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I have been a Sennheiser user. For a low budget headphone, they are the best bang for the buck. For over 3 years, I have been using, and loving, their
Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones (Black)
. It's about $23 and it sounds better than even the $50 + headphones of other brands. Well rounded sounds, the midrange is really clear, though the lows can sometimes sound muffled. But the bass and the over all quality is just excellent. When I first started using the HD 202, it was the best set of headphones I have ever heard. Slowly over the years though, my ears began to pick up sounds that it didn't in the past.
So finally, I decided to get an upgrade to a more high end headphone.
I'm so glad I waited to get the Beats Studio that was on sale for $239 at my school's computer store and do some research first. Reviews of Beats have warned others continuously on the quality of their headphones. And yes, they are VERY expensive.
I was looking up their review on CNet when I stumbled on these babies. After about 2 hours of research, I ordered mine from here. So glad I decided on these red pairs! They are gorgeous!!!
But of course, I didn't buy these for the looks, it was the SPECs and the audio-quality that impressed me. (Source from the reviews).
I received them today! So here is my after experience thoughts:
-First impression right out of the box: These pair requires a good few hours of burn-in before sounding good. I expected this from having the same experience with my HD 202. Actually they sounded really good coming out of the box. Sounding as good as my HD 202 after long months use. But I am not impressed on first impression, because why would I get something more expensive that sounds just like what I have? I expect this will change though.
So I put it to work with my personal headphone burning track. Yep! I have one! It's just a mix genre of songs. I prefer to start my process with Mid-range strong songs, then move on to high-pitch (instrumental songs), then to a more well rounded genre that have almost everything, then last but not least I play Japanese Taiko Drums to expand the bass. (That about 124 songs, never counted the hours.)
-During the process: The headphone burn-in is at the mid-stage, but I can already tell it's sounding much fuller! The mids are now extremely crisp, and the highs and sound stage is opening up! The lows and bass still needs work though. (The sound isn't satisfactory just yet.) I'm using my $23 headphone as a bench mark.
-As far as comfort goes. They are not the most comfortable at the top of the head. The band isn't rounded so at the center it presses down pretty tightly....It's rather annoying, and takes some maneuvering to get the position just right to relieve the pressure. The clamping force of the ear cups can also be tiring after a few hours of use. I never thought myself big headed....but I guess I am? So I have stretched it over a larger-than-my-head surface while it is burning. Many reviews suggests that this helps stretch it out and make it more comfortable. I sure hope so!
I will have to update on its progress later! So far the burn process has lasted 4 hours. Going to let it play through my tracks and then review it again.
These headphones are limited edition, and has such a pretty color, I had to add my thoughts to it, so maybe more people will get it while it lasts.
-------------------
Update after 7 hours of burn in:
-WOW! The sounds are SOOOO AMAZING! I can hear things I haven't heard in a familiar song now! And it is really making me smile! Mostly these extra things were hidden by muddy bass that has now expanded. And the High and Mids are so clear it is a joy to listen to them!
I plan to finish this burn in with the Taiko Drums now (that's 8 hrs of burn in), and just listen to the head phone from now on, letting it get better and better with use. But I highly recommend doing some burn in before starting to use these headphones.
As far as comfort goes, after some use, and some stretching, it does loosen up and get more comfortable.
------------------
Update Nov. 4th 2013
I dropped one star point for this product because of the discomfort of wearing these headphones. Even though these are more expensive than my $29 Sennheiser, I still prefer the Sennheiser HD202.
The cups are the problem. The bottom pinches around my jaw just below my ears, making it irritating, and aching to wear for more than a few minutes. I have been stretching these headphones when not in use, but it doesn't seem to help with the problem.
Because of how tightly it squeezes around my head, wearing these with glasses causes my glasses to move to an awkward position, almost pushing it forward so my vision is slightly distorted. (NOT GOOD WITH GLASSES!)
----------------
Update April 12, 2015
I recently bought a pair of Bose Soundtrue Over-Ear Headphones for its comfort. It sounded pretty good in stores too. But when I got home and compared those cans with these ATH M50s, I realized I would returning the Bose headphones.
At $179 + Tax, the Bose headphones just doesn't compare with these, in price or sound quality!
Reviews about the ATH M50 keeps on hammering how 'neutral' they sound. But even though, the sound stage is open for closed back headphone, and the detail in the lower ranges are just AMAZING!
I didn't realize just how much until I had the Bose to compare it to.
I would highly recommend ATH M series.
And if you don't already own a M50, I recommend going with the M50X. Apparently, those are more comfortable to wear, the clamping force less strong. AND you get a shorter wire for 'away-from-desk' use.
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Customer reviews
not for everyone, but still AMAZING!
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2014
The ATH-M50 represents Audio-Technica's HIGHEST OFFERING in the professional studio monitor headphone category. Make no mistake, these are far from "entry level".My measurements indicate an extremely flat response with plenty of headroom at DEAFENING levels.For your consideration, I've uploaded these measurements as a product image (Audio-Technica ATHM50RD Pro DJ Headphones - Red).While the M50's bass extension does dip all the way down to helicopter territory, there is about a 50dB gap between 15 & 35 hertz. Sealed, the ambient noise was about 45dB & 15Hz was still a good four times louder than the silence. So, while it is subdued compared to the overall frequency response of the M50s, the sub-bass is still quite present. From 35 hertz up, the response is extremely flat, save for a brief null at around 16k. This null does not appear to be consistent & more testing will be necessary to know for sure if the null is or isn't a result of human error.Nevertheless, from a technical standpoint these headphones are downright amazing & the price is definitely right!It is important to understand that the M50s are not for everyone. Simply put, the M50s are designed for critical listening. Any individual who is not accustomed to a truly high-fidelity listening experience will most certainly have to 'get used to' the M50s. Like it or not, the M50s will reveal every flaw coming from a source. Self-proclaimed audiophiles will certainly judge the M50s as the primary weak-link in their listening experience(s), but trust me, these headphones are true to source. I'll be the first to admit; true Hi-Fi isn't for everyone, let alone these so-called audiophiles.As long as you know what you are getting into, the only thing that could potentially steer you away from purchasing the ATH-M50 is size. The ear-gap is about 2 & 1/4 inches (about 6 centimeters) tall & 1 & 1/2 inches (about 4 centimeters) wide. If sizing is a concern, try these on before you buy them.Other than that...I strongly recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones to anyone looking for a high quality pair of reference monitors.
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2014
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Top reviews from other countries
Charlotte
Dubstep fans: Buy these now!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 11, 2014
kostantinos kim
perfect headphones!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 1, 2013
ken voong
Great sound! let down by comfort.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 24, 2014Amazon Customer
Uncomfortable after an hour of use. Barely usable if you're wearing glasses
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 26, 2021
