So you think the M2 have a neutral signature as well or are you saying comparatively speaking? Neutral/flat might be how one describes the PM-3 but not the M2. I wasn't factoring price relative to sound. Tyll did say the BT model were pricey coming in at 500.00 but I dont think he has done a M2 wired review yet which retail at 350.00, Steve G did say they were pricey. I bought mine on sale at BuySonic when they had them REALLY reduced for 2 days. Since cost is relative to purchaser, I will agree that they are a bit pricey, but the Velvets I am selling were pricier and the PM -3 were pricier, so I don't know. The price on the MDR-1A is 292.00 presently on Amazon for a new pair and since I paid much less than that for my M2 would you still say they are "better" than the M2? I haven't heard the Sony MDR1A and I do agree musical types showcase certain hp's. I remember that I didn't like the original Momentum, but if I put on a music that wasn't "involved" such as Blue's they sounded good, but with Dream Theater they were a mess.
Totally agree about the m100. I would say they are the best of the "basshead" cans and so well built.
Regardless, I still want to hear the Sony. It really sounds like a good sound signature for a portable, it is just difficult to see how portable they are from pictures. Do they fold or come with a hard case?
I would def not consider the M2 neutral, I was speaking comparatively, as mentioned.
I apologize - I read the prices wrong on Amazon, and the 1A and M2 are priced fairly comparable in the US currently. This is surprising as here in Canada, the M2 carries a big premium over the 1A. I bought my 1As for C$220 (US$176), and my M2s for C$328 (US$262), both of which were fairly aggressive sale prices at the time.
I agree cost is relative to purchaser, but I think these cans should be closer in price based on performance. Tyll has mentioned that the entire Momentum range is slightly inflated in price comparable to where it should sit.
I think you are trying to quantify performance too much.. I wouldn't consider either can 'better,' just
better suited to a particular user and possibly genre preference. As I mentioned in my last post, I actually think the M2 and 1A are the best all-round headphones ~$300 right now, just suited to different users and musical tastes.
M100s are indeed indestructible. I've dropped mine dozens of times while dancing behind the decks and they don't even have any scratches!
Sony's are just really... organic and smooth. They hide crap in bad recordings and make everything sound lovely. As someone who listens to Soundcloud, Beatport, Spotify, etc looking for new music to mix, this is a real bonus.
They come with two cables and a bag, but personally I don't like cases or carrying bags. They fold flat which allows me to slide them into a separate pocket in my shoulder bag, which is perfect for me. Portable cans that don't fold flat are essentially useless! This was my biggest gripe with the M2s. Folding earcups are nice, but what am I supposed to do with the resulting 4.5" ball of headphones? I should also mention that the Sony's will comfortably fold flat on your chest when not in use, a really nice bonus.
My only caveat with the Sony's is that the smartphone cable does not have volume control, just a generic call answer/pause button. Not a massive issue, as the cable is short and I'm usually fiddling with my phone anyway, but worth noting nonetheless.