These were my first over-ear headphones, and I read a lot of good things about these headphones before buying them. I got them for 40$ (Canadian) at Future Shop as they were on clearance. I've used it for about 2 years before I upgraded to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
Design
Despite their looks, they are quite durable and aren't prone to breaking. The retro aesthetic is also very nice.
The downsides in the design are to be expected in a headphone at this price. The earpads and headband do wear out over time and the headband isn't replaceable. The earpads can be replaced but as far as I know new earpads are only sold on AliExpress.
8/10
Comfort
These do get a bit hot after prolonged use, especially in the summer time, they are decent earmuffs in the winter though they do leak tiny bit of air inside (you can hear air going into the housing when you walk around, but it doesn't really get in)'. The clamping force is moderate and they have considerable space around the ears. I found these more comfortable than my ATH-M50x.
8.5/10
Sound quality
Note: These are based on an unmodded unit.
These have a v-shape sound signature that is "fun" and lively. The bass is decent but slightly rolled off at the very bottom, so while there is a considerable amount of sub-bass, it doesn't reach very deep and there is a bit more mid-bass. The impact is blunt and can be a bit muddy at times. The mids are recessed and there is a somewhat "hollow" reverb, but they don't sound dry but a tad bit warm. The highs are probably the best part of the sound signature, the treble extends well and has a lot of shimmer. Some listeners might find it too bright but I really enjoyed this sound as it does bring out some details, especially with guitars. They don't sound particularly sibilant, however, as the treble peak is rather wide and not short and shrill.
These are fine with portable gear, though the volume is about a stop less than my IEMs. The subbass does pulse a bit more when using a device with amplification.
For the price, the soundstage and instrument separation are decent. While they do struggle to resolve some details, they don't sound congested.The M50x has a slightly smaller soundstage but definitely wins out in instrument separation.
7.5/10
Value
For under 50$, these are a very good deal if you want a portable, lightweight headphone with a fun and lively sound signature.
8/10
Design
Despite their looks, they are quite durable and aren't prone to breaking. The retro aesthetic is also very nice.
The downsides in the design are to be expected in a headphone at this price. The earpads and headband do wear out over time and the headband isn't replaceable. The earpads can be replaced but as far as I know new earpads are only sold on AliExpress.
8/10
Comfort
These do get a bit hot after prolonged use, especially in the summer time, they are decent earmuffs in the winter though they do leak tiny bit of air inside (you can hear air going into the housing when you walk around, but it doesn't really get in)'. The clamping force is moderate and they have considerable space around the ears. I found these more comfortable than my ATH-M50x.
8.5/10
Sound quality
Note: These are based on an unmodded unit.
These have a v-shape sound signature that is "fun" and lively. The bass is decent but slightly rolled off at the very bottom, so while there is a considerable amount of sub-bass, it doesn't reach very deep and there is a bit more mid-bass. The impact is blunt and can be a bit muddy at times. The mids are recessed and there is a somewhat "hollow" reverb, but they don't sound dry but a tad bit warm. The highs are probably the best part of the sound signature, the treble extends well and has a lot of shimmer. Some listeners might find it too bright but I really enjoyed this sound as it does bring out some details, especially with guitars. They don't sound particularly sibilant, however, as the treble peak is rather wide and not short and shrill.
These are fine with portable gear, though the volume is about a stop less than my IEMs. The subbass does pulse a bit more when using a device with amplification.
For the price, the soundstage and instrument separation are decent. While they do struggle to resolve some details, they don't sound congested.The M50x has a slightly smaller soundstage but definitely wins out in instrument separation.
7.5/10
Value
For under 50$, these are a very good deal if you want a portable, lightweight headphone with a fun and lively sound signature.
8/10