Ultrasone Pro-580i

The Best Over Ear Headphones I've Ever Had

Three months ago I hadn't encountered the Ultrasone brand. I have a selection of headphones including Grado, Kliptsch and a set I use when I DJ. When searching for a replacement for my DJ 'phones I came across Ultrasone and decided to take a punt. Although not on their DJ phones as you can see. Getting to the point, I can unhesitatingly recommend these headphones for DJs and for those who aren't DJs who like quality headphone sound without layi... Show Moreng out a lot of money. As I write this I am listening to Gene Harris playing through Audirvana/Tidal on a MacBook Pro, AudioQuest Dragonfly, Jitterbug and a Graham Slee Voyager headphone amplifier (switched to Contour). I might as well be sitting beside Gene. I've used many different headphones when I DJ. The Audiosone Pro-580i are without the best I've ever had. I am almost 60 years old so I've been through a lot of audio equipment, I play all kinds of music from the '50s through to yesterday mainly in clubs and I now use the 580s all the time. Full disclosure: I have always had very sensitive hearing. Even now, heading into late middle-age, my hearing is still very sharp. Such that, when I'm gigging I use Etymotic earplugs with the 580s and while the sound is flatter, that is all it is, flatter. In terms of the fit and finish I like the tight over-ear fit of the 'phones. External sounds below a certain level are totally excluded without feeling my head is being squeezed in a vise. The build quality seems solid, only time will tell. I like the way the 'phones fold in so that I can have one on ear and one off. The only negatives for me is that the cable is fixed into the cup and can't be unplugged but that was my choice. The other is that the cable was folded, not coiled, in the box. The folds still haven't straightened out. The Ultrasone DJ phones cable unplug if that is what you are looking for. In short, I recommend these headphones highly.Show Less

Reviewed on ThomannMusic.com