This is the best review of the HD-25s on the Web. An absolute spot on appraisal of its sound from an audiophile standpoint. I just bought a pair of these and I concur with Insyte on all counts. Here's my perspective: I actually bought these as an upgrade from PX100 headphones. Now you might think that at $150 more, they better be damn better. Actually I was a little afraid, because people at Headfi can tell you how highly I think of the PX100 as the perfect traveling can. (Okay, I'm a real fussbudget, I only like the older copper-coiled version versus the current aluminum coil version!) Now, the HD-25-1 are aluminum, which had me worried as I don't like bright cans. However an immediate comparison between the PX100 and HD-25 told me the money was well spent. A fuller, richer sound that soundly trounces my beloved PX100. A case of real headphones versus the little-portable-that-could PX100. If you're wondering if there's a big improvement, the answer is a resounding yet. PX100 just get outclassed. The PX100 sound lightweight and lacking in solidity in comparison. I'm coming from a pretty good backround in Senns. I've owned the HD600, HD580 and PX100. I again agree with Insyte that while the HD-25 are great phones, they can't touch the 580 or 600 for soundstaging. The HD-25 put vocals dead center a bit high in the soundstage - a little bit of a disappointment. I'm not getting any sense of depth. I'm also finding they are a bit more clinical that the lusher HD589 and 600, but in a way some might appreciate. I actually think the 580 and 600 are more forgiving because of their extra soundstage and depth. I can hear the lack of musically between MP3 and AIFF files much easier with the HD25, if they are meant to be dead-on monitors, they certainly are that. They are more monitor than a relaxing lush presentation. But that isnt demeaning them, because I think they are an excellent can that pulls off being closed-back with aplomb. They're pretty damn nice for a SMALL closed can. They are analytic at the same as being pleasant to listening to: VERY well balanced and the bass is excellent. I found the velour pads to improve them, taking a bit of the impact off the bass, which I previously thought a little too strong. But with the velour pads on, it's perfect. All in all and excellent can and I would like to thank Insyte for his thoughtful appraisal of these cans. How should I sum this up? If you're looking for the end-all home listening can - the HD25 are not the answer. You'll get more subtlety from the bigger Senns, more refinement. But if you're looking for portable cans that will travel well and provide isolation, I think its going to be hard to beat the HD25-1.