Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Review
Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 43 Reviews
Uncomfortable, on-ear.
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Jeffrey on B&H Photo Video
I bought these for $15 during a DealZone special to avoid wearing out my Bose 700 headphones, which I use almost every day for 2 to 8 hours. The reviews were great, the price was great, and since these were my first studio monitor headphones, I really wanted to like them. But gosh they are uncomfortable. They feel far too tight on my ears. Yes, they seem very much ON-EAR, not over-ear as advertised. The ear aperture/opening is only 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide, much too small for adult ears. Maybe baby ears would fit. It's no wonder they weren't shown in the photos. They clamp directly and uncomfortably onto my auricles. I've tried different positions, but they get too uncomfortable and hot after only 10-20 minutes. I tried to wear them for an hour straight to give them a fair shake, but I gave up. I'm wearing them now as I write this review. I'm writing faster so I can take them off. For $15, I had modest expectations, but I hadn't expected not wanting to use these at all. I much prefer (and do use) my free Apple EarBuds over these headphones, even though they sound worse, because at least they're tolerable. I know it's unfair to compare these to a competitor ten times more expensive, but it has really made me appreciate my Bose 700, which I wear for hours at a time without any discomfort at all. I didn't give a 1-star rating because it's not an actively bad product. The build quality is fine, the 10 ft cable is convenient, the 1/8 to 1/4 adapter was nice, the sound quality is fine, the weight is acceptable, and the packaging is fine. But the clamping force is just too high. (Maybe they need to be broken-in?) And most annoyingly, the over-ear advertising doesn't feel entirely honest. ... More
Get the job done
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Joshua on B&H Photo Video
I didn't want to spend a ton on a pair of headphones that I'd mainly be using for editing short files, but I wanted something over ear to block out some sound. These totally get the job done, and won't break the bank
Cheap Sennheiser knockoff
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video
I'm comparing these to Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (which as no comparison). The sound is tinggy and bass doesn't really go as deep as the 280's. I didn't think I was going to hear a difference but it was clearly discernable. The padded ear covers are small in diameter so they don't really sit well on my adult ears. Other that that, they are ok being that they are adjustable and similar in construction as the 280's. For the price($15), they are ok. I guess I could have looked further, I might have bought Sony or Panasonic for roughly the same price and would have expected higher quality. It is a good first over-ear phone for my 10yo. ... More
Just OK fo cheap headphones
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Norman on B&H Photo Video
I bought these as back-up for more expensive pro Sony headphones that I use recording sound as a videographer. Not up to spec for professionals or for audiophiles who want the best sound, but I'll concede they are probably worth the $29 price tag for someone who's happy with their performance. They are super bassy--too much so, but some people like that. Actually much louder than my Sony phones, but kind of muddy sounding despite that. All-plastic construction that would break at the pivot point if stressed. They do block out ambient sound better than my Sony phones (which let in lots of outside sound). I find them pretty uncomfortable-not great for long term wearing. I got on sale for $15 so I'm keeping for emergency back-up. ... More
Great also after noise cancelling mic on Voice Recorders!
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by pinchus on B&H Photo Video
Works well with Olympus, Sony, and Philips voice recorders (example OLVN541PCBLK). This has been great for education and entertainment. It muffles ambient noise somewhat, is comfortable for me (adult). This Polsen allows for listening to study sessions recorded in public and private. This is enhanced when used with Olympus noise cancelling Mic for the above recorders offering MIC in. Great for travel on public transportation and walking in noisy areas to focus on vocals including those with musical tones. Talent feels more professional and now gives more time and effort!
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Terrific sound + comfortable to wear
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Sarah on B&H Photo Video
I'm a professional musician, a string player, and I use headphones to listen to playbacks of my practicing. These are the best I've had--the sound is true and they're comfortable. Absolutely highly recommend
Not a pro but these are great
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Elizabeth on B&H Photo Video
Going into my second year of podcasting and wanted to up our gear to the next level. I got these because they were apart of the podcasting bundle, but honestly I didn't need any of the extra wires that ended up being free if you purchased as a bundle, so I separately bought 2 of each the rode psa1 studio boom arm, the A55M shure mic mount, these headphones, the shure SM58 handheld mic bundle. We have already uploaded a few new episodes, and not only is the sound super clear and crisp, but our entire set up is so much neater over all. Really happy with this purchase ! ... More
Podcast upgrade
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Elizabeth on B&H Photo Video
Going into my second year of podcasting and wanted to up our gear to the next level. I got these because they were apart of the podcasting bundle, but honestly I didn't need any of the extra wires that ended up being free if you purchased as a bundle, so I separately bought 2 of each the rode psa1 studio boom arm, the A55M shure mic mount, these headphones, the shure SM58 handheld mic bundle. We have already uploaded a few new episodes, and not only is the sound super clear and crisp, but our entire set up is so much neater over all. Really happy with this purchase ! ... More
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Neal on B&H Photo Video
These headphones are fine for voice, but useless for music. I had bought a Polsen headphone a couple of years ago and they were great for music, but there is no low end with these. I gave them to my daughter who can use them in her classroom. Bottom line, don't let the term Studio Monitor draw you in, these wouldn't be used in any audio studio.
Well Built But Hurt My Ears
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Jack on B&H Photo Video
Note that I use these for casual listening on my computer / laptop and not in a studio environment. That said, they sound OK to me. I was surprised how solid these headphones feel. IMO they are 2-3 times better than my previous ones I bought around the same price. However, I wear glasses and find they hurt my ears when used for an hour or more which is the only cause for my lower rating. I highly recommend them if you don't wear glasses.
A Solid Product
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by J on B&H Photo Video
You can spend a fortune on headphones, but run the risk of damage or loss when using them in the field on a daily basis for video production work. I bought 4 pairs, tested them all when they arrived, and they're great for my purposes. These are also great headphones for podcast guests, or any situation where you're required to provide headphones to others on your production team. An excellent value too, as the 1/4 adapter is included.
Good headphones, but...
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Joshua on B&H Photo Video
We bought nine of these for the students at the journalism school of the university I work for. After about 10 months, four of them (used about 7-10 times) have no audio on the right ear. I might understand if it was only one, but four seems like it's a known issue that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer.
For the price, I am very satisfy with these headphones
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Larry on B&H Photo Video
Vocal and music sound quality are very clear, but less bass. Overall, sound quality is very closed to my Tascam TH-03 which has little deeper bass. But for the price I bought during Black Friday sale, $14.99/ea pair, I am very satisfy with them. I bought 3 pairs and I am very happy and I can't complaint much.
Didn't make it a year.
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Harry on B&H Photo Video
Sound good. Seemed well made. Used on my laptop for videos and such. Used one night and when done put them in a case I purchased for them. Next night right side dead. No static no nothing. Oh well.
Good value
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Harry on B&H Photo Video
Nice fit and good sound. Used on my laptop. Much better than the lightweight ones I was using. Cord is really long so it's rolled up with Velcro. Like the way they fold up for storage.
inexpensive, but neither great, nor comfortable
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
Got these for music stuff, but they're not really adequate. Makes a buzzing sound at pitches as low as a bottom guitar string. Also uncomfortable to wear. Unless yo;re completely broke, do not buy these.
So Far so good
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Ashanty on B&H Photo Video
Headphones are pretty good especially for the price. I have only had it for a week and I have been using it consistently. I know over time some things that are priced cheaper has a shorter lifespan but we will see. Until then,so far so good.
Fantastic
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Elena on B&H Photo Video
Works really well, great audio quality. Great to beginners, does what I need.
Great deals
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Nick on B&H Photo Video
I bought a 3 pack for studio monitors, they block out sounds and give clear audio
Great for beginners
Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Marcela on B&H Photo Video
Nothing to fancy but gets the job done and I just love the sound!
