For the first time I'm actually digging Beats. I've owned and tried different audiophile headphones. Sony MA900, Audio Technica AD900x/AD700x, V-Moda Crossfade M-100 and Sennheiser PC360 are some that come to mind. I feel comfortable saying that I have a fair idea of what the hi-fi standard is.
Beats are often criticized here due to their bad value and the fact that they're often labeled as the "best" headphones in the minds of ignorant consumers. The only reason I even have beats is because I get a good price on them due to an employee accommodation. I've tried Beats on before in the past and owned their last gen wireless headphones (Solo HD Wireless). Have never been impressed with any of them. The last gen model sounded mediocre at best to me and I only bought them for the convenience of being wireless.
So why am I recommending them now? Well, the Beats Studio Wireless are classy. Yes, I said classy and beats in the same sentence. I got the Matte Black variation and they're easily one of the most attractive headphones I've owned. The padding and headband materials feel and look nice. The plastic/matte finish is of premium quality and dare I say the audio quality is actually good. Very fun phones indeed. I've been using them in the gym and they're far more comfortable than the Solos. They don't creak or ever get loose on my head. Clamping force seems just right thanks to the padding providing great cushioning.
I have yet to determine if I would consider them audiophile quality yet, but they're definitely not THAT far from it. In comparison to my Sony MA900s, they're not as neutral or clear, but they're quite balanced. The Bass thumps but is not overpowering or muddy and the mids are fairly detailed. The noise cancelling works well and filters out the outside noise, but I've never been a fan of noise cancelling or closed cans in general. I've always preferred being able to hear things going on around me.
The only real complaint I have is that the MSRP is too high. At $380 the sound quality only matches that of the $200-250 sector. It is really up to you're willing to spend the extra for the added convenience of Bluetooth or the Beats branding.
I recommend them on the fact that they're really fun and convenient. They may be frowned upon here at Head-Fi due to being bad value, but these are definitely high quality. I have them paired to my Note 3 and the range is excellent. Battery life is great and there is actually a battery gauge on the side.
Beats are often criticized here due to their bad value and the fact that they're often labeled as the "best" headphones in the minds of ignorant consumers. The only reason I even have beats is because I get a good price on them due to an employee accommodation. I've tried Beats on before in the past and owned their last gen wireless headphones (Solo HD Wireless). Have never been impressed with any of them. The last gen model sounded mediocre at best to me and I only bought them for the convenience of being wireless.
So why am I recommending them now? Well, the Beats Studio Wireless are classy. Yes, I said classy and beats in the same sentence. I got the Matte Black variation and they're easily one of the most attractive headphones I've owned. The padding and headband materials feel and look nice. The plastic/matte finish is of premium quality and dare I say the audio quality is actually good. Very fun phones indeed. I've been using them in the gym and they're far more comfortable than the Solos. They don't creak or ever get loose on my head. Clamping force seems just right thanks to the padding providing great cushioning.
I have yet to determine if I would consider them audiophile quality yet, but they're definitely not THAT far from it. In comparison to my Sony MA900s, they're not as neutral or clear, but they're quite balanced. The Bass thumps but is not overpowering or muddy and the mids are fairly detailed. The noise cancelling works well and filters out the outside noise, but I've never been a fan of noise cancelling or closed cans in general. I've always preferred being able to hear things going on around me.
The only real complaint I have is that the MSRP is too high. At $380 the sound quality only matches that of the $200-250 sector. It is really up to you're willing to spend the extra for the added convenience of Bluetooth or the Beats branding.
I recommend them on the fact that they're really fun and convenient. They may be frowned upon here at Head-Fi due to being bad value, but these are definitely high quality. I have them paired to my Note 3 and the range is excellent. Battery life is great and there is actually a battery gauge on the side.
