Price Paid:  $200.00 from Who can remember aft

Summary:
I've used BeyerDynamic DT48 headphones since 1980 for ENG recording and for enjoyment in more than 40 countries; from Iran to Tahiti. There is NO more rugged headphone in existence. A DT 48 shows only cosmetic damage from being run over by an automobile (as might be expected since each case is machined aluminum with a screw-on cap.) In the unlikely circumstance that the functionality be impaired, BeyerDynamic can rebuild the DT 48. The only repairs my DT48s have ever needed are replacement cables and replacement earpads. The isolation afforded by the optional over-the-ear pads is surperb. The response of the DT48s is FLAT. What you hear is what you get (if the recorder is up to the task.) The purpose of a DT48 is fidelity, NOT a 'pleasant' sound. At the current price (~ $400 US as of 2008) this is a choice for the professional recordist or the enthuasiast (or anyone who values never needing to buy a replacement.)

Strengths:
Flat response
Almost indestructible
Compact for over-the-ear headphones
Comfortable when used with the over-the-ear-pads

Weaknesses:
Relatively heavy for the size (machined aluminum case)

Similar Products Used:
There are no directly competing products that combine the ruggedness, flat response, isolation, and repution of the the DT48.