Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is what a good pair of cheap "studio" headphones is supposed to sound like. The Sony MDR series is precisely why brands like Skullcandy and Beats are a total waste of money. Get a pair today, give them an honest chance, and they will forever be your go-to for a cheap set of headphones. Summary: -These headphones do precisely what a set of studio headphones should. I had these headphones on while playing a game, and when I took them off I realized a major rainstorm was happening. This is amazing sound dampening, for such a cheap set of headphones. These are "the" headphones for if you need some music while you study, if you're on a budget. These headphones aren't sound canceling, you will hear background noise if you're looking for it, but the moment you're focused on your audio you'll swear these headphones are worth twice the price. Pros: -Good sound dampening. When you need to block out the background sounds of dorm life or the city while you're doing your own thing, these headphones do a wonderful job with general noise. I doubt they're good enough for a plane, but for a dorm or most bus rides you should be very isolated. -Good sound, with good bass. Things with a lot of high-end treble (audiobooks, low-quality mp3) don't sound too tinny or washed out. Things with lots of bass (movies, dance music) have good punch. The overall range is quite good and quite balanced, with a nod toward the heavy/dynamic range. -Good comfort. The ear cups feel a little plasticky going on, but get a couple songs into an album and you'll forget they're on. -Good build. My first set got me through most of a three-year stint at college before my continued abuse of the wires finally shorted out one ear. For this price, that's fine. Be gentle with these headphones and they'll reward you with a good life. Cons: -The wiring feels a bit heavy when you're focused on it, despite the wires not being all that durable. It's not something you'll notice during seated use, but when you move it feels awkward. -There is no tactile marker for which side is right or left, and the "L" and "R" are difficult to see in any light so I forget which one has the red marker. If one side just had a nub or braille I'd have a much easier time making sure they were on the right way (and this would also make them friendly for the blind). While I save up my money for that set of top-of-the-line studio headphones I've always wanted, my MDRs are my go-to headphone for when I want to immerse myself in audio. They're cheap enough that I don't have to worry when I take them on trips, but at the same time they're good enough for when I want to really listed to that Pink Floyd album I've been meaning to give a spin. Recommended for students, audiophiles, and gamers on a budget. Not recommended for jogging thanks to the heavy cables.