Price Paid:  $99.00 from Fry's

Summary:
Being a recording musician and audiophile in general I am very particular when it comes to headphones. The dynamic range of these cans is as complete as one could ask for and I would say that for the price they are a good buy. The spectrum of frequencies is nicely balanced providing deep bass without boominess, a nicely present midrange, and crisp highs without distortion. The 40 ohms impedence makes for a very pleasurable listening experience from a home stereo or reference amp and the sound reproduction is excellent. The headset is big but fits nicely and isn't too heavy and the cloth covered earpieces are some of the most comfortable I've worn. All in all, my opinion for this piece of gear is that for the money, you can't beat it.

Strengths:
Evenly balanced dynamic range, affordability, good reference phones

Weaknesses:
Warm cups. if you have cold ears you'll love these things

Price Paid:  $55.00

Summary:
I was very pleased overall with these cans. These are my first "mid-quality" headphones and the sound quality is so much better than my old ones. They are extremely comfortable with their extra padding on the ears and the sounds qualities (low, mid, and high) are all a pretty good quality. I liked these a lot better than the Sennheiser HD500's that I tried...

Strengths:
COMFORTABLE, nice long cord, self-adjusting, nice sound, LOUD, Sony quality

Weaknesses:
none for my uses.

Similar Products Used:
Senn HD500's, other low quality $20 or less phones.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
For the price, the MDR-CD580 is a superb headphone. All music, classical to rock, sounds good when you''ve got these over your ears. Very deep bass, extremely clean and clear highs, excellent midrange. After owning a pair of Sony MDR-70''s since 1984 (yes, 18 years!), I felt technology had advanced enough to warrant an upgrade. Sony had a winner with the MDR-70, so I decided to stick with them, and was not disappointed at all. Despite their uncomfortable appearance, after 10 minutes or so of wear, you''re not even aware they''re on due to their light weight. The self-adjusting headpiece lives up to its claim of being self-adjusting. By that I mean it becomes part of the wearer, and the only experience you get is "the music." And what music! The sound is great! In the $70-100 price range, the MDR-CD580 has to be one of the best you can buy.

Strengths:
Deep, strong bass; excellent separation and spatiousness; clear highs and midrange; light weight; self-adjusting headpiece that actually "self-adjusts."

Weaknesses:
Light silver color (I would have preferred darker, gunmetal grey); ungainly appearance.