[NatureValley]

So apparently the HM5 is a re-brand of the FA-003 (if you thought the NEAR-CLONE build was too subtle..), and I've been hearing that these headphones sound as identical to each other as they look. Other forum users state that the drivers between the two are different:

 
Quote from MP4 Forum:

 All I know for sure,simply by looking at the FA-003's,is that they are probably using the same casing...but your right,without a pair here to try out,I cant say that they sound the same or completely different...but speaking from experience with the way the B2's were originally perceived(looking too much like another Fischer product,but not at all the same),raz dosent use the same drivers/cables as Fischer,he has drivers made specifically for the headphones(iem/cans)that he sells.Hope that helped a little bit.

this, among some decals, are the only noticeable differences between these headphones but does that account for a nearly HALF decrease in price from the FA-003?. The HM5 goes for about $130 on Amazon, and the FA-003 for $230 on Amazon. Surely there has to be a reason for the $100 difference between the rebrand and the original? I'm really considering picking up the FA-003's from Amazon, but if the HM5 is truly EXACTLY IDENTICAL "internally" to the FA-003, then I don't want to regret having spent $100 more for the same thing.

Links:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-HM5-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B006MA9XXM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1
http://www.amazon.com/FA-003Ti-Isloation-Headphones-Titanium-Headband/dp/B00DS8RQK8/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1385366429&sr=1-2&keywords=FA-003
 
Also side-question, anyone recommend a closed pair of headphones that have a very wide soundstage, and don't leak much sound for <$250? The FA-003's caught my eye specifically because of their apparently really good soundstage for a closed headphone. I am also looking at Beyer DT770 Pro-80ohm, ATH-A900X, and the Marshall Monitor.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I own the Brainwavz HM5, it has some positives, but I never wear them, bass is light.
They are not uncomfortable, but the pads seem too big, but I guess I could say they feel "too closed", not sure if that makes sense.
Check out the Takstar Pro 80 (Gemini HSR-1000) headphones, $50-$60 on eBay.

 

[NatureValley]

  I own the Brainwavz HM5, it has some positives, but I never wear them, bass is light.
They are not uncomfortable, but the pads seem too big, but I guess I could say they feel "too closed", not sure if that makes sense.
Check out the Takstar Pro 80 (Gemini HSR-1000) headphones, $50-$60 on eBay.

Would the HM5's be the exact same as the FA-003's though?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Would the HM5's be the exact same as the FA-003's though?

I would thing so.
But nobody at the factory is going to tell if there is a difference.
Also which ear pads, fake leather, real leather, Velour, or other, that the headphones comes with, could be effecting the price.
Might as well play it safe and just buy whatever is cheaper.