[Slivortal]

(Lists are in order of desire/frequency)
Looking for: Comfort, Durability, Portability, Good Sound
Uses: Watching anime/video, listening to anime music/J-Pop/Rock
 
So, I have a pair of CAL!s that just broke after about a year of usage.  Other than obvious durability issues, I really liked them for their comfort (though the sound seemed almost staticky at times).  Looking into getting a replacement, narrowed it down to these two headphones.  Main questions are:
 
1. Are the CAL! 2s more durable than the CAL!s?
2. How are the M50s comfort-wise?
3. How are the HD-25-1 IIs comfort-wise?
4. Are each of these phones portable?
 
Obviously any critiques of sound comparisons would be welcomed as well.  Thanks for the help.

 

[PETEREK]

I haven't used either of the CALs, but I can speak for the ATH-M50, which is the same as the M50x but without the removable cable. The comfort is decent for short to medium periods of time, no more than 2 hour sessions. A brand new pair's clamp is a bit strong but isn't skull crushing, it's just the on-ear design that brings discomfort over time. I have a cartilage piercing though, so the experience could be different for you if you don't.
 
In terms of sound, the M50's are very V-shaped in their signature. If you like boomy bass and bright highs, you will probably like them. They are nice for rock music. The M50 seems pretty durable though, I felt like I could throw them across the room without consequence while I owned the few pairs I had. If you want to modify the sound of the M50, you can always put dynamat inside the cups and remove some of the foam to make the mids pop a little more, I did it on one pair and really liked the outcome.
 
 I have absolutely no idea what sig the CAL/CAL2 bring, so I can't recommend either for your uses.
 
I hope this helped a little. I won't be voting because I haven't heard both. Good luck in your headphone conquest.

 

[Slivortal]

I haven't used either of the CALs, but I can speak for the ATH-M50, which is the same as the M50x but without the removable cable. The comfort is decent for short to medium periods of time, no more than 2 hour sessions. A brand new pair's clamp is a bit strong but isn't skull crushing, it's just the on-ear design that brings discomfort over time. I have a cartilage piercing though, so the experience could be different for you if you don't.

In terms of sound, the M50's are very V-shaped in their signature. If you like boomy bass and bright highs, you will probably like them. They are nice for rock music. The M50 seems pretty durable though, I felt like I could throw them across the room without consequence while I owned the few pairs I had. If you want to modify the sound of the M50, you can always put dynamat inside the cups and remove some of the foam to make the mids pop a little more, I did it on one pair and really liked the outcome.

 I have absolutely no idea what sig the CAL/CAL2 bring, so I can't recommend either for your uses.

I hope this helped a little. I won't be voting because I haven't heard both. Good luck in your headphone conquest.

Thanks! So it's hard to wear the M50s for more than 2hr straight? I'm looking for something that I can preferably where for hours upon hours at a time (living situation). Do you use your M50s to watch video/use them for non-music? That's what I'd primarily use them for (general use).

 

[PETEREK]

It was hard for me because I have a cartilage piercing, so on-ear headphones sometimes hurt after a while, it might not be uncomfortable for you though. I didn't have any pairs for long periods of time, but when I used them I only listened to music.

 

[seag33k]

I own a pair of CALs and they are very comfortable, but mine had a buzz around 30hz and are no longer under warranty.  The CALs are extremely light but had a good sound.  I purchased a pair of V-MODA Crossfade LP which are built much better.  I haven't compared them to the CALs since they have the buzz.  They V-MODA are small and fairly comfortable but not as light.  I prefer my Beyer COPs for over all sound and comfort.  The COPs do clamp a bit more than the V-Moda.  My DT990s are the most comfy but are open and need an amp so I use the COPs more often.  Hope this helps a little.  You might also consider the DT770s.

 

[Slivortal]

A lot of people have been labeling the ATH-M50s as "uncomfortable."  I originally excluded Senn HD25-1 IIs because of similar concerns, but are they more comfortable than the M50s?

 

[Tadpolefarm]

If you're looking for comfort as a high priority, don't get the Senns. I replaced my HD25 1 ii, with the m50s, because of the comfort issue. They are too tight on the head and hurt after 30 minutes for me! m50s are way more comfortable.