out-for-the-count/

Further tracks recommended for the solo2

Michael Jackson - "Beat It"
http://youtu.be/oRdxUFDoQe0


v And one of my favourites for the solo2 v (bass drum impact - nice, controlled and defined + just a uber track )
Goes without saying - checking these rec's on better source than YT is rec'd - just saying


[VIDEO]http://youtu.be/5qm8PH4xAss[/VIDEO]


v For female vocals v


[VIDEO]http://youtu.be/oO3KAjV6CCc[/VIDEO]


http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1117961/beach-beats-party-photo-manipulation-pop-art/

v And last but not least - rec'd for...everything - open up your solo2's fully & drop the Ragga Bomb v


[VIDEO]http://youtu.be/8eJDTcDUQxQ[/VIDEO]

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I've got red, blue, and white Solo2.  Love this little headphone.  

 
 
You guys know that I've been a fan of Beats headphones since the divorce from Monster and I've been telling people here to give their new products a try.  Here's another tip for y'all.  The current Tour 2.0 is a basshead's dream.  Imagine the sound of 15" subs in your ear canal.  

   Drive the Tour 2.0 on a very good clean amp and I'll come alive.  It can handle volume level that would be dangerous to your health.
 
Thank you @cb3723 for your support.