Audio Technica Monitor Headphones Black audio-technica ATH-PRO5MK3 BK

I want to start off this review by stating what I was looking for in a headphone when I purchased the Audio Technica ATH-PRO5MK3. I was looking for something over-ear, closed back, and something that would be a good all rounder for everything from casual portable use, to occasional monitoring and mixing. I found it very difficult to narrow down a set that took care of both lifestyles or uses and this set looked great on "paper," so to speak. I also wanted something with average impedance and sensitivity so as to not need an amp. I decided to purchase these and give them a chance. I found little information about them and figured the only way I'll really know if I like them is to go ahead and order them.
 
For the most part, the PRO5MK3 fit the bill for everything except sound quality. So lets just get to it!
 
Sound:
 
Very midrange boosted sound that pierces the ear at moderate to higher volumes, but somehow still doesn't provide enough detail in that area (or any other area) of focus. What happens is that voices and sounds such as snares are boosted in a range that gives annoyance rather than any kind of real clarity. I often found vocals somewhat unintelligible at times due to this as well. I also found myself listening at lower volumes to avoid the grating mids. Overall the sound lacks definition and clarity. Bass is decent but lacks extension and impact. Highs are obfuscated by the midrange boost and may also be rolled off. Overall, it's a kind of cardboard and honky sound that sucks much of the emotion out of the music. There is very little soundstage. I'm making these headphones seem absolutely terrible and they are not. It's just that the sound quality IMHO is suitable for a can that is cheaper than this set. I am also highly critical.
 
*Added Update:* I noticed that with using the 1.2m cable w mic that there is slight sound quality degradation (less detail and separation, narrowing of soundstage) as opposed to the 3m coiled cable. I also want to add that these headphones have a slight cavernous and hollow sound that I just can't get over. Lastly, even though bass is present and is felt in terms of vibration, it's not always heard that well which is another annoyance.
 
As a side note I find these headphones to be very unforgiving. In that sense, you can quickly pick up when something is wrong with your mix, but the headphones lack the clarity and proper tone to really get into the nitty gritty of mixing and doing finer more subtle work. These headphones are more for spot checking glaring issues and as another reference. The midrange boost may come in handy when DJing and needing to line up snares of different tracks in a loud club or similar environment. 
 
Design/Build Quality:
 
The headphones feel a little cheaper in hand than they look in pics, and the plastic seems a little too light weight, cheap, and hollow. However, they strike me as having a build that will last a very long time if properly cared for. They are overall a very nice looking set of cans though. Cables are very nice, but hold memory. The 1.2 m cable with the mic and controls (single button for answering calls/pausing/skipping and a volume slider) is a nice addition along with the longer coiled cable. The ear pads are similar to the ATH-M50 pads but with about half the padding in them. The pads are also very loose. I find I often have to reposition them on the cup. Overall comfort is good.
 
*Added Update:* The ear pads do not breathe at all, and I find they accumulate heat and sweat much more than any headphone I've ever used. Much more than the ATH-M50 which is odd since the ear pads are fairly similar.
 
Conclusion:
 
If you are looking for a cheaper DJ and/or mixing can, this set could work for you, but for a little more money you could get something substantially better. Also, take into consideration that this model is currently ONLY available in places such as Japan, Europe, and Russia. If you live outside these regions you will have to special order as I have, and that inflates the cost to the point where these headphones are not really worth it. I could have picked up something for a little more money locally and been happier. I've seen these retail for up to $150 and they are worth maybe $60-80 Canadian all in (Shipping + Taxes) in my subjective valuing of them. I paid around $112 Canadian and I felt that was just a bit too much. I would only recommend these if you found a great deal on them, and you need something to allow you to focus on sound for a DJ or Producing hobby rather than pure enjoyment. These are not the headphones to get lost in the music with. Would not recommend for serious and/or professional use. I realize that "monitor" headphones aren't meant to sound "Hi-Fi" but the PRO5MK3 really does lack the detail and tonality to be a great monitor as well as lacking any characteristics that would make them "audiophile" grade.
 
***Update after using this headphone for about 3 months***
 
The sound of the headphone does improve slightly after a lengthy burn in process. I also added some damping material inside the cups and that has seemed to improve things a little further. The sound isn't as hollow now and there is a little more clarity and definition in the sound. Please pay attention to my language. This is still an extremely poor headphone in terms of accurate sound quality. Interestingly though, this is really the only pair of headphones where I did actually notice some improvement with burn in.
 
I have put some time into mixing with these cans in my home project studio and the results were terrible and completely off. I haven't had mixes translate as bad as this in my life. I'm not even joking or resorting to over dramatizing or hyperbole. There is definitely something extremely off about the sound balance in this model. It's very difficult and nearly impossible to "learn" these and the fact that this is marketed and branded as a monitoring headphone of any kind baffles me as any regular consumer grade headphone will perform better and result in better mixes. Just stay clear away from this model. The only thing good about this model is it's looks, and relative comfort. Audio Technica really failed with these. Shame on them for even allowing these to be sold in the limited markets that they are available!