I was browsing a headphone sale in a local mall and I was just trying out and see how a sub 100 headphone sounds like. To be honest I never expect to find anything worth taking home. I have tried at least 7 pairs from different brands (Philips, Panasonic, Sony, JVC, Fischer Audio, etc)
For most of the headphones I tried it only took me 5 to 10 seconds of listening an say no way I'm listening on it even if I get it for free. Then only 2 headphones I tried which I have to listen to at least 3 different songs on my DX90. ( 1 is a JVC and 1 is a Philips) At the end I decided that it's not worth paying 30 SGD for the Philips phone I was trying out for almost 15 minutes.
I was ready to walk out the shop when I saw in the corner the DT235. Of all the headphones on sale only DT235 has no demo unit ready for testing and there was only 3 units left. 1 black and 2 white. I was checking the spec on the box when the store attendant approach me and asked if I want to try. I was not in a hurry so I thought what the heck go ahead open the box and I will try.
Then the unexpected happened, I didn't realized I have been listening to DT235 for more than an hour. I was listening to as many songs as I can and been comparing the sound to my JH Roxanne. I ask the guy are you sure this headphone is in the correct rack of the headphone section? They don't sound anything like the rest of headphones I tried earlier. At 55 SGD, I had to take one home. Not only it sound good, the DT235's signature reminds me of Beyerdynamic flagship T1 which I still have and love.
Talking about unexpected surprise.
The design won't turn heads and the build looks like cheap plastic. But the sound is far from cheap. If Beyer used aluminum for the ear cups and replace the headband with a robust one I think they can sell it for 200 bucks and it will still be cheap for the sound.