Sennheiser HD438 Closed Circumaural Hi-Fi Headphone with Enhanced Bass Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned these headphones for about a month and feel I'm ready to review them.
If I could pick two words to describe these headphones, the words would be Natural & Immersive.
I own a couple other Sennheiser products: the EH350 and the HD560. Comparing the three, the HD438 is my favorite. They're easier to drive than the HD560 and they sound better & are more comfortable than the EH350.
Sources:
ipod 5.5g 30GB - Apple Lossless files
ipod 7g 160GB - Apple Lossless files
Denon PMA-250 Integrated Amp & Powermac - Apple Lossless files
Sound Quality:
Detail is very important to me, and the HD438 does disappoint. I hear all the little nuances in music that other lesser headphones (like the EH350) tend to smooth over. The HD438 has a pretty wide soundstage for a sealed headphone as well. Instruments are well separated as well. They have good bass, better than both the EH350 and HD560. I'd say the bass is neutral, not too boosted. Highs are clean and crisp, but not harsh in any way. These are the headphones you want for long, non-fatiguing listening sessions. Before breaking the headphones in, the mids seemed a bit recessed, but as they've broken in that problem no longer exists. Just beautiful, immersive, detailed music.
I listen to a lot of electronic music, and I find them very immersive and clear. They sound great listening to jazz too, cymbals sound very crisp and clear, and the other instruments sound natural. I also listen to some rock and ska, and I've been happy with their performance there as well. Bass is crisp and tight and the other instruments sound as they should. Since they sound so natural, they're quite intimate as well with other styles, like folk and classical.
There is one downside to these headphones I've found (if you can call it that). They're very revealing. If you have a bad recording or a bad source player, it's going to let you know. I tried em with some lower bitrate mp3s and AAC files, (128-192kbps) you'll hear graininess and artifacts that some other headphones smooth over.
With my ipod 5.5g, the bass is a bit lacking and the overall volume level is a bit lower than I'd like. In my opinion, you have to turn it up past 75% to get a reasonable level of volume.
With my ipod 7g, the bass is a bit fuller and there's a bit more detail and separation and there's a bit more headroom in the volume. I'd say 70% is where you'd want to be for a reasonable level.
My Denon PMA-250 has a ton of headroom. I only have to turn it up about 20% or 25% to get to a reasonable level. Given that, it has fuller and stronger deep bass when driven by this powerful amp.
Overall, I think they sound as good as my audiophile-grade HD560's, but they have a slightly darker sonic profile. I'd say these are headphones that will benefit from an amp, but it's not necessary in most circumstances. Design & Isolation:
These are very, very comfortable headphones. I've had multi-hour listening sessions and have had no comfort issues whatsoever. The velour pads have a soft texture, but are firm enough so they cup your ears rather than sinking into your head.
They're sturdy headphones, with a single cable running out the left side. Included is a shorter & a longer cable that is easy to swap out depending on your needs. It also comes with a 1/4" adapter. At first I thought the outside design would bother me, but they're not as flashy as I thought they would be, which makes me happy.
In terms of sound isolation, they isolate a fair amount, but not enough to completely isolate you from the outside environment. They have a small amount of sound leakage, but really not very much at all.
Overall:
I think this is a great pair of headphones. They come with a 2 year warranty, and I've had very good luck with Sennheiser's quality in the past. If you're looking for a great sealed headphone that's comfortable, sounds beautiful & natural, from a quality brand, these would be a great choice!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sennheiser HD438 Closed Circumaural Hi-Fi Headphone with Enhanced Bass

The HD 438 is part of a series of headphones designed to be an extension of consumers lifestyles.

Get 31% OFF

Click here for more information about Sennheiser HD438 Closed Circumaural Hi-Fi Headphone with Enhanced Bass

Monster MC 400I-1M Ultra-High Performance RCA Stereo Cables (1 meter) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was using another generic brand cables before. The audio performance is noticably different after I switched to this set of Monster audio cables. Given that my system is not at the highest grade, for a mid-high grade system, I don't want the cable to be the weakest link. These set of Monster Cables get the job done very beautifully. In my opinion, there is a big difference between regular cable and the Monster cable. And there is not a whole lot difference between the Monster cable and the next level of cables that cost hundreds and thousands more dollars until the receiver and speakers are in a mucher higher grade. Thanks.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Monster MC 400I-1M Ultra-High Performance RCA Stereo Cables (1 meter)

Stereo Audio 400i Ultra High Performance Audio Cable - 1 m. pair - 3.28 ft.

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Monster MC 400I-1M Ultra-High Performance RCA Stereo Cables (1 meter)

Klipsch Image ONE Premium On-Ear Earphones with Mic and 3-Button Apple Control (Black/Gloss) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As an owner of all of Klipsch' IEM's, I was extremely pleased to hear Klipsch would soon be releasing an actual Headphone model, and couldn't wait to get my hands on a pair. Well the day finally came (A little over a month ago, but Amazon didn't yet have the product available for review) and I've put 'em through their paces. FIRST IMPRESSION
The box is pretty unassuming and the Apple store even had it hanging from a peg, right next to the Dre Beats and Skullcandy's. Say wha??? But fret not. It's whats inside that counts, and these count in a big way. Accessories include a nice zippered pouch, the typical 1/8" to 1/4" headphone adapter, an airline adapter, the manual, the warranty card, etc. Pretty much what you'd expect to find when de-boxing headphones. But you're not reading this to hear about accessories, so let me get right to it. BUILD QUALITY
The Image One's are quite nice looking and are seemingly well built. Although plastic is the primary material, it's quite sturdy and unlike the "creaky" Dre Beats. The leather patches on the outside of each 'phone are a nice touch and when mixed with the "chrome" accents, such as the Klipsch name, look really nice. The cable is actually thicker than most and seems to be quite sturdy. These aren't quite what I would call a work of art, but are still something you'll feel proud wearing and feel as if your money was well spent. AUDIO QUALITY
Audio quality is very good. I've got probably 30 pairs of earphones/headphones floating around, and the only pair I like more than these, are the B&W P5s. But then again, those are in a completely different class.
BASS: If you're looking for a super-flat set of headphones, these aren't it. These have a VERY NICE bass response, but without sounding like a "fart cannon" and/or disturbing the rest of the spectrum. This is in contrast to a lot of other 'phones that can't seem to quite get it right. They're either all bass and trash the mids and highs (Dre Beats), or they are super clear from 800Khz on up, but have very little bass response(Etymotic HF3). It seems as if Klipsch finally got it right.
MIDS and HIGHS: The mids and highs are ultra smooth and there weren't any noticeable spikes, which could lead to audio fatigue. The bass seems to be the only aspect that is a bit "colored". I listened to several genre's of music from Dubstep to Classical and was equally impressed with the performance on them all. I could literally pick out the instruments being played and I felt as if I was right there in the studio.COMFORT AND OPERATION
COMFORT: These are closed-back, supra-aural headphones. Meaning they sit on the ear, instead of over it. That being said, the soft leather pads and the design make them quite comfortable. I was able to listen for extended periods of time (2hrs+) without any major discomfort. My ears were, not surprisingly, a bit warm after use, but that's about it. Very nice.
MIC/IPOD CONTROLS: The control "stick" is located down on your chest, right where the "Y" splits off (I have uploaded a close up and added it to the image gallery). Some may not like this as much as having it up by your ears, but I actually prefer this design. To me, it's just easier to reach and control. The downside to having the stick lower is the mic is now further away from your mouth. That being said, I found mic clarity to be a bit muffled, and a heavy wind would cause the typical "audio-blowout", but neither were bad enough for me to consider a major negative. I don't use these on my iDevices much anyway.
SOUND LEAKAGE: The leather and foam pads do a nice job of keeping the sound in your ears, where it belongs. In fact, with a perfect "seal", I heard no leakage at all with my Fuze full-throttle. However, once the seal is lost, you do get some leakage (to be expected), but it's still nothing to be overly concerned about. I would feel comfortable using these in a library, as long as I didn't have the volume full-blast.CONCLUSION
I simply cannot recommend these enough. I read somewhere that these were designed to be the Image S4's in a full size form factor. This is not the case. These sound very different from the S4's, and in a good way. The clarity, bass response and soundstage is pretty amazing. If you've been primarily an IEM user, and aren't going to the gym everyday, you owe it to yourself to try a pair. You'll be pleasantly surprised. They're priced right, look right and most importantly, sound right. A winner in my book.
Recommended.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Klipsch Image ONE Premium On-Ear Earphones with Mic and 3-Button Apple Control (Black/Gloss)

The Image ONE brings high-performance Klipsch sound to people who prefer an on-ear design, and is also one of the first on-ear headphones to feature an Apple-based mic and three-button remote for taking calls and controlling music on iPods, iPhones or iPads. These compact headphones are extremely comfortable and offer the same powerful, detailed sound reproduction that has made Klipsch a popular choice among discriminating listeners since 1946. The Image ONE covers a wide frequency range with dynamic detail and delivers strikingly realistic sound with a moving coil 40mm speaker. Each lightweight, pivoting ear cup features premium leather and a special high-density memory foam for hours of listening pleasure and superior passive noise-isolation, which blocks out ambient noise and provides enhanced bass. And unlike noise-canceling designs, the Image One does not require batteries. Just plug them into any device with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and you\'re ready to enjoy the full impact of your tunes. The mic and remote functionality support select Apple products, and the mic is a highly intelligible 360 degree design with echo cancellation, so your voice will be heard crystal clear without having to talk down, or directly, into it. The Image ONE cables feature improved strain relief for extreme durability and also minimize unwanted tangling

Get 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Klipsch Image ONE Premium On-Ear Earphones with Mic and 3-Button Apple Control (Black/Gloss)

V-MODA Cross-fade LP Over-Ear Headphones (Gunmetal Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I strongly urge anyone considering these headphones to go see them in person first.(like at the apple store)
I got these headphones in August after a coworker recommended them. He got his off Amazon and I got mine from the Apple store.
The speaker drivers themselves are great. Good balance of bass and treble across a wide range of music. The Crossfades seem well constructed and light. I use them only at work for about 4hrs a day and was happy for about a month. They stay on my desk when not in use and have never left the office
Unfortunately after a month I noticed the the inner plastic band where the metal adjustment bar that connects the phones to the padding the goes over your head had completely cracked on both sides of the headphones. If you look at the pictures Amazon provides, look at the 6th picture(for the gunmetal version - [...]). The cracks appeared right above the crossfade logo where the 2 screws secure the plastic housing on both sides of headphones(tops of the V). The plastic wasn't just cracked on one screw on each side, it was crack on all 4 screws. This leads me to believe that they had some over-tightening problem when putting in the screws during manufacturing. A day after I discovered the crack, one of the plastic cracked fragments actually fell off the headphones, making it impossible for the headphones to keep tension on the metal adjustment bar.
I was sad to see this issue, given I had just dropped $250 on these headphones a month earlier. So I went and had a look at my co-workers set. SAME exact problem, cracks along the plastic on both sides of the headphones in the same 4 places where the screw look to have been over-tightened. The plastic had not fallen off on his yet, but he was equally pissed off at the quality of manufacturing.
Seriously, the rest of the headphone is well constructed of metal and solid plastic.... but the one location that would get the most stress has the cheapest made component??!?!? I don't have a particularly wide head, and I've DJ'd for years and know how to take care of expensive headphones. What a shame that an otherwise great sounding set of headphones could be wrecked by a defective 50cent plastic part.
Thankfully the Apple store allowed me to return the headphones beyond the 14day regular policy. We went over to the iPod demo section in the store where they had 4 crossfades out for display to use with the iPod/iphones, and guess what!!! 3 of the 4 had the same exact issue.
I think these headphones are so new that this problem will start to become more prevalent in the next few months for folks who bought them early on. I don't think this is a hard issue to fix with a redesign of that particular part (using metal). However it's probably going to require folks to send them back to the manufacturer.


Click Here to see more reviews about: V-MODA Cross-fade LP Over-Ear Headphones (Gunmetal Black)


Developed over the span of four years in collaboration with some of the world's top musicians, DJs and producers, the Crossfade LP delivers epic sound with a distinct design composed of luxurious fabrics and lightweight metals. Designed to be the ultimate versatile and multi-purpose headphone, Crossfade LP is made for people on the move, at the gym or on the stage.
Epic sound with a distinct design.

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about V-MODA Cross-fade LP Over-Ear Headphones (Gunmetal Black)

V-MODA Vibe Duo Earbuds/Headset (iPhone Compatible) - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If I were to have written a review when I first plugged these in, I would have given them 5 stars hands down. The sound is wonderful, the microphone and control works great, I was so happy with these. They really were great earphones.
Fast forward about a month, and like so many other reviews, they just stopped working. V-Moda seriously has an issue, it's obvious in the reviews where people have had this product for a month or more, and their earphones just stop working. I was so disappointed, mostly because I really, really, REALLY loved these earphones. But if they just stop working, what good are they worth?
I would say that my usage was light, maybe I'd use them once or twice a week for a few hours at a time. I really am disappointed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: V-MODA Vibe Duo Earbuds/Headset (iPhone Compatible) - Black

The ultimate in mobility, sound and comfort has arrived with V-Moda's Vibe Duo. It has dual compatibility with both iPhone and all iPods, while featuring a sleek "hand's-free" microphone and amazing high-definition sound. Vibe Duo's minimalist design integrates a discrete microphone that blends seamlessly with the durable black fabric cable and is remarkably lightweight. The ergonomic design is complimented by the comfortable and stable fit of soft silicone fittings, making this headphone-headset optimal for any active lifestyle. V-Moda's highly regarded V-Masque dynamic driver provides unparalleled clarity and high-definition sound for optimum communication capabilities or the ultimate music listening experience.

Click here for more information about V-MODA Vibe Duo Earbuds/Headset (iPhone Compatible) - Black

V-MODA Vibe Earbuds (Gunmetal Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Overall I like these earbuds a lot. They do have a very strong bass bias, so if that is what you are looking for great, if that bothers you then you should definitely look elsewhere. Any of the preset equalizers with heavy bass on my MP3 player are basically unusable with these earbuds because it will drown out the other ranges. But a flat or treble-biased equalizer sounds great because the bass is still available, along with rich mids and clear treble. The range on these earbuds is also noticeably larger, especially on the low end, than other headphones I've used.
These are great earbuds if you want to listen to music in a loud environment, such as a crowded office, bus, or even airplane, without having to crank up the volume. Because of the seal these make in your ear canal they block out most environment background noise so all you hear is the music. These work so well that I actually play tracks at about half the volume as I did with regular earbuds, and as a result I've even noticed improvement in the battery life of my MP3 player.
The only fault I've had with these is that about 8-9 months after purchasing these the sound in the left earbud started to cut out. The problem was the wire connecting to that earbud seemed to be slipping loose and cutting off the sound. Luckily I was within the 1-year warranty and they shipped me another pair, but I was distressed that such an expensive pair of headphones would go out after several months. The problem is likely in the design: since the metalic earbuds fit within your ears there is natural tendency to pull them out by the base of the wires when removing them from the ear. This probably loosened the mount over several months and resulting in it wearing out. So if you get these definitely pull them out by the bud itself, not the wire.
Pros:
* good rich sound if you don't mind the bass
* stylish, catchy colors (I have the metalic red), goes well with ipods if you are sick of white wires
* wires are less prone to tangling
* great blocking of environmental noise, especially in noisy environments. benefits of noise canceling headphones with the batteries or the bulk.
Cons:
* Several reviews note having to return them to fix problems with the wires.


Click Here to see more reviews about: V-MODA Vibe Earbuds (Gunmetal Black)

Fashion-conscious style and audio enthusiast sound unite to form the most sophisticated electronics accessory in the world.Vibe’s metal craftsmanship delivers the perfect balance of rich bass, superior audio clarity, and luxurious design. Unlike other uncomfortable and obtrusive in-ear headphones, Vibe presents essential active lifestyle comfort, security, and noise isolation for the discerning music enthusiast. Includes stylish black leather carrying pouch.

Get 53% OFF

Click here for more information about V-MODA Vibe Earbuds (Gunmetal Black)

V-MODA XFLPR-NERO Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones (Black/Chrome) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I strongly urge anyone considering these headphones to go see them in person first.(like at the apple store)
I got these headphones in August after a coworker recommended them. He got his off Amazon and I got mine from the Apple store.
The speaker drivers themselves are great. Good balance of bass and treble across a wide range of music. The Crossfades seem well constructed and light. I use them only at work for about 4hrs a day and was happy for about a month. They stay on my desk when not in use and have never left the office
Unfortunately after a month I noticed the the inner plastic band where the metal adjustment bar that connects the phones to the padding the goes over your head had completely cracked on both sides of the headphones. If you look at the pictures Amazon provides, look at the 6th picture(for the gunmetal version - [...]). The cracks appeared right above the crossfade logo where the 2 screws secure the plastic housing on both sides of headphones(tops of the V). The plastic wasn't just cracked on one screw on each side, it was crack on all 4 screws. This leads me to believe that they had some over-tightening problem when putting in the screws during manufacturing. A day after I discovered the crack, one of the plastic cracked fragments actually fell off the headphones, making it impossible for the headphones to keep tension on the metal adjustment bar.
I was sad to see this issue, given I had just dropped $250 on these headphones a month earlier. So I went and had a look at my co-workers set. SAME exact problem, cracks along the plastic on both sides of the headphones in the same 4 places where the screw look to have been over-tightened. The plastic had not fallen off on his yet, but he was equally pissed off at the quality of manufacturing.
Seriously, the rest of the headphone is well constructed of metal and solid plastic.... but the one location that would get the most stress has the cheapest made component??!?!? I don't have a particularly wide head, and I've DJ'd for years and know how to take care of expensive headphones. What a shame that an otherwise great sounding set of headphones could be wrecked by a defective 50cent plastic part.
Thankfully the Apple store allowed me to return the headphones beyond the 14day regular policy. We went over to the iPod demo section in the store where they had 4 crossfades out for display to use with the iPod/iphones, and guess what!!! 3 of the 4 had the same exact issue.
I think these headphones are so new that this problem will start to become more prevalent in the next few months for folks who bought them early on. I don't think this is a hard issue to fix with a redesign of that particular part (using metal). However it's probably going to require folks to send them back to the manufacturer.


Click Here to see more reviews about: V-MODA XFLPR-NERO Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones (Black/Chrome)


Developed over the span of four years in collaboration with some of the world's top musicians, DJs and producers, the Crossfade LP delivers epic sound with a distinct design composed of luxurious fabrics and lightweight metals. Designed to be the ultimate versatile and multi-purpose headphone, Crossfade LP is made for people on the move, at the gym or on the stage.
Epic sound with a distinct design.

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about V-MODA XFLPR-NERO Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones (Black/Chrome)

V-MODA XFLPR-PHCHROME Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones (Phantom Chrome) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I strongly urge anyone considering these headphones to go see them in person first.(like at the apple store)
I got these headphones in August after a coworker recommended them. He got his off Amazon and I got mine from the Apple store.
The speaker drivers themselves are great. Good balance of bass and treble across a wide range of music. The Crossfades seem well constructed and light. I use them only at work for about 4hrs a day and was happy for about a month. They stay on my desk when not in use and have never left the office
Unfortunately after a month I noticed the the inner plastic band where the metal adjustment bar that connects the phones to the padding the goes over your head had completely cracked on both sides of the headphones. If you look at the pictures Amazon provides, look at the 6th picture(for the gunmetal version - [...]). The cracks appeared right above the crossfade logo where the 2 screws secure the plastic housing on both sides of headphones(tops of the V). The plastic wasn't just cracked on one screw on each side, it was crack on all 4 screws. This leads me to believe that they had some over-tightening problem when putting in the screws during manufacturing. A day after I discovered the crack, one of the plastic cracked fragments actually fell off the headphones, making it impossible for the headphones to keep tension on the metal adjustment bar.
I was sad to see this issue, given I had just dropped $250 on these headphones a month earlier. So I went and had a look at my co-workers set. SAME exact problem, cracks along the plastic on both sides of the headphones in the same 4 places where the screw look to have been over-tightened. The plastic had not fallen off on his yet, but he was equally pissed off at the quality of manufacturing.
Seriously, the rest of the headphone is well constructed of metal and solid plastic.... but the one location that would get the most stress has the cheapest made component??!?!? I don't have a particularly wide head, and I've DJ'd for years and know how to take care of expensive headphones. What a shame that an otherwise great sounding set of headphones could be wrecked by a defective 50cent plastic part.
Thankfully the Apple store allowed me to return the headphones beyond the 14day regular policy. We went over to the iPod demo section in the store where they had 4 crossfades out for display to use with the iPod/iphones, and guess what!!! 3 of the 4 had the same exact issue.
I think these headphones are so new that this problem will start to become more prevalent in the next few months for folks who bought them early on. I don't think this is a hard issue to fix with a redesign of that particular part (using metal). However it's probably going to require folks to send them back to the manufacturer.


Click Here to see more reviews about: V-MODA XFLPR-PHCHROME Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones (Phantom Chrome)


Developed over the span of four years in collaboration with some of the world's top musicians, DJs and producers, the Crossfade LP delivers epic sound with a distinct design composed of luxurious fabrics and lightweight metals. Designed to be the ultimate versatile and multi-purpose headphone, Crossfade LP is made for people on the move, at the gym or on the stage.
Epic sound with a distinct design.

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about V-MODA XFLPR-PHCHROME Crossfade LP Over-the-Ear Headphones (Phantom Chrome)