Thoughts on Purchasing Two Products for Comparison? (Then Returning the "Loser")

[MrXiro]

Since I've been looking into purchasing a pair of new headphones I have been finding it difficult to narrow it down to a single pair since sound is so subjective. I've been looking into getting an exciting, portable pair of headphones, although I'm open to ear in-ear or over-head. Frankly I already own a pair of ATH-700 Audio Technica headphones but as fantastic as the soundscape and clarity is, they are very flat and neutral headphones which makes them a bit boring for my taste. The Klipsch S4i I own also give me a similar impression in having exceptional clarity yet being a bit too flat, although the ATH-700 are the superior option. That being said, if I could have the ATH-700's soundstage, highs, and mids with a more powerful low-end in a more portable form factor I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Despite being an audiophile, already owning the very non-portable Audio Technica headphones for home/studio use, I do find the Beats Solo2 to be an attractive option. Mind you, the brand was a horrendous value prior to Apple's purchase of Beats -- now they are simply a decent value thanks to a much-improved sound quality and of course design. Having tested the Solo2s with a very limited demo, I came away impressed at the bass quality combined with an overall nicely-mixed balance of mids and highs. Personally I enjoy being able to feel my music, no matter what genre it is so I may give in to the impulse to purchase a pair of Beats as a high-quality opposite of the flat Audio Technicas. The rest of the Beats they had for demo sounded absolutely awful: muddy bass with completely drowned out mids and a lack of treble. Nonetheless, the Solo2 are a good pair of headphones for today's music tastes.

Back on-topic: is it acceptable to purchase two products for the sake of comparison, with the intent to return the inferior product? For a category as subjective as headphones, it honestly does not seem out of the brink of possibility that manufacturers may encourage this if they believe their product can stand out well enough. I would like to purchase a pair of Beats Solo2s and another pair of audiophile-recommended portable headphones and put them head-to-head at home.

I picked up a pair of Solo2s (Stone Gray) for 98 bucks at Best Buy yesterday. They now have a huge selection of open item Beats for about 40% off. They were 109.99 but I had a 10% off coupon and that took it down to around 99 bucks. Then I had $60 in Rewards credit and a gift card so I spent $0 out of pocket and still have $40 remaining.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Funnily enough I'm back to this exact predicament now that I'm shopping for wireless headphones trying to consider whether it's in bad taste to compare two or three headphones at home then keep the all-around winner. I've found sound and comfort are subjective in headphones, so even though I can and have watched/read many reviews on each option that I have narrowed it down to, I'm still at a bit of a loss as to which will be best as a comfortable daily driver.

It's also ironic how much research I've done on the subject to come back to having Beats as a consideration again, but what Apple has achieved with the W1 chip is remarkable. The Solo3's battery easily could last over a week for the average person. More importantly for me, the insane battery life will equal many years of use assuming the Beats build quality is improved for longevity. If I can get a fun sound and great comfort (that's an if -- I'd need to really test them to see whether I'd be happy with them long-term) with incredible battery life, then it seems like a winner.

I've also considered the JayBirds, the V-MODA Crossfade Wireless, and the V-MODA Forza Metallo Wireless. I do love my V-MODA M-100 but I think it's wishful thinking assuming the Crossfade Wireless will be comfortable enough for all-day use when the M-100 provides mediocre comfort for me personally. Meanwhile the Forza Metallo are in-ear like a higher-end version of the BeatsX, so it's really up to whether the Forza provide better quality and comfort over the Solo3; it'll undoubtedly outperform the BeatsX.

I might buy a pair of Beats Solo3 while Newegg has their flash sale so I can try how it works for all-day comfort and if it meets my audio standards, but I do feel a bit ambivalent about the purchase knowing there's a decent chance it'll be returned.

 

[Tech198]

Back on-topic: is it acceptable to purchase two products for the sake of comparison, with the intent to return the inferior product? For a category as subjective as headphones, it honestly does not seem out of the brink of possibility that manufacturers may encourage this if they believe their product can stand out well enough. I would like to purchase a pair of Beats Solo2s and another pair of audiophile-recommended portable headphones and put them head-to-head at home.

Yep, totally.... but that's on the condition whether the store will take it back...

If you buy from Apple online store at least.

http://www.apple.com/shop/help/returns_refund

I do the same thing with Mac's sometimes.

 

[Three141]

Once you said headphones I could not blame you. Headphones are just so darn difficult to get right, I can't blame you at all and seems logical.

I will pick a headset in hope it suits my needs and lives up to the reviews but on several occasions I've had to return them for something different.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Yep, totally.... but that's on the condition whether the store will take it back...

If you buy from Apple online store at least.

http://www.apple.com/shop/help/returns_refund

I do the same thing with Mac's sometimes.

Frankly I wouldn't feel bad buying from Apple to test something like a Beats headphone. They're insanely cheap to produce no matter what anybody tells you (R&D is the most expensive cost for a headphone), and Apple can sell them refurbished/open box at a reduced price and still profit off of somebody who wouldn't pay full price anyway.

Buying Beats from Apple is direct from the source. I'd feel a bit worse buying from Best Buy or a store that would lose money over restocking them. However, if I did buy them from Apple to try out then decided to keep them I definitely wouldn't pay $299 for the Solo3 and would buy from another retailer as most are discounting it.

Apple does have the Solo3 available to audition in its stores so I'll give it another listen. Last time I found wireless performance to be great, but comfort could be an issue and audio isn't suited for all genres.

 

[sdilley14]

Frankly I wouldn't feel bad buying from Apple to test something like a Beats headphone. They're insanely cheap to produce no matter what anybody tells you (R&D is the most expensive cost for a headphone), and Apple can sell them refurbished/open box at a reduced price and still profit off of somebody who wouldn't pay full price anyway.

Buying Beats from Apple is direct from the source. I'd feel a bit worse buying from Best Buy or a store that would lose money over restocking them. However, if I did buy them from Apple to try out then decided to keep them I definitely wouldn't pay $299 for the Solo3 and would buy from another retailer as most are discounting it.

Apple does have the Solo3 available to audition in its stores so I'll give it another listen. Last time I found wireless performance to be great, but comfort could be an issue and audio isn't suited for all genres.

I've bought, tested, and returned headphones, smart thermostats, and other items from Amazon. I've never had a single issue returning anything to Amazon, ever. I don't intentionally buy multiple brands of a certain product to do comparisons with the intentions of returning...I usually buy products I'm "on the fence" about, with the caveat that I can always return it if I'm not totally sold on the item.

Edit: When doing this, I try to buy directly from Amazon rather than 3rd party sellers. I figure 3rd party sellers will "feel it" a bit more having to deal with returned inventory.

 

[jtara]

Never really thought of doing this with a substantial purchase like this. But I do it all the time with with small home improvement items from Home Depot - in fact, it was a Home Depot employee who suggested it.

Which copper/brass switch-plate looks nicest? I got a half-dozen, and wound-up returning the all - wound-up ordering solid brass cast victorian-style plates. Night and day over Hampton Bay junk...

Which can lamp LED conversion do I want? Eyeball or fixed? What color temperature? Which one works best with my dimmers? Got 4, returned 3, then bought 5 more of the one that I chose...

Have to be careful, even Home Depot has it's limits. A friend got banned from returning things because he returned too much. Hard to believe, because the return line seems always filled with contractors with 3 baskets of miscellaneous items to return. (I think he needs to set up one of their contractor accounts - certainly qualified, as he owns 30+ apartment units and maintains them himself.)

Didn't think about it for headphones. I'm super happy with my Sennheiser Momentum Wireless. Actually got them for voice conferences, as I deal with Brits I can hardly understand let alone phone-to-ear trying to work keyboard at the same time! I love that I can connect to both iPhone and Mac simultaneously and incoming call will override. Plus the flexibility of Bluetooth, USB, or analog. (I use them with a Denon receiver, as well.)

Well, I take that back! I bought some cheap Plantronics headset, thinking "I want something dedicated to phone conferencing". Sounded awful, and the USB kept disconnecting. Sent them back to Amazon, and ordered the Sennheisers, saving quite a bit by getting them from Amazon Warehouse Deals and at that point I think not returnable. (I've never gone wrong with Warehouse Deals - my last purchase was a garbage disposer with "cosmetic marks on bottom or side". Turns out it was just a dent in the shipping box - the disposer is pristine.

I guess that's really not the same thing as buying multiple products "for evaluation". I think I'd still feel funny about doing that with a pricy item.
[doublepost=1480530902][/doublepost]

I've bought, tested, and returned headphones, smart thermostats, and other items from Amazon. I've never had a single issue returning anything to Amazon, ever.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! More Amazon Warehouse Deals for me!

 

[MICHAELSD]

I've bought, tested, and returned headphones, smart thermostats, and other items from Amazon. I've never had a single issue returning anything to Amazon, ever. I don't intentionally buy multiple brands of a certain product to do comparisons with the intentions of returning...I usually buy products I'm "on the fence" about, with the caveat that I can always return it if I'm not totally sold on the item.

Edit: When doing this, I try to buy directly from Amazon rather than 3rd party sellers. I figure 3rd party sellers will "feel it" a bit more having to deal with returned inventory.

Amazon has had the Solo3 on sale for $219.99, so I did bite against my better judgement. Figuring this will probably end up being returned, I did then try to cancel them unsuccessfully so I'll have a Solo3 on my doorstep tomorrow and will treat the Solo3 like I intend to keep them. I figure I can test the portability and sound quality at home, and if both are adequate I'll keep them.

Do be cautious though -- I've seen people who purchase quite a lot from Amazon have their account banned for too many returns.
[doublepost=1480638521][/doublepost]

Never really thought of doing this with a substantial purchase like this. But I do it all the time with with small home improvement items from Home Depot - in fact, it was a Home Depot employee who suggested it.

Which copper/brass switch-plate looks nicest? I got a half-dozen, and wound-up returning the all - wound-up ordering solid brass cast victorian-style plates. Night and day over Hampton Bay junk...

Which can lamp LED conversion do I want? Eyeball or fixed? What color temperature? Which one works best with my dimmers? Got 4, returned 3, then bought 5 more of the one that I chose...

Have to be careful, even Home Depot has it's limits. A friend got banned from returning things because he returned too much. Hard to believe, because the return line seems always filled with contractors with 3 baskets of miscellaneous items to return. (I think he needs to set up one of their contractor accounts - certainly qualified, as he owns 30+ apartment units and maintains them himself.)

Didn't think about it for headphones. I'm super happy with my Sennheiser Momentum Wireless. Actually got them for voice conferences, as I deal with Brits I can hardly understand let alone phone-to-ear trying to work keyboard at the same time! I love that I can connect to both iPhone and Mac simultaneously and incoming call will override. Plus the flexibility of Bluetooth, USB, or analog. (I use them with a Denon receiver, as well.)

Well, I take that back! I bought some cheap Plantronics headset, thinking "I want something dedicated to phone conferencing". Sounded awful, and the USB kept disconnecting. Sent them back to Amazon, and ordered the Sennheisers, saving quite a bit by getting them from Amazon Warehouse Deals and at that point I think not returnable. (I've never gone wrong with Warehouse Deals - my last purchase was a garbage disposer with "cosmetic marks on bottom or side". Turns out it was just a dent in the shipping box - the disposer is pristine.

I guess that's really not the same thing as buying multiple products "for evaluation". I think I'd still feel funny about doing that with a pricy item.

Most stores probably have their own metric for determining whether the cost of shipping and restocking returns relative to your other purchases is worthwhile.

I would have bought the Solo3 from Apple as I don't think they're quite as restrictive with returns, but I would've had to return it either way as those definitely are not worth $299 when there are options like the Momentum Wireless.

 

[sdilley14]

Do be cautious though -- I've seen people who purchase quite a lot from Amazon have their account banned for too many returns.
[doublepost=1480638521][/doublepost]

Good call. I've heard about that too. This is a big reason why I don't get too carried away with ordering and returning on any type of regular basis. 10 year Amazon account with thousands of dollars of completed purchases - I would hope they would have a little leniency in regards to returns.

 

[Tsuchiya]

I'd be wary of returning too many things to Amazon. I've heard that when they decide to shutter your account there isn't any recourse. I'd hate to lose my account, I rely on them for so much.

 

[phrehdd]

With the mentality of those that see nothing wrong with buying two and returning one, I surely hope the stores will jack up the cost of restocking fees rather than passing the cost to others who demonstrate a bit more class.

 

[RUGERMAN]

Interesting, but not surprising. You guys seem to have much better consumer protection laws than we do. What about in-store purchases?

[doublepost=1480962143][/doublepost]There's no free lunch, you're paying for it somewhere along the line.

 

[Melrose]

I'd be wary of returning too many things to Amazon. I've heard that when they decide to shutter your account there isn't any recourse. I'd hate to lose my account, I rely on them for so much.

I've heard that too.

Once, I bought a 22" HP monitor; it arrived with a crack. I sent it back. Amazon sent a replacement. This one had a dead pixel dead-center. I sent it back. Third one: Dead pixel top right. Then Amazon said send it back, get refunded, and shop around more.

I buy a lot on Amazon, but if something's not right I complain to high heaven about it. I'm always nice about it. So long as I don't abuse it, I don't think there's a risk. I wouldn't want to buy from a company that abuses customers anyway, though.

 

[Murgatroyd]

…
Back on-topic: is it acceptable to purchase two products for the sake of comparison, …

Forget about buying both, compare, bring one back. Just purchase both headphones and quit dicking around.

Written neither flippantly, condescendingly, nor to disparage your attitude to compare but consider the thought to splurge on yourself with a more carefree idea: buy both headphones, and enjoy the choice of having one over the other whenever the moment has you indecisive which one is "best."

Choosing often is like a sprinkling of spice on life. Like expensive saffron …, kings of past would set a thousand ships to sail for herbs and spices of all kinds. Variety is the spice of life; no lie. I digress

You probably can't afford a hundred different suits or shoes in your closet, or fifteen vintage cars in your garage but two headphones? Come on, just a taste, … treat yourself.

 

[Zazoh]

Here's the thing folks, you're spending $300 to listen to nickel music. Most folks I see wearing expensive headphones are streaming Spotify or Apple Music which is low quality sound. Marketing works!

Okay, I don't agree with it, but I'm out of the norm at this point ... research, fret, purchase ... if it doesn't rock your world send them back. You can compare but as soon as you buy it there will be something better out in two weeks, then what?

Buy something for the something sake and if it makes you happy don't look back. That is the advice from this old dude.

 

[MICHAELSD]

Forget about buying both, compare, bring one back. Just purchase both headphones and quit dicking around.

Written neither flippantly, condescendingly, nor to disparage your attitude to compare but consider the thought to splurge on yourself with a more carefree idea: buy both headphones, and enjoy the choice of having one over the other whenever the moment has you indecisive which one is "best."

Choosing often is like a sprinkling of spice on life. Like expensive saffron …, kings of past would set a thousand ships to sail for herbs and spices of all kinds. Variety is the spice of life; no lie. I digress

You probably can't afford a hundred different suits or shoes in your closet, or fifteen vintage cars in your garage but two headphones? Come on, just a taste, … treat yourself.

Now that I've purchased a Beats Solo3 to audition and consider whether it'll be worth keeping come its return deadline, I already have three pairs of mid-grade headphones . Unfortunately even if I was to buy two new headphones now I'm having a hell of a time deciding exactly which those two would be.

But yes, it's worthwhile to have multiple pairs of headphones. At the point we're at now though it's not like when I bought my first mid-grade headphone and it lasted over decade. Headphone technology is progressing in such a way that a new headphone bought today may be obsolete within a year or two. Depending on who you ask 3.5mm headphones are already close to obsolete.
[doublepost=1481115817][/doublepost]

Here's the thing folks, you're spending $300 to listen to nickel music. Most folks I see wearing expensive headphones are streaming Spotify or Apple Music which is low quality sound. Marketing works!

Okay, I don't agree with it, but I'm out of the norm at this point ... research, fret, purchase ... if it doesn't rock your world send them back. You can compare but as soon as you buy it there will be something better out in two weeks, then what?

Buy something for the something sake and if it makes you happy don't look back. That is the advice from this old dude.

I'm anxiously awaiting the day Apple adds lossless music to Apple Music, develops a lossless wireless streaming standard for headphones, and makes Beats capable of benefitting from it. Apple Music's quality is adequate, but there definitely is a difference with lossless worth the higher file sizes.
[doublepost=1481116364][/doublepost]

With the mentality of those that see nothing wrong with buying two and returning one, I surely hope the stores will jack up the cost of restocking fees rather than passing the cost to others who demonstrate a bit more class.

Frankly I think consumers should be entitled to trying out two products for comparison after narrowing it down through research if they're still indecisive, in certain product categories at least.. Headphone sound and comfort is subjective to a certain degree. Of the best-reviewed headphones, it may be difficult to pick exactly which will best fit your ears and use for hours each day.

Another category it should be acceptable in is high-end electric shavers since the closeness of the shave and sensitivity will vary.

Though I think rather than buying both products at once, the consumer should buy the product they think they'll have the best experience with first. If not completely satisfied, then buy the runner-up and compare them.

 

[phrehdd]

Now that I've purchased a Beats Solo3 to audition and consider whether it'll be worth keeping come its return deadline, I already have three pairs of mid-grade headphones . Unfortunately even if I was to buy two new headphones now I'm having a hell of a time deciding exactly which those two would be.

But yes, it's worthwhile to have multiple pairs of headphones. At the point we're at now though it's not like when I bought my first mid-grade headphone and it lasted over decade. Headphone technology is progressing in such a way that a new headphone bought today may be obsolete within a year or two. Depending on who you ask 3.5mm headphones are already close to obsolete.
[doublepost=1481115817][/doublepost]

I'm anxiously awaiting the day Apple adds lossless music to Apple Music, develops a lossless wireless streaming standard for headphones, and makes Beats capable of benefitting from it. Apple Music's quality is adequate, but there definitely is a difference with lossless worth the higher file sizes.
[doublepost=1481116364][/doublepost]

Frankly I think consumers should be entitled to trying out two products for comparison after narrowing it down through research if they're still indecisive, in certain product categories at least.. Headphone sound and comfort is subjective to a certain degree. Of the best-reviewed headphones, it may be difficult to pick exactly which will best fit your ears and use for hours each day.

Another category it should be acceptable in is high-end electric shavers since the closeness of the shave and sensitivity will vary.

Though I think rather than buying both products at once, the consumer should buy the product they think they'll have the best experience with first. If not completely satisfied, then buy the runner-up and compare them.

That's some sort of entitlement you seem to believe YOU should have. As others have said, there is a cost and someone else pays for it (and often that is other customers). Like I said I hope folks like YOU who would buy two items knowing one will go back are charged a high restocking fee. Michael, where did you gain this degree of entitlement with no moral or ethical justification?

 

[bluespark]

If an item can be clearly evaluated in the store and if it cannot be sold as new if returned, then I think the practice of buying multiple items with the intention of keeping only one is problematic, even arguably unethical. As an example, if you were choosing between a black or white iPad and could see both in the store, then you ordinarily should buy only one and then live with that decision afterwards. Otherwise, you would be imposing a high cost on others for something you easily could have avoided.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are things like very high-end loudspeakers (say $2000-plus), where the clear expectation is that you will audition them in-home, with your room acoustics and equipment. With products like that, the cost of your audition is part of the experience, plus the purchase itself wouldn't make much sense without evaluating the speakers for your particular purpose and setup.

Gear like computers, phones, and headphones are in the middle. On one hand, they can't be resold as new once returned and the aggregate cost of returns is staggeringly high (and passed on). On the other hand, there may be important aspects that can't be fully assessed by reading reviews or even trying a store demo. That's especially true of headphones, which (for example) might sound great at first but fatiguing after a couple of hours of listening, etc. I think the key there is for the buyer to hold himself to a high standard. Research as much as possible, don't buy frivolously, take advantage of in-store demos if possible, and try to buy what you plan to keep whenever you can. If, however, the choice turns on two products and you can't resolve the "winner" without an extended test-drive, I don't think allowing yourself that luxury is a terrible thing.

 

[MICHAELSD]

That's some sort of entitlement you seem to believe YOU should have. As others have said, there is a cost and someone else pays for it (and often that is other customers). Like I said I hope folks like YOU who would buy two items knowing one will go back are charged a high restocking fee. Michael, where did you gain this degree of entitlement with no moral or ethical justification?

As bluespark said, there are items with the clear expectation they will be auditioned at home. Many high-end headphone manufacturers specifically mention that there's a 30-60 day "audition" included in the cost of their products. I think it's unethical to test a high-ticket item like a laptop, but headphones have extremely high margins and part of the reasons some products sell with high margins is to offset the returns.

There is some moral justification though in that the lightly-used products can be refurbished and resold at a discount to those who wouldn't pay full-price.

Most importantly though, I wouldn't have "auditioned" the Beats Solo3 at all at the price it's available at if it was a final sale item. I don't really see it as an audition though -- I paid for it and if I'm unhappy with it then I'll return it. As tempting as it is I'm not breaking into immoral territory of testing all the best new headphones at home and picking a favorite; I'm testing one headphone that I will keep if it meets my long-term expectations. So rather than no sale at all, the fact they offer a return policy means they have a customer (who spends a lot of money annually on Apple products, mind you) who's paid for the item and will keep it under the criteria it meets sound and comfort. If you spend $200++ on a headphone and it sounds unpleasant to you, or hurts to wear, you have every right to return it.

Speaking from a marketing perspective getting a customer to pay for a product and have it in their house is better than no sale at all. In fact, it's genius marketing when companies are already spending a fraction of the product's price to target the customers that will buy it. These companies spend a lot of money every year on marketing with the end goal of getting you to buy their product, and having a customer try the product in their own home with the expectation they'll keep it if it meets quality and price standards relative to the competition is the best marketing some companies can ask for. Of course, there are items like customized goods that this doesn't apply to. Getting the customer to purchase the product is the end goal, and restocking/refurbishing costs are a nominal marketing cost considering that the majority of on-the-fence sales won't be returned if it's a quality product.

Perhaps I find it a bit immoral as thus far I've only tried the Beats and not two or three products, but am not 100% happy with them.

 

[bluespark]

As bluespark said, there are items with the clear expectation they will be auditioned at home. Many high-end headphone manufacturers specifically mention that there's a 30-60 day "audition" included in the cost of their products. I think it's unethical to test a high-ticket item like a laptop, but headphones have extremely high margins and part of the reasons some products sell with high margins is to offset the returns.

There is some moral justification though in that the lightly-used products can be refurbished and resold at a discount to those who wouldn't pay full-price.

Most importantly though, I wouldn't have "auditioned" the Beats Solo3 at all at the price it's available at if it was a final sale item. I don't really see it as an audition though -- I paid for it and if I'm unhappy with it then I'll return it. As tempting as it is I'm not breaking into immoral territory of testing all the best new headphones at home and picking a favorite; I'm testing one headphone that I will keep if it meets my long-term expectations. So rather than no sale at all, the fact they offer a return policy means they have a customer (who spends a lot of money annually on Apple products, mind you) who's paid for the item and will keep it under the criteria it meets sound and comfort. If you spend $200++ on a headphone and it sounds unpleasant to you, or hurts to wear, you have every right to return it.

Speaking from a marketing perspective getting a customer to pay for a product and have it in their house is better than no sale at all. In fact, it's genius marketing when companies are already spending a fraction of the product's price to target the customers that will buy it. These companies spend a lot of money every year on marketing with the end goal of getting you to buy their product, and having a customer try the product in their own home with the expectation they'll keep it if it meets quality and price standards relative to the competition is the best marketing some companies can ask for. Of course, there are items like customized goods that this doesn't apply to. Getting the customer to purchase the product is the end goal, and restocking/refurbishing costs are a nominal marketing cost considering that the majority of on-the-fence sales won't be returned if it's a quality product.

Perhaps I find it a bit immoral as thus far I've only tried the Beats and not two or three products, but am not 100% happy with them.

I really agree with all of that. Different people might draw the line in a different place, but you're approaching your purchase options seriously and aren't abusing your options. Your approach sounds like an ethical one, which I suspect is usually the case with those who worry enough about these issues to start a thread like this one.

You're also correct that liberal return policies are good business. My wife, who returns purchases much more freely than I do, has on a couple of occasions urged me to buy a couple of different things I'm deciding between, with an eye toward my returning the disfavored options later. More often than not, I've ultimately kept everything I bought, even if I wouldn't have had I made the decision at the store. I'm pretty sure Cole Haan remains in business because of me and my wife. Apple's not far behind in that regard.

BTW, this is off-topic, but are you considering the Bowers & Wilkins P5's or P7's? I have the P5's, which come in both wired and wireless varieties, and they are great. Their approach is fairly different from Beats, but I prefer it. Just an aside, in case your decision isn't already difficult enough.

 

[MICHAELSD]

I really agree with all of that. Different people might draw the line in a different place, but you're approaching your purchase options seriously and aren't abusing your options. Your approach sounds like an ethical one, which I suspect is usually the case with those who worry enough about these issues to start a thread like this one.

You're also correct that liberal return policies are good business. My wife, who returns purchases much more freely than I do, has on a couple of occasions urged me to buy a couple of different things I'm deciding between, with an eye toward my returning the disfavored options later. More often than not, I've ultimately kept everything I bought, even if I wouldn't have had I made the decision at the store. I'm pretty sure Cole Haan remains in business because of me and my wife. Apple's not far behind in that regard.

BTW, this is off-topic, but are you considering the Bowers & Wilkins P5's or P7's? I have the P5's, which come in both wired and wireless varieties, and they are great. Their approach is fairly different from Beats, but I prefer it. Just an aside, in case your decision isn't already difficult enough.

It is incredibly difficult for anybody who does some research to pick a pair of headphones these days. I almost envy those that walk into Best Buy and just buy whatever looks good based on marketing lol. I'm finding it momentously difficult to find a pair of wireless headphones that are suited for at-home use as well as the gym/cardio, sound great, and are comfortable for long periods. I could buy a pair of wireless in-ear headphones which would definitely tick two of those three boxes, but I'm not sure without buying a pair and auditioning it if I'll be satisfied with the sound.

Which is why I made this thread. There are at least two or three more pairs of wireless headphones/earphones I'd like to hear and use at home to gauge comfort/fit before making a decision, but I know I'm going to have to narrow it down more. Even though I'll probably end up upgrading yet again within a year or two

As for the P7's you're not the first to recommend them (unless you also recommended them on Reddit? lol) and they do look great, but I'm not sure it would be wise to use them for fitness.

 

[MICHAELSD]

When I bought the Beats Solo3 I was 50/50 on keeping them, maybe even closer to 40/60, but I figured I'd give them an honest chance due to all the features they bring to the table.

After spending more time with them, I'm closer to 60/40 keeping the Solo3 as my portable wireless pair of headphones. There are some other considerations I'm making such as whether a wireless in-ear pair would be better for running due to sweat buildup, but then I would want to have a wireless pair of headphones at home. I'm just not sure that even for $300-$400 I'd be happy replacing the wired pairs I have.

The Solo3 are indeed fun, portable, and while not suited for analytical listening the exciting sound is perfect for being out-and-about, the gym, and casual listening. I wrote up a full review collecting my initials thoughts.

 

[Bart Kela]

In many instances, comparison shopping should be considered normal.

I dislike wearing headphones (they never feel good so I don't keep them on for long) but I have a few pairs for various situations. That means that I can't justify spending lots of money on headphones.

My most expensive pair are a pair of Bose QuietComfort 25, which I use exclusively for travel (airplane flights). They are really good at wiping out that white noise.

Over a decade ago, I bought Grado SR-60s and eventually a pair of SR-80s, the latter of which broke a few months ago. Both were excellent, but the SR-60s are still in service, so I won't replace the busted SR-80s until the SR-60s go.

I also bought a pair of closeout AKGs, a combination because they were inexpensive and there were some interesting comments about modding the phones to improve the sound. Since the AKGs were so cheap, I decided to risk modding the phones because if I trashed them, I wouldn't be out a bunch of dollars. The modification actually did improve the sound noticeably. I'm not keen on the fit, but hey, I have that beef with most headphones anyhow.

I would consider buying another set of AKGs though.

About 95% of the music I listen to is classical, so I definitely can hear audio quality of various headphones. I've even acquired some hi-res audio files as well as an external DAC. It's a shame that I simply don't like wearing headphones for extended use.

 

[Melrose]

The thing with buying online and returning the one you don't want, for those posters who are likening it to shopping around in physically stores, is that most online places offer free shipping, and most buyers expect to get free shipping on returns.

That's where the dig is: If you buy two items to keep the one you like, be willing to pay for return shipping without pitching a fit. If it were a physical store you'd be driving out there to return it anyway, not to mention the time you'd take to do it. We can't all get everything free.

I'm still against it. Educate yourself before you buy; if it's drastically different than what you've genuinely been led to believe, returns are fair. Returns are there for damaged products or otherwise misleading sales copy. Otherwise, you buy it, you keep it. And shut up about it unless you're willing to pay for return shipping or a restocking fee. Not to sound cranky, but there it is. Fair is fair.

Over a decade ago, I bought Grado SR-60s and eventually a pair of SR-80s, the latter of which broke a few months ago. Both were excellent, but the SR-60s are still in service, so I won't replace the busted SR-80s until the SR-60s go.

I also bought a pair of closeout AKGs, a combination because they were inexpensive and there were some interesting comments about modding the phones to improve the sound. Since the AKGs were so cheap, I decided to risk modding the phones because if I trashed them, I wouldn't be out a bunch of dollars. The modification actually did improve the sound noticeably. I'm not keen on the fit, but hey, I have that beef with most headphones anyhow.

I would consider buying another set of AKGs though.

I've been tempted by Grado SR-80s or 125s for a while now but haven't bought them; I also love my AKGs (really want the K702-esque model Massdrop had last year), and I'll recommend you have a listen on Fostex T50 RP-Mk3...you can't beat the sound quality coming from the orthodynamic drivers for that price. They sound so stinking clear it's unbelievable. Granted, I don't have a pair of headphones over $400, but they're easily one of the nicer sounds under that price range.