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BigLobedWelder
10
Jun 18, 2017
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Alright, I just know I'm going to be judged a bit for this question, but how would these compare to some Beats Studio headphones? Before you get too judgmental, be aware that I know Beats aren't good. I never intended to buy them, but when I saw the $299 set on clearance for $49.99, I figured they were probably worth that. And they aren't good, but they also aren't terrible for something I throw around at work and sweat on at the gym. But I'd like something a bit better sounding for home use. I'm still not asking for anything amazing, just decent. I was thinking I'd pair these with the $40 headphone amp that's on here currently. I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Thanks.
BlueCrowned
5305
Jun 18, 2017
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BigLobedWelderI tried out Beats the other day and to a non-audiophile they aren't bad at all. Some people are just snobs and don't realize not everyone wants to buy an amp and all this other stuff you need for high end headphones. These don't require an amp either per the description.
Djdaniel
64
Jun 19, 2017
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BlueCrownedNot bad is really imperative to what you are trying to suggest also on what generation or rendition.. Apples beats are good for a wireless with battery to boot. Maybe if it was not 400$ for the over ear stuff I think beats as a headphone brand could be forgiven.
Jonsi
15
Jun 19, 2017
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BlueCrownedI'd hardly consider people "snobs" just because they don't want to settle for "aren't bad".
Aside from that, a lot of people want absolute "intended" sound.... not artificially heavy bass.
Aside from that, a lot of people want absolute "intended" sound.... not artificially heavy bass.
mass_sean
67
Jun 20, 2017
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BigLobedWelderNot sure you feel anybody really answered the question you posted so I'll give my non-audiophile stab at it.
If you've ever printed a photo on your home or work printer and noticed the colors that printed don't accurately represent what you saw on the screen, then you essentially know the difference between what a pair of Beats headphones will do for you versus what a set of reference headphones will do. There is the sound as it was originally mastered and then there is the device attempting to deliver the sound as it was mastered.
Beats are not really designed to deliver the most accurate sound. There is a very good chance your television isn't delivering accurate color to you, but there is an equally good chance you don't notice (or care). Same with Beats. If you don't know you're missing it, you probably wont care. Beats deliver in the two areas most laymen will be familiar with: volume and bass. You response to both of those things is primal and can be enjoyable even when it isn't accurate.
A reference set of headphones are designed to be as accurate as possible. No more and no less than what you're supposed to hear. The best of the breed simulate aural environments so well your brain perceives the information as if you were there for the original recording. That won't come cheap though.
So what is decent? Let's just say that all headphones that exist cost between $1 to $1000 and (for the sake of argument) that price is an indicator of quality.
Those Beats you were talking about are a $299 headphone built for impact. This M220 Pro is a $50 headphone built for accuracy.
That's way over simplified but, unless you're planning on deeply diving into the world of sound, that is probably the best way for you to approach it.
If you've ever printed a photo on your home or work printer and noticed the colors that printed don't accurately represent what you saw on the screen, then you essentially know the difference between what a pair of Beats headphones will do for you versus what a set of reference headphones will do. There is the sound as it was originally mastered and then there is the device attempting to deliver the sound as it was mastered.
Beats are not really designed to deliver the most accurate sound. There is a very good chance your television isn't delivering accurate color to you, but there is an equally good chance you don't notice (or care). Same with Beats. If you don't know you're missing it, you probably wont care. Beats deliver in the two areas most laymen will be familiar with: volume and bass. You response to both of those things is primal and can be enjoyable even when it isn't accurate.
A reference set of headphones are designed to be as accurate as possible. No more and no less than what you're supposed to hear. The best of the breed simulate aural environments so well your brain perceives the information as if you were there for the original recording. That won't come cheap though.
So what is decent? Let's just say that all headphones that exist cost between $1 to $1000 and (for the sake of argument) that price is an indicator of quality.
Those Beats you were talking about are a $299 headphone built for impact. This M220 Pro is a $50 headphone built for accuracy.
That's way over simplified but, unless you're planning on deeply diving into the world of sound, that is probably the best way for you to approach it.
BigLobedWelder
10
Jun 20, 2017
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JonsiThe bass is one of my biggest Beats issues. Although I like good bass, and have spent inordinate amounts of money for SQ systems for my car in the past, it really has to be good, punchy bass for me to appreciate it. I find their headphones lack that. It's not just the bass that is bassy, it's everything. Leads to a rather muddled overall sound. I prefer music to sound as intended by the artist, or at least the producer.
mass_sean
67
Jun 20, 2017
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BigLobedWelderThe only pair of Beats I have ever owned are my current pair, the Studio Wireless. I find them okay for general listening. I do tend to pick them up when I am looking for a more visceral connection to whatever I am listening to.
I also have the M220 from one of the last drops, and I find them to be some of the most uncomfortable headphones I own. I've considered changing the earpads, but my biggest problem with them is the feeling that they are riding up the side of my head and hugging the bottom of my ears. I definitely do not prefer the way the M220's achieve their fit.
Sound wise, I find the M220's perfectly listenable unless I turn up the sound past a certain level when amped. I have an E18 Kunlun and the M220's don't seem to be able to handle where that amp can get them. They sound very nice on my LG V20 at all volumes, but comfort is the reason I don't wear them more often,
I also have the M220 from one of the last drops, and I find them to be some of the most uncomfortable headphones I own. I've considered changing the earpads, but my biggest problem with them is the feeling that they are riding up the side of my head and hugging the bottom of my ears. I definitely do not prefer the way the M220's achieve their fit.
Sound wise, I find the M220's perfectly listenable unless I turn up the sound past a certain level when amped. I have an E18 Kunlun and the M220's don't seem to be able to handle where that amp can get them. They sound very nice on my LG V20 at all volumes, but comfort is the reason I don't wear them more often,
GuitarGuru1994
3
Jun 24, 2017
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DjdanielI'm a Sound editor for film and honestly Apple Beats have WAY too much low end for my taste. I prefer the JBL Everest series for music purposes. They have a much more even and Clear sound. The M220s here are great headphones as well but I prefer to use an amp to achieve their full dynamic potential. it brings out the lows more and makes them a little warmer.
Djdaniel
64
Jun 25, 2017
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GuitarGuru1994And I prefer my M100's over beats. Even though beats is partically muddy in the bass from past renditions they have gotten better and are particularity weak for their price to performance, but for under $100 I wouldn't say they are terrible... In all honesty I don't understand the hate for beats when bose has not been progressively better for alot for their products/pricing
GuitarGuru1994
3
Jun 25, 2017
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DjdanielEh. Bose have no real appeal to me either. I prefer flat EQ most of the time.
Djdaniel
64
Jun 25, 2017
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GuitarGuru1994I can respect preference, but not biases or double standards. I still have my M50's and 598's and in all honesty, disliked the M50's fresh out of the box and regretted the purchase despite all the raving. I had purchased the 598's out of simple curiosity and love them for documentaries or commentaries for their width/clarity. I really don't know any idea what preferences people may have. In retrospect, I had one friend who is drummer and is an avid listener of 70's classic rock. Overall he preferred the more of a flat sound signature of a Grados compared to anything from Sennheiser.
gk68
12
Jun 27, 2017
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GuitarGuru1994Refreshing music to my ears...JBL. Old school new sound. Forward to basics.
GuitarGuru1994
3
Jun 27, 2017
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gk68I agree. I swear by JBL audio products. None of them have ever let me down.
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