That said,
I see a bit of a confusion or perhaps misinformation in regards to the beats lineup.
It seems that many think that the Studios
Yes, those -
Actually reproduce the biggest amount of bass in the lineup.
This is incorrect.
The Pros
And the Solos/HD
Actually produce significantly more bass and sub-bass frequencies.
The difference is the quality of it. The Solos Bass itself (speaking of bass only) is actually fairly decent. It hits the low notes very well and extends very well too.
However, other than that, it offers very little in terms of the sound spectrum. As people argued and stated (which is largely true), very muddy/veiled/recessed mids and almost non-existent highs.
Poor response to EQuing and brittle construction, while the Likes of Sony XB500 at 1/4 of the price do better on almost every aspect (less looks and appeal), makes the Solos a fairly bad sounding headphones FOR THE PRICE. As simply headphones, they're not awful sounding.
The Pros, while FR graph and specs were never released, actually produce a fairly heavy bass response, it's on par if not above the Solos. From memory, it was even lower and the resolution of the extension was felt and heard better. The phones didn't rattle upon louder output. They definitely fair better than Studios. If anything, they reach as deep as the XB500/700 on that department. The bass does not roll off, and bleeding into the midrange is controlled very well actually. This is why many, upon initial auditioning, will attest that Solos and Studios have more bass impact. This is incorrect. Pros simply have a far more balanced sound spectrum and a wider soundstage. For those who argue that DJ's won't use them, I've seen DJs use them. It happens. DJ's have also used the Kicker HP540 for sets, which do a commendable job with their 50mm drivers. Clearly the Pros won't provide the clarity, staging and resolution of true Hi-Fi reference or even DJ headphones at that price range (Shure SRH750 for example), but they're clear enough to go through sets of Dance/Hip-Hop/R&B/Top-40 Mainstream/House and Trance. Remember, DJing is not Studio Monitoring reference grade material; one is sound monitoring and engineering and other is mixing. And I absolutely agree that they're not worth $450 - $500 but $200 - $250 (US/CDN) Retail is a fair pricetag for them. And I agree NdP, definitely not a steal at $200 - $250, but at $150 I'd say most definitely yes... If you like those Genres, loud music, and looking for really fun, sturdy and portable headphones that DO NOT REQUIRE an AMP, if you find them at $150 brand new... I'd be really shocked if one wouldn't buy them on the spot.
As for studios, those probably make the biggest initial impression because of their faults. Their bass impact was specifically engineered to pound at the midrange bass and roll off fairly early. Provide it with semi-shrill and forward mids and high treble with not so refined highs, they tend to make to biggest impact as the loudest and boomiest headphones in that lineup. However, once you compare for a while, you'd realize that is very superficial. They don't have all that much bass, just strong thump impact.
I realize that this has been said and posted many times, but I've done so for the reason that so many discuss the flaws of the beats as a general scope while providing some specific details without a clear reference to the model itself; something that would benefit some of the discussions here in regard.
On that note, I have yet to have been called for not wearing beats.
Though I can't even fathom what my response would be. Though if that will happen, I can't see myself answering it straight away without answering a question with a question.
Such as:
-Beats wearer : 'Hey man, what kind of headphones are these'?
-Me : 'Shure 440s. I see you're wearing the Studios there'
-'Beats wearer : Yea, they're sick headphones man, you should give em a try'
-Me : I actually have many times..'
-Beats wearer : 'So why didn't you get them instead of yours, the beats are the best headphones on the market'
-Me : 'How do you know?'
And from that point on, it'll be constant questions as opposed to statements.. it'll be either to the point where he either gives up, or realizes something he didn't before.
