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Review: Monster’s Beats by Dr. Dre High Definition Headphones

by Gary on December 9th, 2008

The headphones that come with the iPhone 3G are not the worst out there but they aren’t the best either. If you’re looking for a headphone upgrade you’re better off getting the Helium Digital HD-340 Boombuds or spending a bit extra for a set of noise canceling headphones. Today we’re going to take a closer look at the latest high definition headphones created by Monster, Beats by Dr. Dre.

Dr. Dre Makes Headphones? Cool! What’s in the Box?

These headphones come in a stylish black and red box jam packed full of goodies. Here’s what you get inside:

- Beats Studio headphones
- Monster Cable headphone cable
- Monster iSoniTalk™ iPhone enable headphone cable with built-in answer button and microphone
- Rigid Tour case
- Anti-Microbial Cleaning cloth
- 1/8″ to 1/4″ Adapter
- Two AAA batteries

Specifications
- Weight: 260 grams, 270 grams with batteries
- Headphone cable length: 1.3 meters
- Connector: 1/8 inch (3.5mm), gold-plated

The entire setup as you read above includes all the cables you need. What was important for me was that the included iSoniTalk iPhone headphone cable works exactly as advertised. This ensures that you can also control your iPhone while listening to music.

How is the Sound Quality of these Headphones?

These headphones are created with enabling users to listen to music and sounds just like how they were intended to sound like in the studio. They were released to much fanfare in the US and now they have hit Canadian shores.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am no audiophile. However, after testing out these headphones with the included audio tracks, my MP3 collection, and playing Call of Duty 4 on my MacBook I must say these headphones sound amazing! Vocals are super clear, highs are detailed and the bass sounds like I’m back to my high school days of cruising with subs in the trunk (come on, who didn’t rock their stereo with the windows rolled down?!).

Are They Comfortable? How is the Build Quality?

The comfort of these headphones are second to none. I tested them on my head for over an hour and I didn’t feel any discomfort around my ears. The padding is fairly soft and the noise isolation qualities are excellent. One feature I enjoy is the included “mute” button on the right side of the headphones. Just hold down on the Beats logo and the sound is muted instantly.

The headphones take two AAA batteries to operate the extra large drivers and powerful digital amplifier and can be turned ON/OFF via a switch on the right side (it has an LED indicator as well). The headband is adjustable and the ear cups are hinged and very plush. These headphones are definitely what you call the cream of the crop when it comes to noise canceling headphones.

These headphones are foldable and fit right inside the included zippered carrying case. They are very stylish however I ran into a slight problem. Maybe I was a bit too aggressive but the top left side of the headband cracked on me when I was opening the headphones to put onto my head. It was either my carelessness, my head being too big, or the build quality of the plastic headband! This was something that I didn’t expect to happen–oops!

Conclusion: These are Premium Headphones with Excellent Sound Quality

It is very clear that Monster and Dr. Dre have created a superior product compared to the competition. It comes bundled with an assortment of cables and extras that help round out the entire product. With all the work put into these headphones and the quality you will receive, it is reflected in the Canadian retail price of $399 (available at FutureShop.ca).

Want some words from the man himself? In the words of Dr. Dre:

“People aren’t hearing all the music. Artists and producers work hard in the studio, perfecting their sound. But people can’t really hear it with normal headphones. Most headphones can’t handle the bass, the detail, the dynamics. Bottom line: the music doesn’t move you. With Beats, people are going to hear what the artists hear and listen to the music the way they should: the way I do.”

Are they worth the price? Well, if you’ve got some deep pockets you can expect to receive some comfortable, high definition noise canceling headphones that are the epitome of superior sound quality associated with Dr. Dre and the reputation of Monster. Get ready to treat your ears to a party with Monster’s Beats by Dr. Dre is all I gotta say!

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Posted under: Reviews, iPhone Accessories

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  • tzor
    Great sounding earphones, but they are very expensive and here's the catch - they break. I'm not hard on equipment at all and find that most good product lasts me a very long time. Not these. It's really disappointing that Monster isn't doing something about this faulty product. The headband isn't a flexible enough plastic. Not to mention they decreased it's strength by screwing in two little pieces of metal into the headband to hold the "monster" / " studio" tagging.

    It doesn't take long with a quick little google search to find out that this is a very common issue with all of the Monster over the ear headphones.
  • ericd888
    ===


    Monster Beats Studio by Dr. Dre Headphones $279.99 @ mostlydigital

    http://www.mostlydigital.ca/product/H131710/Har...


    Alot better than paying $350.00


    They are also selling...

    Monster Beats Tour by Dr. Dre Headphones $136.99 @ mostlydigital

    http://www.mostlydigital.ca/product/H131466/Har...



    Monster Beats Solo By Dr Dre Headphones - White & Black on sale @ Futureshop for $149.99

    http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp...

    http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp...



    ===
  • xxjdxx
    These BROKE on you??

    Why is no one mentioning this. I would be outraged if i paid the full $399 + tax and had them break on me right away.

    If they are broken, they are useless....
  • Alex
    For $399 I'd rather spend it on the Alessandro MS series, or the Grado SR series. Those, my friends, are true headphones. Even Sennheisers and Shure will top this sub-par headphones.
  • Don
    My first comment seemed fly off into the ether. In essence I said that I don't buy Monster products because of the aggressive, litigious behaviour of the company. The name is appropriate!
  • Don
    Unfortunately "Monster" is a good name for this company. It is an aggressive, litigious, corporate bully. I don't buy their products anymore, regardless of quality.

    Noel Lee is shameless . . he thinks he owns the word "Monster" and has even sued non-profits using the name "Monster" in activities totally unrelated to audio, hi-fi, video, or electronics. Avoid these people!!!!!
  • Teebs
    You can get 'em at FutureShop in store or online. Same as Apple's stores or online I believe. I have Bose On-Ear Headphones and they work awesome. I paid $150 on eBay and don't plan on replacing these with "Beats" any time soon... Maybe if or when the price drops to below $200.
  • Rey
    Wow. Combine Monster (overpriced products) with Dre's signature and you have a crazy wallet eater. I've worked retail and know Monster is good but have huge mark up. This combo is deadly.

    That said, I wish I had em.
  • lilclie
    Where are these bad boys available in Canada? Time to splurge!
  • mmm
    there are also IEM's that are going to be released soon. I think those will sell ALOT better, as they are more portable and easier to wear. Depending on the reviews for the Beats IEM's, i might save up and spend the money to get them.

    I hope you get a sample of those too!
  • Peacock
    these headphones were just on the price is right!!! The beauties have them and love them. LOL. $350 US
  • Jasper
    Wow,
    Insane price, but if I had the money to throw around, I'd pick them up. I see many NBA-ers using them...they MUST be good to pump you up before a game! LOL
  • SSK13
    wow those looks pretty sweet although at $399 it sounds like I just got to hope I find a pair that fell off a truck or something. Can't spend more on headphones than I did on my iphone lol..
  • Peacock
    I still ride with the windows down. LOL. How can you afford these headphones?!?! Time to hit the rock (river rock casino)!!! One problem: I gel my hair. These headphones will cramp my style. J/K
  • I got these as a sample unit to review. I cannot afford the lifestyle of Dr. Dre dude! ;)
  • luke
    Do you have to return them, if so how long do you keep them?
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