So, I was just about to post my big 100 hour review on the Pro80, and my computer crashes randomly. No pictures now.
anyway, I think I'll just post it without pics (I'll try to when I get the bugger fixed!)
On to the review: PLEASE NOTE, I have modified the pads by getting Brainwavz HM5 pads, which provides a large boost in the comfort area, and provides a bit more bass, but there are NO noticeable differences apart demo aesthetics beyond this point. Anything I say about the Pro80 will include the Brainwavz pads on the headphones.
Looks: they are very pleasing to the eye, no doubt. The earcups are large, black and shiny. The forks, however, are a bit spotty with the paint, with chips missing from the get go. But these chips are too small to be seen unless you really get up close to these things, scrutinizing every angle. That being said, the headband is a different story, very well built and very smooth to the touch. The new Brainwavz pads make the earcups close evenly together, which looks cooler than stock pads. The Brainwavz pads have to be the most cushiony things on the planet, moreso than XB500 pads. True story. When I showed these off to a friend of mine, he said they look very professional, not weird at all. They really do look stunning on the head. 8.5/10
Comfort and Fit: this is an issue that must be assessed BEFORE buying these headphones. I have a normal sized head, and these fit me fine. However, if you have even a slightly larger than normal head, these headphones will not fit you. No joke, after reading some of the comments about how small they were, I thought they were exaggerating... They were not. The headband is tiny. Like, super tiny. However, the forks can be adjusted 7-8 notches (1-1.5 inches) on both sides. So don't fret, there is hope. The stock pads fit my normal sized ears just fine. Maybe a tiny bit snug, but not tight. The Brainwavz pads though, that's a different story. Very roomy, a lot less claustrophobic and very, very comfortable. Definitely recommended if you buy these. The clamping force is a bit less than middle of the road force, but can be worn for several hours at a time with no comfort issues. Clamping force is evenly distributed around the pads. 8/10
Portability: the cable is around 4 feet when relaxed, about 7 when stretched. Great length for walking around. 3.5mm jack is small enough to fit easily past my iPhone 4S Otterbox Defender case. Sound isolation is very, very good. One of the best I have ever tried. At comfortable music levels, others will not be able to hear your music more than 2-3 feet away. And external sound is blocked very well too. The best closed back headphone I own. 10/10
Sound Quality: simply put, you have to buy it to believe it. I paid HOW MUCH for this?!?! I have found my all time favorite under $100 budget king. I have solidly enjoyed all 100 hours so far. Everything from electronic to games to rock to hip hop and back again, simply gorgeous sound. My personal favorite bit about it, the detail. Especially the little details. You can hear everything. Not exaggerating here, I have listened to songs 20+ times on my AKG Q701s and have still heard new bits listening to them with the Pro80. I still can't believe it. How can these things match up to a pair of headphones costing 3x as much? I'm guessing magic, or something close to it. The more you listen, the more is revealed. The bass is very tight. Not as tight as the Q701, but it's up there. A portable amplifier such as the FiiO E11 can really bring out the full potential from these cans. No, you don't NEED an amplifier, but it will sound better with one. The midrange is crisp and clear. Both male and female vocals are extremely precise and present. The treble is a bit funky. Sometimes it's there, sometimes too much. But a quick fix with an equalizer is the best thing to do. When properly EQ'd, these things will shine just that much more. Combined with a portable amplifier, these are pure mid-fi, at a much more affordable price. I found them to be very best with electronic music. If you like EDM, get these. Just get them. However, they do go great with pretty much every genre. Because of the versatility, the balance and the detail, these score a 10/10 for the price.
Bottom Line: yes, there are better headphones, but none that I have found near the pricetag of these wonderful cans. Total, I spent 80 on the headphones themselves, which included the carrying case, and 20 for the Brainwavz pads, a must have for the end result. My overall score, I say a solid 9/10. Very close to perfect for me. Still, a few minor issues like the spotty paint and the overall size. If you are thinking about buying these, just buy them already. And do yourself a huge favor and get the Brainwavz HM5 pads to go with it. Trust me, this is a purchase you will not regret.
Thanks for reading! -BiggBenn
