Beats Headphones, that bad?

[whooleytoo]

It's funny though, you could probably take this thread to another forum, and replace "Beats headphones" with "Apple Macs" and it'd probably work.

It's the same stereotypes (pun intended!) for both - too expensive, style over substance, you can get better/cheaper elsewhere, or even used by snobs who don't know better.

Strange though to see Apple users take the other side in this instance.

 

[KieranDotW]

I think some of it is that the heavy bass and everything else that "audiophiles" bash is meant to sound best when listening to hip hop. Incidentally, I suspect a lot of audiophiles are not hip hop fans so they don't really get that experience with what they're listening to.

And honestly from some of the comments I've seen on here I think some MR users are just afraid to have an African-American man sitting on Apple's board.

 

[Tsuchiya]

They are "phenomenal" until you actually hear other headphones in this price range and realise how out of their league they are.

When headphones nearly half their price run rings around them, it's not hard to see why they are a joke. Style over substance.

 

[2298754]

They're pretty bad. I haven't found a single pair of Beats headphones that fit me comfortably. One of my buddies is a manager at my local Best Buy. Even with his significant discount, they're still not worth it (unless you're into heavy bass music)

I picked up the new Bose SoundTrue (re-branded AE2i) last week using his discount. They retail at $179.99, but with his discount, it was around $80. With the $50 GC I had laying around, I only paid $30 for them They sound pretty damn good, but I know for a fact that Bose headphones aren't the best, but at that price, I can't complain.

http://www.bose.com/controller?url=..._oe_headphones/soundtrue_headphones/index.jsp

 

[Bobby Corwen]

I love Apple products, but Apple's earphones are trash. I would recommend Sennheiser which is also a very famous brand but with better bang for the buck than Beats.

But its a different type of bang and overall feel and sound.

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They are "phenomenal" until you actually hear other headphones in this price range and realise how out of their league they are.

When headphones nearly half their price run rings around them, it's not hard to see why they are a joke. Style over substance.

Its not that extreme of a difference in quality.

The frequency spectrum is limited to what you can do to amplify it. It doesn't really get that much better (or bassy-er).

There are only different profiles of EQ balance.

Which again, comes down to preference.

 

[Jimmy James]

It's funny though, you could probably take this thread to another forum, and replace "Beats headphones" with "Apple Macs" and it'd probably work.

It's the same stereotypes (pun intended!) for both - too expensive, style over substance, you can get better/cheaper elsewhere, or even used by snobs who don't know better.

Strange though to see Apple users take the other side in this instance.

Except with Macs Apple provides an outstanding product for the price premium.

At one point I got a pc while my wife got a Mac with the same specs for more money. Side by side my screen was so drab it looked like it was covered in vellum paper. I actually got into headphones in the first place because there was so much audio interference from the headphone jack that I got a headphone amp with a USB dac to bypass it. Not so with the Mac. The build quality was astonishingly good vs. bad. The Dell failed during warranty and again soon after. Mac going strong for years. Battery life was much better on the Mac. The os speaks for itself.

Do they beats have any huge advantages?

 

[Bobby Corwen]

I think some of it is that the heavy bass and everything else that "audiophiles" bash is meant to sound best when listening to hip hop. Incidentally, I suspect a lot of audiophiles are not hip hop fans so they don't really get that experience with what they're listening to.

And honestly from some of the comments I've seen on here I think some MR users are just afraid to have an African-American man sitting on Apple's board.

Well to be fair to them he did usher in an era of gangster rap and bad influence on the kids....

 

[DMaki650]

I've never tried or owned Beats so I can't bash something I've never tried. I have the iPhone cause of the eco system behind it. All my music, movies, and what not are all in iTunes. So I just stick with what I know. I'd be super happy to try Beats.

 

[2298754]

I wonder if the Apple Beats takeover means better hardware quality? The build quality of Beats headphones is just dreadful.

 

[pogoyoyo]

They really are that bad. Some say they are bass heavy i personally think the bass is lacklustre, and the highs are exaggerated, mids are nearly non existent (at least the on-ears). The studio headphones have very similar bad performing highs and mids, but the bass is turned up.
The most natural sounding headphones i've ever used (I've used quite a few) are the Bowers & Wilkins P5 on-ear headphones. Very balanced all around, sound amazing.

 

[Jalopybox]

Apple is special, .

No hunk of glass and aluminum made in China is special. Nothing mass produced is special. No one is special. We are all smelly animals here temporarily.

 

[AustinIllini]

I wonder if the Apple Beats takeover means better hardware quality? The build quality of Beats headphones is just dreadful.

Doubtful. Apple makes quality stuff, but most of their products are designated "premium" and are priced accordingly. I would hope Apple is smart enough to let Beats do their own thing (like Disney/Marvel, Disney/Pixar) and start selling iDevices with beats ear buds.

 

[Knara]

Every blog post and forum thread about Beats headphones I read, always refer to the products as "Stylish without substance."

What gives?

What am I missing?


I don't personally own a pair, but my cousin has a pair, and I think they're phenomenal. They drown out noise when music is playing, and the sound quality is awesome.


I'm just curious why the popular sentiment is "Stylish without substance," because my experience using them has been totally different.

The problem is that these: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-280-Pro-Headphones/dp/B000065BPB are far and away better headphones than the lowest-end Beats.

I mean, people can buy anything they want, I don't care, but Beats are definitely overpriced for what you get.

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I wonder if the Apple Beats takeover means better hardware quality? The build quality of Beats headphones is just dreadful.

The ear buds that come with Apple products aren't particularly good to begin with.

 

[Fuchal]

Whether they're as great as people say or not, or whether you like them or not, I think the real benefit Beats provided is raising the bar for the average headphone that the general public is using. People who would normally buy the cheapest headphones they can find from Walgreens or Best Buy are interested in buying Beats, and that's a good thing overall.

 

[Black Magic]

I have Beats Studios and I bought my 17 year old son some Beat Solos. For my son, he likes them and it's more of a fashion accessory and status deal at high school. Overpriced for sure but he enjoys them. Apparently they break really easily as his friends go through them like crazy.

For me, I regret purchasing them and rarely use them. Stylish for sure but overpriced and average when it comes to sound. I actually prefer the Apple earpods to be honest.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

I would recommend Sennheiser which is also a very famous brand but with better bang for the buck than Beats.

Agreed. I own a pair of their earbuds and another pair of their over-ear headphones. Both are great in terms of fit, durability and great sound across the whole audible range.

 

[bmac4]

Except with Macs Apple provides an outstanding product for the price premium.



At one point I got a pc while my wife got a Mac with the same specs for more money. Side by side my screen was so drab it looked like it was covered in vellum paper. I actually got into headphones in the first place because there was so much audio interference from the headphone jack that I got a headphone amp with a USB dac to bypass it. Not so with the Mac. The build quality was astonishingly good vs. bad. The Dell failed during warranty and again soon after. Mac going strong for years. Battery life was much better on the Mac. The os speaks for itself.



Do they beats have any huge advantages?

This is the problem. You feel like Apple has far better products for the money, but others don't feel that way. A lot of people think you can get a lot more bang for your buck than anything Apple. For me it all depends. Some times I feel like Apple is the best at things, and other times I feel like I could get more for my money, and it's all about the name. You say your wife's Mac is better, but others would disagree. It's all about preference, but one thing is constant. Hardcore Apple fan (Beats fan, android fans, and any other loyal fan) will defend their choice till the end, and will claim they have the best product.

You seem to feel this way about the Beats brand, but can't see it with Apple. I do understand we defend what we have, but it's not always so black and white. I have Beats and I love them. I know you can get some cheaper headphones that are still great, but I like the style and comfort of the Beats. I really don't care what others prefer because the Beats work for me. Just like I have a par of Apple in-ear headphones. They are not the best, and they don't cost the least by I long shot. I still think they work best for me. Maybe not for anyone else.

 

[hallidc]

I own a pair of Detox (purchased at a BB VIP event) and I love them. The sound quality is decent for me and I use them for just about everything.

When I purchased mine, Beats weren't as popular (at least not around my area). Now, Beats are nothing but a fashion statement, and a fad IMO. If I had to purchase another set of headphones, I most likely would choose another brand because of those reasons.

 

[Jalopybox]

Audio Technica M50. Done and Done.

 

[Jimmy James]

This is the problem. You feel like Apple has far better products for the money, but others don't feel that way. A lot of people think you can get a lot more bang for your buck than anything Apple. For me it all depends. Some times I feel like Apple is the best at things, and other times I feel like I could get more for my money, and it's all about the name. You say your wife's Mac is better, but others would disagree. It's all about preference, but one thing is constant. Hardcore Apple fan (Beats fan, android fans, and any other loyal fan) will defend their choice till the end, and will claim they have the best product.

You seem to feel this way about the Beats brand, but can't see it with Apple. I do understand we defend what we have, but it's not always so black and white. I have Beats and I love them. I know you can get some cheaper headphones that are still great, but I like the style and comfort of the Beats. I really don't care what others prefer because the Beats work for me. Just like I have a par of Apple in-ear headphones. They are not the best, and they don't cost the least by I long shot. I still think they work best for me. Maybe not for anyone else.

I didn't say Apple had a better value proposition. I said the Mac costed more for the same specs.

I bought a pc so obviously I am among those who thought they could find better value elsewhere.

I didn't provide a subjective opinion that one computer was better. I provided examples of specific objective differences that obviously showed an advantage for the Mac. There were no advantages for my pc beyond price.

I didn't state my opinion on the Beats (I actually think they sound pretty good). I asked if they have any big advantages. Legitimate inquiry.

Your post makes so many false assumptions I don't know why bothered responding. Every statement is false.

 

[bmac4]

I didn't say Apple had a better value proposition. I said the Mac costed more for the same specs.



I bought a pc so obviously I am among those who thought they could find better value elsewhere.



I didn't provide a subjective opinion that one computer was better. I provided examples of specific objective differences that obviously showed an advantage for the Mac. There were no advantages for my pc beyond price.



I didn't state my opinion on the Beats (I actually think they sound pretty good). I asked if they have any big advantages. Legitimate inquiry.



Your post makes so many false assumptions I don't know why bothered responding. Every statement is false.

Oh alright. I did not say you said anything about Beats. I was making the example with Beats and Apple. That's all. You were making the example of Mac and PC.

 

[phrehdd]

So I tried the Dirac HD, and it sounds great with my Apple headphones. What I would like to know though is if there were a way to figure out what the app is doing. Could I change my EQ to copy this? I listen to Spotify a lot and I can't use the app.

Glad you like the app for what it does (playback of your music files). What it does is a bit more than an equalizer adjustment. I opted to try it out with some middle of the line head phones (Sennheiser on ear Momentum and B&W P7's). The result was the audio equalization was different but so what delay, reverb, echo etc. In ear, ear canal etc. listening devices have challenges and all the Dirac HD does is compensate specifically for the Apple products so one might simply say it customizes the audio (media file) playback ability by adjusting the output itself for the short comings of the Apple devices.

I wish I knew exactly what they were doing too as I get so much more mileage out of my Apple earpods than I though possible. What would be great is if Dirac would do apps for other headsets and I consider it somewhat a "calibration" of sound based on headset limitations (compensation as it were).

 

[ezekielrage_99]

They are "phenomenal" until you actually hear other headphones in this price range and realise how out of their league they are.

When headphones nearly half their price run rings around them, it's not hard to see why they are a joke. Style over substance.

Absolutely agreed, considering you can pick up a set of ATH-M50s, ATH-AD700, Grado sr80i or Beyer DT440 cheaper than a set of entry level Beats and they sound better it's hard to recommend Beats from that respect. It's not they are a joke rather they are a fashion accessory audiophiles get this.

There are people out there who love their Beats, I harbour no ill-will and each to their own because audio like music is a personal preference, though once you compare to other audio brands there are better for cheaper with a much better build quality this is where Beats become a hard sell.

It's not a simple debate like comparing Macbook Pro build quality...

My home set up is a FiiO E17 headphone amp with as set of ATH-AD1000, cost online it set me back around $500 inc. delivery, sound wise it converted a good friend to sell his Beats Pro and get the same set-up as myself.

 

[reznick]

The problem is that these: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-280-Pro-Headphones/dp/B000065BPB are far and away better headphones than the lowest-end Beats.

I mean, people can buy anything they want, I don't care, but Beats are definitely overpriced for what you get.

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The ear buds that come with Apple products aren't particularly good to begin with.

But you can't wear these in public. I mean, you just can't. You'll look like a sound engineer on a film shoot.

 

[mofunk]

They are "phenomenal" until you actually hear other headphones in this price range and realise how out of their league they are.

When headphones nearly half their price run rings around them, it's not hard to see why they are a joke. Style over substance.

LOL (so true) I ask a few kids to bring in their Beats so that they can compare it to my SHure headphones. Like you said, they thought theirs were better until they heard something better.


The average person will either buy Beats or not. Those that want to be flashy will gravitate to Beats and those that don't will stick with the headsets that come with their iPhone. If you are a music head you will search for the best value. Like most people have said, Beats are heavy on the base. They aren't balanced like your Shure or Sennhesers. Which is why I'm surprised that Apple acquired the company. Sure they are a step up from the brand that Apple uses but they still don't make your listening experience "high quality" especially for the price.