Audio Technica ATH-PRO500MK2 RD RED | DJ Monitor Headphones (Japan Import)

First, I will start this off by saying that I am a proud bass head. I'm new to the headphone game (over the past 2 years) and I've owned these for about 1 year. These were my second entry into a mid tier headphone (the first were the Sony MDR-V55). I decided on these over the M50x (which I now own, that will keep you reading) because of reviews I read here. Since I'm not an audiophile, it's taken me awhile to develop a good opinion on these. I've since compared these to the M50X and others I've bought. So this is a well thought out review. Ok, now that we have that over let's get to my review.The fit and finish:In short, these headphones are built like a tank. I feel as though they will still here after a nuclear holocaust. They are constructed of a quality herd plastic build. They are light enough to still be comfortable yet sturdy enough to fell like you don't have to baby them. No metal. So if you want that then pay more money.Comfort:Good firm clamping pressure, as DJ headphone should be. It doesn't bother me, but if you are sensitive to this then I suggest you buy something else. When I first bought them the ear pads were hard, hot and horrible. I couldn't keep these on my head for more than an hours without discomfort. This was one of the main reasons I subsequently bought the M50X. Then I bought these:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M8T60XC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1WOW! What a huge difference they make. Not only to the comfort but the sound also. I can wear these longer now with no issues. but I still prefer the M50X overall for comfort. But these are now a closer option.Sound Quality:First, I listen to my music mainly through Spotify at 320 kbps from my computer then that goes through a DAC and into a Sony receiver (so there is a fair amount of power here). I also listen to some FLAC files from time to time through my Sony receiver also and my DAC is the Fiio E18 so I can go mobile when I connect this to my Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Since buying these I have subsequently purchased the V-Moda Crossfade LP's, Sol Republic Tracks V8 and the Ath-M50x. I'm moving up the headphone chain as I try to find where my point of diminishing returns. My music preferences are R&B, Hip Hop, EDM, Jazz, Neo Soul, Pop and some rock.My thing is that I am in search of clean deep bass that extends into the sub bass and doesn't interfere with the mids or highs. In short, at this point I don't think any of these headphones completely meet what I want. But the Pro500MK2's keep me coming back to them. They are the pair of headphones I keep coming back to. The M50X are a better all around choice but I want BASS. Deep clean bass and the pro500mk2's are the closest that I've found. If I could combine these and the M50x they would be a lot better. Both of them can handle massive amounts of power. The M50X do better in the mids and highs. They are much more clean and crisp with vocals and instruments. But as I stated earlier, I can see why a lot of people prefer them. But again, I'm a bass head. I value the other ranges but sometimes I got to have that thump and vibration. This is what keeps me coming back to the pro500mk2's. If I'm watching a movie or any source that doesn't need deep bass to enhance it I will always reach for the M50X. The M50X have a wider sound stage also. But when it comes to a more authoritative bass it's the pro500mk2's all day, everyday.Conclusion:I haven't found my perfect set of headphones yet. Depending on my genre, source, environment and mood I switch between different headphones but the pro500m2's are my most frequent choice. I'm about step my game up to the either the V-Moda M100's, Denon AH-D600 or the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless Over Ears. I am on a journey to find something that meets all my needs. It may not exist but so far these best fit the bill.

I switched to these because my Sony Pulse Elites broke within 6 months. These feel pretty sturdy and feel like they'll last me a while. Unfortunately, the switch from the Pulse headphones to these was a let down on the bass factor. They are still crystal clear with subtle bass behind songs but not as much bass as I read/ heard.

I've had these headphones for a little over 9 months and the sound still amazes me when I listen to music with them. They're superior, sound wise, to any other headphone that I own to include my Bose QC3's. The base is rich and full without all the muddiness of other headphones. It lets the mids and highs shine so you can hear everything in the music. Now for the downside of the headphones. These are definitely the most uncomfortable set of headphones I've ever worn. I'm not sure what Audio Technica was thinking when they made the ear cushions but they offer no comfort what so ever. My ears ache not even 5 minutes after wearing them and I want to take them off. The comfort is so bad that I contemplated selling them cause I could only listen to one song and already have pain in my ears. But I replaced the cushions with a pair of Turtle Beach cushions and now I have no issues with comfort at all and the headphones are near perfect. The cushions are a bit loose but I'd recommend them to anyone who has comfort issues with these headphones. All in all, the sound is so amazing that even the extreme discomfort doesn't take a good rating from these headphones.

These are solid and weighty. Drivers have serious punch to them. Don't listen to the audiophiles. They'll never be happy with anything. Paid $87 here on Amazon and we're here in two days on a Sunday. The metallic red finish on these is simply incredible. They look great and sound even better. Had them connected to my iPhone and it sounds good. Only limited by the phone itself and the MP3 compression. Then played my guitar through my Line6 Spider IV 75watt amp. Sounds simply perfect!! And the added bonus of multiple cables and jacks included is terrific! If I have any complaint it would be the screw in style jack on the headphone end. I understand why it was done but there is no free spinning end, making you turn the entire cable. But once seated properly, they are rock solid. They are "on ear" headphones but cover my entire ear well. Noise isolation is very good but not full blown noise cancellation. Sound quality is VERY good and is only limited by the device pushing the music.No "burn in" time as NO headphone requires this (seriously, look it up and do some research). It's nonsense. Buy these and turn them up. Simple as that!PS- the drivers ARE 53mm drivers for the red ones contrary to other reviews. These are NOT the small 40mm drivers as some reviews have claimed.

I am pissed. These headphones were amazing out of box and fantastic for my home studio. They broke while mixing. Well 1 side just randomly went out. I used these headphones very carefully. I have only brought them outside of my home a handful of times, (I have other headphones for that.) I love how flat these headphones sounded they were great for mixing, but how could they break with some of the lightest use ever. I have owned so many different headphone brands and I have never had any problems except for these headphones and some other lower end headphones that AUDIO TECHNICA makes. One of the main reasons I bought ATH PRO500MK2's was that they are supposed to be built well.