These are a nice pair to own if you crave for natural sound on a budget. They belong to the Sennheiser Professional lineup after all. Don't get me wrong these are not going to come close to the $1500 HD800 but for the price can't go wrong. Just wish the ear pads were a little softer and while they can still double as over the ear for people with small to medium ears, larger pads would be welcome personally. These are advertised by Sennheiser as On Ear cans. Those looking for pumping bass look elsewhere. These are the closest thing you can come to the venerable Sennheiser HD497; now out of production. Response is significantly flatter compared to the HD 497.