Audio-Technica ATH-ES7 Portable Headphones, Black

The Audio Technica ES7 does so many things right that you gradually realize that it's quite special.

= The ES7 can be worn like an ordinary headphone, then folded flat for storage in a backpack or briefcase. Few portables allow this kind of versatility. It's well made enough that it's clearly designed to last.
= These are closed headphones - so your music is kept private (for the most part, anyway). They offer considerably more privacy than open headphones like Grados, which are excellent in their own right. Don't expect, however, for the ES7 to filter out external sounds. These are not "noise-reduction" headphones.
= Sound quality is surprising. The bass is solid but not fully controlled; however, the highs are sweet and subtle, lacking any hint of sibilance. With most music, it's a sound signature that gives the music a certain life and energy, and excels particularly with rock genres.
= The ear cups have a stunning, mirror finish on the...Read more

As i have said in previous reviews, the only way to adequately evaluate a pair of headphones is to own quite a few for a long time. This way you have some valid ground for comparison. If this is you're first venture into quality phones then of course you'll rate them highly but compared to what?
As far as portable low impedance headphones go these are some of the best I've heard. The burn in period is short. Sonically these can crank out some addicting sounds. They are light easy to adjust and can be worn for long periods. When you start listening to music with these it's hard to put them down. These have everything you want in a portable headphone. I use these primarily with my computer and ipod and these seem to have the ability to make the music sound better. The highs and midrange performance is excellent and the bass response kicks butt. They are a little pricey but I own some Shure in ear headphones that cost nearly 500 dollars and these can go
toe to toe with...Read more

These 'phones are amazing. I looked for months for phones to optimize my Ipod experience. I don't have a problem with the apple earbuds but wanted something much better. I considered noise cancelling phones but they are very expensive. after much research i found this model. Many stores charge over 200 for them (they list at 250) but Beach Audio on Amazon only charged 108 including the shipping, and they were a pleasure to deal with.

The sound is deep and rich. The phones kill ambient noise very effectively...i can't imagine noise cancelling phones doing much more to eliminate room noise. You can leave your pod EQ on flat or off and the phones deliver rich deep bass, very crisp highs, and a nice balance. They are light and easy to travel with; the ear sections fold flat and they slip easily into the included drawstring bag. I did take a day or two to get used to the feel of them (they have a bit more tension against your head than i expected so i had a day or so of "ear...Read more