no preference, but very impressive
353883
I bought this knife after doing (too much) research. I thought I knew what to expect. i had read reviews claiming that the knife came dull, the finish wasn't great, and the grip screws would all fall out during moderate use. let me be clear in the fact that I have NO PREFERENCE when it comes to knife brands,names, or manufactures, this is the 1st K-Bar I have ever owned, or quite frankly, been interested in. i have several family members that are retired or active armed forces, and they all sing the praises of the USMC K-Bar knives, but I just didn't see the attraction to what i saw as an antiquated knife design. i was looking for a good general purpose knife, made to last, in the $50-$70 dollar range, that was no-frills, not flashy, and simple. this knife was in the running, and i made my decision based mostly on the simple design of the knife. i am very impressed with this knife. i do not think it is "too heavy" or "too bulky for smaller tasks". it is, at its core, just a great knife, strong simple, easy to maintain. i did opt for the Micarta Scales (expensive, but worth it). if you take away the fact that it is a K-Bar, and was designed by Ethan Becker; on its own, it is a good knife. it has held up to any use i have put it too, and i would consider that use to be very realistic, no tourture testing, i didn't break any windows with it, but the fact that this is a great knife for the money, in my opinion, cannot be disputed in any way..
845474
First, let me start with the confession that in general, piano concertos are not really my kind of music. In general I'm quickly bored with this typical kind of music. The only reason I bought this CD is that I obtained the pocket scores from the two concertos at a less than bargain price... So, I was surprised in a good way when I listened to this recording. In general I like Mendelssohn's music, although I can understand the general objections to it (it's too tame and polite and the classical form is retained in too rigid a manner). As for the overall style, these concertos are no deviation from what is to be expected of Mendelssohn. It's gentle pleasant music that nowhere gets really emotionally involved. On the other hand, it's not to be seen as light, unsubstantial music.
The first concerto begins with a very short introduction by the orchestra in an upward movement, resulting in the ff entering of the soloist. Right from the start the rapid pace for the rest of the piece is set. And right from the start the main objection I have to this recording is apparent. Since Mendelssohn is historically known to be a superb pianist with a very clear, clean style, refraining as much as possible from the heavy use of the pedal, promoted by contemporaries like Liszt, I'm always surprised by the extremely heavy way in which Frith opens the concerto. Although I'm not one to criticise piano playing technique I'm somewhat bothered by the way Frith can ramble in the forte and fortissimo passages, sometimes the balance is completely lost and minor details in the orchestra (like a subtle accompaniment in the woodwinds) become all but inaudible. In the slow movement of the concerto, Frith adopts a wonderful technique and combines it with great tenderness and musicality. The accompaniment by the viola's and celli of the orchestra is breathtaking. After the tenderness of the second movement, brass introduces the fast and very humorous third movement, in which the balance between piano and orchestra is much better than in the first movement, although here also the playing of Frith gets too heavy once in a while as if he is trying to push the keys of the piano through the keyboard!
Where the opening of the first concerto is enthusiastic, the tone of the beginning of the second movement is much darker en indeed this movement is characterised by a more ponderous main theme. Frith is clearly at home in the virtuosi writing of Mendelssohn but again I can't suppress the feeling that sometimes his virtuosity overtakes the musical sense of the work. The rendition of the slow movement is again of a very high standard. The fast last movement (reminiscent of the last movement of Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony) is a very tight interplay between orchestra and piano, but it clearly misses the humour and light-heartedness that is the charm of the first concerto's last movement.
The two other pieces are nice fills, but are not really much more than virtuosic show pieces.
3955821
Absolutely superb construction and it's capability is impressive.
215647
I've researching TVs for a while and it came down to Samsung's C8000 or this. I decided to pass on the 3D option because I wasn't convinced of its practicality.

I didn't purchase this through Amazon but got an amazing deal on pre-black Friday sales with 24 month free financing.

Observations:
1) It is heavy ~100 lbs!
2) The design as others have mentioned, is simple and very elegant.
3) Quality of build is high, the slimness leaves one speechless.
4) Picture quality is stunning! The blacks are deep and resolution among the different shades is impressive.
5) I notice the banding that others mentioned, but it really doesn't detract from what is an awesome TV.
6) I rewatched my basic DVD movies. Even with this material, it is impressive. The picture quality is to be seen to be believed!
7) The tunability is impressive!
8) The reflections can be a little heavy, but I'm not bothered by it.

All in all, you won't regret getting this TV (aside from some others who appear to have gotten a poor copy).
2489827
I have been using this for about two years, now. It is mounted on an AT-PL120 Audio Technica turntable. Moving up from the Audio Technica moving magnet cartridge AT120ET, the upgrade opened an additional dimension to my existing LP collection. I own a large number of classical symphonic, piano, and jazz albums. The difference in sound is remarkable. I blame much of this on the stylus' ability to more accurately trace the grooves, and the moving coil's ability to generate analog audio uncolored by mass and resonance. The difference seems not so much due to frequency response, but to much lower distortion. Using the same amplifier and speakers, there's a clarity that is easily noticed. (Note: if I were mostly playing pop, rock, and rap recordings, I doubt I'd notice any improvement. Those recordings, vinyl or not, are so deliberately distorted in the production processes as to be unrecognizable compared to what the studio microphone heard.)
But, if you want an oboe to sound less like a kazoo, a clarinet less nasal, a violin like it's not bowed with sandpaper, and piano that simply sings like a Steinway is supposed to, I can't fail to recommend this cartridge.
I have not compared it to the more expensive MC cartridges because, A: I don't have the preamplifier equipment to handle their low output, and B. because they're unreasonably costly. I don't claim brag rights to the cost of my music system, but I do to my ears. I regularly attend jazz, symphonic, chamber, and organ concerts, and I compare my music equipment to what my ears remember.
This cartridge, and its stylus do a very, very good job of finding real music in a vinyl recording.
There can be one disadvantage: Removing the annoyance of distortions in vinyl media leave the careful listener hearing huge difference in instrumental performance and, especially, recording techniques. This cartridge cannot make the Dismal Seepage Symphony Orchestra play any better in ensemble. Au contraire.
3428452
Exceptional high quality, especially for the price point!!
651217
Incredible.  MUCH nicer than I even expected.
1589327
Overall, this LG Cinema Screen is pretty fantastic. The TV has its shortcomings, but they are few and far between.

What I found that was most impressive was the unit's overall construction. First off, it looks beautiful and feels solidly built for such a thin unit (it measures about 1/2" thick at the top). The stand did feel a bit cheap and plastic-ky, for lack of a better term. Though, the stand itself gets brownie points because it look cool, not that looks are everything. I think its designers sacrificed functionality for aesthetics here. That said, it seems to hold structurally.

Performance is what really matters, and this unit delivers for the most part. The picture is bright with vivid colors, and comes within 1/2" of the bezel. In full 1080p, coupled with "TruMotion" 240Hz technology, the set delivers brilliantly, especially on sports broadcasts such as NASCAR and NBA action. Audio is crisp as well.

The unit comes with a 2D to 3D that renders regular broadcasts to 3D content. It's a nice feature, but I found myself not using it very often. Even with the feature off, there is a hint of 3D trying to come out of the 2D picture. A little eye-straining for the sensitive. You will get used to it, though. To fully enjoy 3D, you need a bonafide 3D broadcast or you'll be asking for more eye strain. Definitely not a deal-breaker.

Connect this guy to the internet (built-in WiFi, woo hoo!) and you have unlocked a whole new set of features. WiFi is very easy to set up (You need an existing WiFi network.) The app I find most-used is Netflix. There are other bells and whistles which I didn't find as useful, for which you may find hours of pleasure.

Now, the remote. At first glance, I thought the "magic remote" was pretty cool. It works almost like a mouse with only a few buttons, and is very intuitive. You won't need a Ph. D to figure out how to use it, except if you want to switch your picture from a 4:3 to 16:9. I'd like a single button on the remote for oft-used features instead of having to navigate with a wand. Blame me, I never got my invitiation to attend Hogwarts.

So more on the wand: When watching a streaming video, you'll have to point the arrow to the pause button on-screen to pause the video. It's annoying at first, but something that you'll just have to get used to. It doesn't seem as easy to control as, say, a Wiimote (with which I can Wingardium Leviosa with ease, btw). Finally, what happens when this remote gets lost? I am doubtful a universal remote would be able to offer the same features.

A quick note on the 3D glasses. Good choice here. No batteries, and they are very light and not as dorky looking as others on the market. They are lightweight and could be seen as a little flimsy, but not much different that something Disney would hand you at Captain E-O.

Overall, I give this TV 4 stars. It's beautiful to look at, but exterior aesthetics aren't everything. Picture quality is good. If you're a big sports fan, you'll love it. Set up is easy, and at 240Hz with a Dual Core and built-in WiFi, it's at the top of the heap. Just be wary of the "novelty" remote. Or see if Hermione can give you a few pointers.
258922
The Ultrasone Performance 840's are an incredible set of cans. Keep in mind, every headphone fills a certain purpose, like tools in a toolbox. The 840's distinguish themselves by being very detailed and accurate, and have the widest sound-stage I have heard in a closed set of headphones. These headphone make you pay attention to music. Every detail, every instrument, every sound, where it's being played--the 840's make you concentrate on what you are listening to. Much like the sound signature, the fit, hugs your head. I wouldn't say they have a tight clamp, but you definitely feel the headband and ear cups on your head. The ear cups are very wide but shallow. I do not find them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They come with two cables, a long one with the optional 1/4 inch jack, and a short one with controls for a mobile device. I didn't use the shorter cable, but the longer cable is fairly standard and is the least impressive part of the build quality. It is in no way a bad cable, I just imagine the 840's would come with something a little more elegant than rubber, like a braided cable. The S-Logic (surround sound) technology really takes the driver seat and makes these a extremely unique sounding set of cans. Nothing is over done, nothing stands out, but everything is there. Highs, mids, lows... all there. However, I find myself being more impressed by the surround sound then any of the frequencies. If you like flat headphones, or are a bass-head, it is hard to recommend these. (Basshead's definitely NO) But if you like accuracy and surround sound, with a solid build, go for it.

P.S Mine came with the seal broke, though they were sold as "New", and a strange chemical smell that was off putting. I did not factor this in my over-all impression but it's worth mentioning.
1230340
I bought these, along with the EP500 (<<<This thing is a monster), QS8's, and the VP150 at the very beginning of 2010. It was my first serious stereo system, and I figured that if I was gonna buy, I might as well do it right. It took me probably 2 months and days worth of research to decide on these. I'm not going to go in depth and try to sound scientific about it all, but I will say that these speakers are incredible. I can't say that I have had any experience around other more expensive brands, but I have been around other brands around the same price, and they were not very good, what with muddy bass and a very poor sound stage.

The sound stage on these when set up properly, is incredible. The blend beautifully to create a stage that completely natural and never overbearing (Though, in my case, they can be a bit, as they are underpowered. More on this later) One of the many beautiful things about these speakers is that you really can't tell where the sound is coming from, which is how it should be. The sound just seems to emanate from a generalized area, and very rarely directly from the speaker itself.

The bass delivery on these is incredibly impressive. In all actuality, most people, if using just for music, do not need a subwoofer. These things hammer out more bass than the cheap 10" Polk woofer I had prior to this purchase, per speaker. And not only is the bass plentiful, but its produced with great authority. Its as if they have subwoofers built in, instead of just the 2 6" woofers they have. Its quite impressive.

The cabinets I have are the cheap generic black laminate, which is fine since I was on a bit of a budget. The Axiom emblems broke on two of my speakers, which lends a bit of a cheesy feeling to the quality, which I was not, and am still not, impressed with. Despite the cheap-y feeling of the aesthetics, they are definitely well built.

Ok. So, these speakers require ***4*** ohms to be driven properly. Unfortunately, my AVR is only good down to 6 ohms, and its was not exactly a cheap unit when it came out (Denon3310CI), but not exactly high end either. I'm sure that most AVR's are going to be putting out the same kind of power, up to 16+ ohms. This means that you really need to be using a separate amp for the mains in order to A) have them sound the best, B) Not wear them out so fast, and C) Not push your AVR so hard. Alas, I didn't take this into consideration when I bought them, and have been unable to afford a good enough amp for them. Afterall, I spent nearly $4500 on the sound system when I bought it, not sure I could've managed an additional $1k.

Bottom line, the speakers are incredible. The only weakness that I have with mine are the cheap emblems, and the overall cheap look of the laminate, but that was my choice. Also, since they are direct from manufacturer, and unless you live near their facility, you don't get to listen to them first. Which, isn't too big of a deal, because they are AWESOME!! BUY THEM!! And then, stack it with an EP500, or dual EP500's! You'll for sure anger your neighbors!
1268356
It is very difficult to assign a numerical value to recordings like this one.  If you know the opera well, and if you admire its many virtues, this performance will bring you considerable pleasure in spite of the primitive audio.  Guild has done its usual fine work in locating the best original sources and remastering them into a listenable sound; however, I would not describe the result as easy to listen to.  There is some surface swish and crackling, and the frequency range is very truncated with the mid-range sound lacking in clarity and definition - overall about a 5 on a scale of 10.

Fortunately the voices come through more clearly than the orchestra.  I say fortunately because, while the conducting and orchestral playing are both very good, the primary interest in this recording lies in the singing.

It is not a accident that the cover picture and the 30+ minutes of additional music appended at the end of the recording are of Friedrich Schorr - this is very much his show.  I usually avoid and distrust enthusiasm in opera reviews; however, it is very hard not to be wildly enthusiastic about Schorr's portrayal of Hans Sachs in this recording.  I have known and appreciated his recordings of the important excerpts for years; but this recording brings an even greater appreciation of how skillfully and expertly he could blend beautifully nuanced singing and subtle inflections of vocalization into a complete characterization.  Most opera singers never let us forget that it is they who are singing a particular role at a given moment; Schorr simply becomes Sachs - the suspension of disbelief is total.  The voice is perfect for Sachs: warm and resonant; and the vocal artistry is of the highest order.  Highest recommendations for this performance alone.

However, the performance has other felicities as well.  Rethberg's Eva is rather mature sounding, but very elegantly sung, with a large, rich voice (she was an excellent Aida) and considerable artistry.  Rene Maison was never an elegant singer, and sounds definitely strained in "Fanget an!" and "Morgenlich leuchtend", but does no great disservice to the rest of his part. Eduard Habich sings very well and brings out all the humor in the role of Beckmesser - one of the best of many good Beckmesser's on record.  Emanuel List is not in good voice as Pogner, but the Magdalene (Branzell) and David (Hans Clemens) sing and act well enough.  Artur Bodansky had been conducting for over 20 years at the Met, and had worked with Mahler before that.  He does a nice job of moving the drama along and highlighting it with little orchestral details.  Beckmesser's serenade of Eva and the ensuing riot are especially well conducted, keeping the various lines separate and bringing out all the humor of the scene.

In keeping with Met practice of the 1930's there are numerous cuts, some of which are both significant and damaging - a relatively minor cavil considering the performance's great virtues.

Highly recommended for a third or fourth recording.
1515739
I have spent about 30 minutes with each of the iMac configurations (17" and 20") at my local Apple Store and can report on what I've seen.

The design of this machine is brilliant and online pictures do not do it justice. It is remarkably stable and easily adjustable. The cpu/monitor (hereafter refered to as the "slab") tilts vertically with the push of a finger in a smooth motion. The arm that supports the slab also can be slid easily to rotate on the horizontal axis. The slab also supports standard VESA mounts so that the iMac can be attached to the wall on an articulating VESA arm. An interesting design note is that the fullsize components are meticulously arranged in the chassis so that the whole unit is center balanced on the anodized aluminum arm. This alone is an impressive engineering feat. Equally impressive is the user repair/upgradeability of this machine. Virtually every component is easilly accesable and replaceable by the user.

Some people have opinioned that the i/o ports in the rear might look ungainly or make the unit unstable. Not true. The units I looked at had ethernet, usb and firewire cables plugged in and routed through the whole in the base of the stand. It looked very clean and from a stability standpoint I don't think the iMac knew they were there. And by adding an Airport Extreme card and Bluetooth module (yes I agree they should have been standard) You iMac may be completely wireless, save the powercord.

The monitors on both models were sharp and bright with excellent viewing angles. I prefer the 20" model for the extra screen real estate.

The store I visited was very busy and loud so I decided to give the speakers a workout and see if they could cut through the ambient noise. I launched a movie trailer for Nemo and was surprised at how good they sounded. I don't think they can compare to a powered external speaker setup but considering their size and placement (they are inset under the bottom lip of slab and fire down at the desk) they sound very good.

Because the Apple Store I visited was so noisy, I was unable to hear the iMac's fans so I can't report on how the machine would sound in a quiet home office environment. Apple claims it is whisper quiet.

General speed of the 1.8 model was excellent. Applications opened quickly if not instantly and everything felt responsive.

For the benefit of those wavering Windows users out there, I want to make a point about my own experience with processor speed. Before switching from a homebuilt PC with an Athalon 1800 back in 2002 I was worried about the speed hit I would take when moving to a lowly 867mhz G4. I can honestly say that the only thing that suffered was high-end games. Everything else I do on the computer was actually faster! OS X's integration of included software - email, web browser, Calender, iChat (text, audio and video messaging), the iLife Suite (iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, Garageband and iDVD) and the aftermarket addition of Microsoft Office allow me to do everything much more efficiently. What Apple does better then any other manufacturer is integrate its OS to the hardware and give everyday users a built-in suite of software tools to manage all their core computing needs.

And one more quick aside; in my 2 years on the Mac platform, my machines have never been attacked by malicious spyware or viruses.

If you are looking for a combination of style, speed, usability and long term value, I would highly recommend the new iMac in either monitor configuration. One thing that is rarely mentioned about Macs is their resale value. You can feel comfortable that these machines will hold their value better then any other manufacturer out there. So when it comes time to upgrade in a few years your Mac will be worth half the price of a new model as opposed to 1/10th for a comparable PC.
4479708
Unlike purists, I like to tinker with the sound of the recording if it doesn't sound the way I like to hear it. If the recording sucks, they don't make a headphone that makes it not suck. Theses little guys are extremely versatile. Yes, they are a bit light on bass, but it's not a deal-breaker and it is certainly not absent to the extent that I have heard from other high-end buds. If you make a few eq adjustments, these buds will make all the bass you want to hear. Mids are mellowish and highs there without being harsh. Channel separation is good. The real treat is the open presentation. They are not open $1k cans, but there is a can-like stage on good recordings. (of course, this illusion disappears if the song isolates one instrument to one channel)

They do really disappear into your ear and with comply tips attenuation is very good. The UM3x/Comply combo provided a bit more isolation. The comfort is comparable (which is saying something--the UM3X was easily the most comfortable I've ever worn). I had UEs before, but the .fi version, which was bulky, didn't fit well, and was uncomfortable. I loved the sound, though, so I was willing to give UE another chance with this design. I'm glad I did.

I've since sold my UM3Xs--and no I'm not insane. They really are that good. Plus, I only wear buds while commuting and while in the library. For home, I have Grado 80s and Ultrasone Pro 900s.

*If you don't like to adjust the levels on your recordings to get that perfect sound, if you are a basshead (who doesn't like to tinker with sound), or if you don't like sticking things in your ears, then these are probably not for you.

*They do sound better with an amp, but that's a given. For their size, they take a little bit of juice to go, but you can certainly play straight out of your ipod or whatever. They sound great with the E7 and with the E9. Haven't tried them with any other DAC/AMP.

UPDATE: As of 9/2012, a little more than a year, all three wire connections have failed. At the terminal and each bud the wire has broken. I contacted customer support with a very detailed description of the failure and received an ultra-friendly response suggesting that I make sure the earphones are plugged in and the source is turned on. Really, it was helpful. Then I was told to send the earbuds so someone could determine what had happened. I gave up at that point. I'll just have them re-shelled and wired, if possible. I wouldn't buy them again knowing how predictably the cables will fail. It's a shame, because I still think they sound fabulous and they are supremely comfortable.
889979
Initially, I did not have high expectations for this product, and I thought it more of a novelty. With that said, I am very impressed  with the iLuv Workstation. The first thing you will notice is the actually dock, which rotates and also tilts. Note that the rotation is only 90 degrees  counterclockwise. This isn't an issue for me, I just note it for accuracy. It also tilts from near horizontal to near vertical....another very nice feature. The only thing I don't like about the dock is that it is not so easy to mount the iPad into it, and the grips don't really flex well enough to actually snap the iPad into it. Instead, it feels more like a tight rubber grip (which i am afraid may wear quickly with use).

As a workstation, this iLuv is great! It has a very small footprint: 11" wide x 6 3/4" deep (10" with keyboard fully out) x 4 1/2" high (12" with iPad). The keyboard is small, especailly for my large hands, but still very manageable! It is the same size as my netbook keyboard, so am I used to the size. The keyboard slides into its own slot and is spring activated (I like that). Unfortunately, that spring action is not guided well and makes it feel cheap. It would have been nice to give it two guide paths so it would stay straight not be tilt left/right. My kids LOVE it! It's a perfect size for them, and they are very comfortable with it. The cord should be longer! While 4 feet may seem like a lot, I need an extension cord to use it, and for something that is marketed as a "Mobile Computing Station," I think it is not very mobile! I almost dropped it to 4 stars for that and the way it holds the iPad.... but then I heard the sound.

The most impressive thing about the iLuv Workstation is the sound. It delivers a rich, full sound with good bass. Even at full volume it is clear and easily fills a room. You would be hard pressed to find better sound at this price! I should note that I like good sound. I give a lot of weight for something with good fidelity and I have not been impressed by many other iPad sound systems at any price. At this price, I can't imagine anyone not being impressed.

You also get a remote that has a magnet on the back of it. Hang it on your fridge, even. The back of the unit has an auxillary in slot plus a mini-usb to connect other things to it, e.g. mp3 player, etc. You are getting a lot for your money. I was not thrilled with the apps and deleted them. I was also not thrilled with the "quick start guide." I would like to have seen more suggestion on how I can use the mini-usb, for example.....still, it is pretty intuitive, so again, I can't complain too much. :-)

In short, I love it! Pandora never sounded better!
495863
I don't want to go on details, so I'll focus this review only on the sound quality.

Bass: The bass is perfection. This is maybe the greatest surprise I've ever had with an audio transducer. The bass is extremely low, they are tight and well-defined up to 20 Hz, which is something that few speakers can do without a sub, and most headphones who goes this low have pretty bloated and muddy bass. These don't. The bass here is extremely clean. There is no mid-bass hump, no strange sub-bass creep, and yet it is tight, clear and fast. You can hear rumbles and any sub-sonic information clearly, it's just not boosted like cheap and less-capable headphones and speakers. The bass here is of extremely high quality and even.

Mids: The mids are extremely plain. No peaks, nothing strange there. It's not forward or recessed. Because of the high capability of the Balanced Armature transducer, voices, guitars, percussions and bass sounds very convincing. Anything that lives in the midrange for that matter. It's pretty clear and defined, it doesn't attract attention. What's in your recording is what you will get.

Treble: Depends on the insertion. With good insertion, it's clear and remarkably even. For some it may be bright or dry, but I like it's accuracy and less treble would be just insufficient to me. More would be harsh. Sibilance is not there unless your recording is extremely bad or harsh on purpose. Remember that these headphones are intended for accuracy in mind, so it tries to sound as close as the original recording or a live performance. It tries to be transparent, and when you roll-off the treble, you can't achieve that, unless rare occasions.
The treble is well extended beyond 16 kHz, and every instrument that depends on good treble reproduction would be remarkably convincing.

Remember: The treble response with these depends entirely of the insertion, so use the correct eartips for your ears until you don't hear any resonances on this part of the spectrum (Like sibilance or unnatural harshness-thinness). The sound is not supposed to be thinny and harsh. It's supposed to be accurate. Bass-heavy music may not shake your head like bass-boosted headphones, but it will be still present and you should be able to discern every detail in the bass, and the same goes for the treble.

I personally love them, and I wouldn't never throw them. You can get better, maybe, but these are no-slouch. The performance is extremely good and now I know why Etymotic are so confident of themselves when they said in the manual: ''These produce the highest sound quality of any earphones on the market.'' The CIEM market is still trembling while thinking about this old legend. Bravo Etymotic!
1730399
Never liked IEM's and have always been a headphone fan. But these IEM's have converted me! The hybrid driver design gives the best of both driver types:

1) stunning clarity and articulation of balanced armature drivers
2) smooth, deep bass of a dynamic driver

Together, it is quite a combination.
797408
This headphone (along with a Stax SRM-727a amp) is the finest audio experience of my life. If you're used to dynamic drivers, it'll be a shock the first time you hear what music is supposed to sound like. There is ZERO muddiness anywhere in the spectrum. Every frequency is reproduced cleanly and separately from the others. Voices and instruments sound so realistic, in unfamiliar music I'll often think someone is in the room with me, before realizing it's just the recording. Most concert venues don't sound half as clear.

If the sound balance right out of the box isn't what you're looking for, (like the confuddled fellow who inexplicably gave these 3 stars), not to worry, they respond perfectly to an EQ, and will take on whatever sound signature you desire, at whatever volume (these sound just as good quiet or ear-bleedingly loud). Personally I like boosting 200hz ane below by 4db or so.

Most everyone talks about the mids or the highs, which are indeed world-class, and sharper and crisper even than any planar magnetic driver can manage. But for me (an EDM & hip-hop listener) the bass was the real revelation. Where even the best dynamic speakers produce a deep indistinct boominess, these can articulate the bass exactly, and you can suddenly tell the difference between a 20hz and a 22hz tone.

Even the sennheiser HD800 sounds slow and artificial sounding compared to the Stax. I haven't heard other electrostatic headphone systems (be it other Stax models, the Koss ESP950, or the absurd $10,000 Sennheiser HE50), but no dynamic, no planar magnetic driver can come close to doing what this Stax electrostat can.

Obviously your source matters, but even streaming soundcloud from the headphone jack on my phone sounds phenomenal through these. Using a hi-fi DAC such as the Mojo or GOV2+ is even better of course, but the gap between my phone (an LG V10 with a relatively great DAC to begin with) and those hi-fi dacs isn't nearly as great as the gap sounds when using regular headphones. I prefer a DAC that gives a lot of body to the music, such as the Hifiman HM601. Using a bright DAC might not be the best pairing.

While the astounding sound quality is the most important thing, I'd like to say a few words about build quality and comfort. The build quality is nothing special, they seem to be made of a cheap plastic, but I've learned that a cheap feel does not mean it's actually flimsy, but I baby mine anyway just in case. As these are the least portable headphone type on the market, that's not much of an issue. They will never leave the room where their amp is set up.

Comfort-wise, they are exceptionally comfortable. They weigh very little, and exert almost no clamping force on your head, but somehow they never slip off while you're wearing them either. The main issue related to comfort is the fact that they rely on static electricity to produce sound, and bumping your hand to the outside of the case can cause a quick grounding on that side, and you will only hear through the opposite side for a minute while it builds up a sufficient charge again. It's a minor issue that's inherent to the technology.

IN CONCLUSION, these are the best headphones I have ever heard, they put most $1,500 pairs to shame (ahem HD800 ahem), and if you know how to EQ for yourself, there is no reason you wouldn't be blown away too. No one who gives it a fair chance will ever give it less than 5 stars.