Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I love HD 545, best model of all my headphones. Great quality sound, comfortable, dont hurt ears. 5 stars.

Price Paid:  $120.00

Summary:
Theese Headphones are really great, I am quite happy with them... of cource it can always be better, but I don't complain...
Since I listen to ambient and easy listening music, the quality has to be at least very good :)... If I choosed a company of headphones it would be Sennheiser... Hmmm It's really interesting to try HD600...

Strengths:
Very Comfortable,
nice design

Weaknesses:
Very delicate, including connecting line

Price Paid:  $15.00

Summary:
I can hardly believe my eyes! Anybody that's had complaints about the 545's must've gotten dud pairs, or bought them used. I've comfortably gotten mine over 105 db, and the bass level was still fine, even crisp with the high's and mid's flowing into it. And does it flow. Smooth, uber-low noise. I'm both a hardcore gamer, and a musician/music enthusiast, and these have not only served me well, they are the best I've ever had. And even though they are open-air, when I took them to the CPL, I had no trouble hearing T or CT footsteps... Oh, and yes, I only spent $15 on them, but would gladly have paid $200 or more for P*U*R*E sound, not badly-manipulated and irregular 12-in. subwoofer sounds on either side of my head (which cost a bit more). I'd like to keep my brain, thanks. All you out there that gave low reviews either don't have a clue, got crappy sets, or are nameless fgtbears. ggkthxcul8r...

Strengths:
Full range of sound; smoother transitions; uninterrupted by noise from moment to moment. Allows you to experience the music as if you are in the studio with the artist. No hard rock? Bah! Listen to any music type. You can use anything to listen to tapes, but for the 545's, digital, 128-bit or better at least, or excellent-quality analog is the way to go.

Weaknesses:
well, if you're concerned about others listening, keep them down. If you need enough volume to bother others, then you have hearing problems already. I wear them at work...

Similar Products Used:
sony mdr-cd2000, mdr-z series (don't remember what), various others

Price Paid:  $129.00 from J&R

Summary:
Excellent open-air headphones. Don't buy these if you intend to seal out your music from others in the room. These were designed for optimum sound for the listener, not to keep the sound from escaping. Great frequency response. So comfortable that you can easily relax & fall asleep with them on (I have). If all you listen to is head-banging, bonecrushing metal these are not for you. These are made for listening to & appreciating pure, well-recorded music.

Strengths:
Accurate sound & imaging.
Very light & comfortable.

Weaknesses:
The cords short out at the earpieces after a couple years.

Similar Products Used:
Old Koss cans from the 70s. You know, those big green heavy ones that everyone had.

Price Paid:  $50.00 from ebay

Summary:
I love these headphones, for used prices, the sound cannot be beat. Clear, deep bass, crisp highs, and a smooth, clear midrange. Very comfortable - the only headphone I've ever used that is more comfortable to wear is a pair of Sennheiser HD 414s, but this pair sounds MUCH better. Like any pair of open air headphones, they do let quite a bit of sound "leak out", not the best choice for listening to loud music without disturbing others.

Strengths:
Clear, spacious sound. Very comfortable.

Weaknesses:
None I can think of, given open design.

Similar Products Used:
Grado SR-60, Sony MDR-V6, Sennheiser HD 414.