My first, admittedly rather elitist though was: oh, consumer headphones.
Those of the staff I saw wearing them had the smaller on-ear version and that looked OK. Can't tell about the XLs, though they don't look that massive that they might pose a problem around the neck (which *is* a necessity for something to be worn on the street, not because one would wear them as decoration, but because you sometimes have to take them off but don't want to carry them in hand).
I don't think they had a cheap look to them, though I prefer muted color schemes (color does not matter as long as its black...) and the extension mechanism gives them a rather distinct shape (which fits the XL better I think).
While I was there I did not try them out... as I said I own too much headphones already, have a different taste than Sennheiser engineers (e.g. the Momentum was much too warm to me, I prefer the DT1350 to the HD25 and have a strained relationship with the HD800...) and was actually on my way to the Beyerdynamic booth
Nevertheless I'd have secured one for you had they been giving them away.
Sony had several Z7 on display, they seemed important to them together with the amp and cable. Each part was secured with thin metal wires, even the cable... they shure know their fair visitors. Items do get stolen...
Thats an awesome breakdown bro - sounds like you had a lot of fun there too checking out the latest & greatest
I'm confused.
Firstly, how are these headphones supposed to look anything like beats?
I see a lot of people saying stuff like "yeah, Sennheiser are clearly taking on beats here"
These headphones look NOTHING alike. (see Yamaha Pro 500 and Shure SRH240 for more info
)
Secondly, if Sennheiser ARE taking on beats, how is that a bad thing?
If there was no competition, there would never be any progress... unless of course you don't believe in evolution or the free market.
Did you find somewhere to audition these first? or did you just take the plunge? (just asking as a fellow resident of central europe)
I think people identify the urbanites with beats more so because of their marketing spiel as shown on page 1 by OP which cites "massive bass" - ironic in as much solo2 have pulled back on that front and with the styling too - very subtle.
Also, by urbanites strongish colour schemes and variety, something beats have always been renown for.
I personally think Sennheiser's attempt to take on beats/apple is a good thing as competition pushes manufacturers to do bigger and better which has already been proved a success wth the highly refined solo2 - lets hope the urbanite can do the same if not better
For myself regarding the Thinksound On1 Monitor, I read a bunch of reviews and took the plunge purchasing via Amazon UK whom have excellent return policy should you not be satisfied, though I've never returned anything I've purchased from Amazon and tend to be a headphone hoarder - lol, but I'm so glad I did pick up the On1's as these cans rock so hard and above their weight. One of the few cans that as soon as I put them on my head I had an instant smile on my face as I mouthed OMG!
They even upscale excellently and respond very well to what you amp them with, yet still sound unbelievably good plugged directly into your DAP be it iPad, iPod, smartphone etc.
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100334/a/874680/thinksound-on1-monitor/
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100333/a/874680/thinksound-on1-monitor/
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100332/a/874680/thinksound-on1-monitor/
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100329/a/874680/thinksound-on1-monitor/
I'm glad to see
jude include the On1's in his Summer Buying Guide.
ps - I would never advocate buying a headphone blind as auditioning in person is always the golden rule, however, I understand that for a lot of people, this luxury isn't available to them, nor me and I wish that I had a headphone emporium store on my doorstep to facilitate such, but I guess this is where reviews can come in handy and finding a reviewer you can identify with and trust is always a good start. Plus I'm a headcan whore and easy when it comes to picking up new gear - lol
I was so stoked about the Thinksound On1's that I actually emailed them with my praise and was surprised to get a reply from their CEO Aaron Fournier who was very gracious and gave the impression that they are a company big enough to produce awesome products, yet small enough to give a personal response to an individual customer - a personal touch which was very cool I thought
I mentioned how good the On1's are to
Tyll Hertsens on his http://innerfidelity.com site on the solo2 review comments, and he replied back that he's looking to get a pair in to check himself, so if he does, they may well knock off the current solo2, momentum and v-moda xs altogether from current Wall of Fame positions
- but we'll have to wait and see what Tyll makes of them first and maybe he will compare them against the urbanites too?
Definitely can recommend the Thinksound On1's to all - they are a revelation
and I dont say that lightly
http://www.head-fi.org/g/i/1100320/a/874680/thinksound-on1-monitor/
If Sennheiser's urbanites can better the solo2 and Thinksound On1 monitors - happy days but thats some tall order to achieve IMO
