Price Paid:  $150.00 from www.meier-audio.com

Summary:
Just for the reference, my source is an Audiophile 24/96 feeding an MSB Link DAC II amplified by an MG Head DT.

These phones are detailed. Detailed and crystal clear, and transparent. Some of it is probably due to its brightness, which is the headphone's only flaw. However, with the right source you can tame down the brightness into some very nice headphones with smooth and realistic highs (read: tube amp). The bass is deep, tight and controlled though not as impactful as Grados (which are known for impact) but I prefer the bass to the Grados since it is more realistic. In fact it is the most realistic bass I have ever heard (and at this price point...!)

The isolation is excellent as well, very convinent in blocking out outside noises. Their closed nature does not harm much their imaging and sound stage as well as bass. I definetely recommend them as closed headphones... However, you will *need* an amplifier to push them to their potential... note the review a few down by 'Jerry' encouraging the [oh my god are they awful and boomy and waaaay overpriced] V600s... probably didn't know headphone amplifiers existed...

For $150 this is a no brainer, no other closed headphone will compete with it at this price range (you will have to double the price range for the next step). However, an amplifier is required, preferably one with a high impedance output (they are 250 ohm headphones).

5 stars accross the board for this excellent headphone.

Strengths:
Clarity, isolation, transparency, detail

Weaknesses:
A bit on the bright side and inefficient, need amplifiers

Similar Products Used:
Grado SR80, Sony MDR-EX70, Sony MDR-E848, Sennheiser MX500

Price Paid:  $130.00 from Musicians Gear

Summary:
That review below is absurd. Jerry is obviously a "dum-bass." IE it must have oodles of thick muddy bloated overpowering bass or it's no good. You're an average consumer not an audiophile.

These are the best closed cans available. They don't suffer from the annoying resonations or bass bloat of lesser closed headphones.

Strengths:
Balanced neutral sound (well as neutral as closed headphones get). Comfort. Deep (but not boomy bass).

Weaknesses:
Could be more widely available.

Similar Products Used:
Sony, Sennheiser, Grado, Koss.

Summary:
These headphones have been pleasantly surprising me ever since I began using them with my Creek OBH-11 headphone amp. Using the amp I auditioned Grado and Sennheiser, and while I find the sound of the Grado 80s and 225s pleasing and accurate, the on-the-ear design does not permit me to wear them with any degree of comfort. The DT-831s are very comfortable, even over long periods of listening. I find the Sennheiser 600s overpriced (US$ 350) for the sound they deliver. While I have only used the DT-831s for about 6 weeks, I have found their sound reproduction to be very detailed and accurate. The lowest octaves are presented accurately without being overdone. There is no audible distortion, even at higher listening levels.
As with any speaker, I expect them to improve as I approach the 200-hour mark. Though by no means a weakness, these headphones sound best through a headphone amp, and as such are not a good choice for use with a portable's headphone jack. The closed design makes them ideal for listening in an environment where not disturbing others is a necessity.
While better headphones undoubtedly exist, I can highly recommend these for their value. FullCompass.com had a very attractive price compared to Headphone.com (who highly recommends these headphones).

Strengths:
Neutral sound, comfort, and closed design.

Weaknesses:
None are apparent yet.

Similar Products Used:
Grado 60, 80 & 225, Sennheiser 600

Summary:
Due to the HI-FI being in the same room as the TV I seldom got to use my old pair of phones. Seeing a review of a valve headphone amp ,(model HD83 now £155 from HI-FI World mag',www.hi-fiworld.co.uk),I brought the kit and a pair of Beyer's to go with it.I have used this combo' for over a year now and I am very pleased with the sounds I am now enjoying while the wife watches her TV. The sound is well balanced,detailed and as they are semi-enclosed the "box" is no longer a problem to me.I would recommend that anybody considering buying a new pair of 'phones give the Beyer's a listen. Their impedance is about 250 ohms and the excellent HD83 can be wired up for 16-250 ohms if any of you out there are interested in the amp.

Strengths:
The well balanced,detailed, open sound.Comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

Weaknesses:
Coiled lead is a drag if you sit away from your amp,I made up an extension lead to overcome this.

Similar Products Used:
Sennheiser HD424 (20 yrs. old)