The other day we reviewed the Adidas Original by Monster Headphones; I was impressed with both the comfort and the sound they offer. They are, however pricey. The Monster 24K Over-Ear Headphones make a statement and are even pricier, but they also sound great, and they offer superb comfort. Let’s take a look and then give the review sample away!Monster knew they were onto something when they first showed these blingy headphones off at CES 2014. These things are loud. They make a statement. They get you noticed. They also happen to sound damn good!
From Monster Headphones:
You’re not afraid of showing who you are. Take it to the maximum level with 24k Over-Ear Headphones-elevated to premium for the ultimate audio technology. This is your music the way it’s meant to be heard.
Live life out loud with the brilliant design and audio perfection of 24K. With unmatched clarity and depth, as well as DJ-style swiveling earcups, you’ll experience the purest 24k sound, finessed for you by the experts at Monster.
Note the glint off the right ear cup? That’s no photo trick.
A look at the various headphones I have and use will reveal the fact that my personal taste might well be described as “Un-Monster 24K Over-Ear Headphones.” Most all of my usual headphones are black, and the more “unusual” ones are in white. Bright gold headphones that call attention to themselves are definitely outside my comfort zone, but I went into the review with an open mind. After all, I have been pretty impressed with all of the other Monster Headphones I’ve reviewed and the adidas Originals blew me away!
In addition to being bright gold and overly blinged-out, they are big. And because they are DJ-style headphones, both of the ear cups can be twisted up and off your ear while the other stays in place.
ControlTalk Universal lets you conveniently switch between songs and incoming calls. An in-line mic features controls for Android, tablets and other devices.
Inside the box you will find the headphones, a soft bag for carrying them, a plug adapter so you can use the headphones with home audio equipment, a cable with the remote, and a cable without the remote but with a small coiled section.
The hinge that makes this feature possible does add to the size and thickness of the headphones. If you prefer a more minimal, less “out-there” headphone, you won’t be happy with these. At the same time they are surprisingly comfortable. Thick ear cups do an amazing job of shutting out ambient noise while also offering a fantastic degree of comfort. Put the headphones on, and you are immediately sent into your own little world … and that’s before you even fire up the tunes.
The headphones sound surprisingly good. The audio is rich, the bass is thump, the mids and highs are clear, and the overall listening experience is simply enjoyable. Honestly I shouldn’t be surprised, since Monster Headphones have done a good job of making sure their headphones aren’t JUST about fashion. These are a good example of their commitment to good sound, while also looking to leverage the “headphones as fashion accessories” approach they helped create.
Monster 24K Over-Ear Headphones Features:
- Pure Monster Sound in 24k
- Professional DJ-Style Swiveling Earcups
- Iconic Design
- Super Plush Cushions
- Advanced Audio Technology
- ControlTalk Universal In Line Controls
Monster 24k Over-Ear Headphone Video Review
I’ve got two major issues with the Monster 24k Over-Ear Headphones. The first is an issue of Monster’s own doing. All of the other headphones we have reviewed from them offered the Monster MusicShare features. This features lets you share your music by plugging the audio source into one ear cup and then plugging a friend’s headphones into the other. Obviously this requires there to be a 3.5mm headphone port in each of the ear cups. And while I don’t use the MusicShare feature, I do like having the option to plug the cable into either side of the headphones. Unfortunately these headphones only permit you to plug the headphones into one of the ear cups. Is it a huge deal? No, but I wish Monster had done things the way we have come to expect.
The second issue is a much bigger one, and it has to do with Monster Headphones looking to maximize profits by cutting corners where they can. In this case, they cut corners by choosing to include the thinnest, cheapest, least-protective bag imaginable. Considering the fact that the gold paint is apparently none-too difficult to scratch off this is a huge misstep. At this price, the least Monster Headphones could have done is include a real case that would actually protect the headphones. V-MODA includes a fantastic case with all of their headphones, and Monster’s own adidas Originals include a bag that is infinitely better. Cheap is cheap, and the bag included with the headphones is a new low.
Other than those two issues, I am really impressed with the Monster 24k Over-Ear Headphones. Yes, they are a bit too bright and loud for me but, once the headphones are on they are comfortable, sound amazing, and they let you flip either ear cup out of the way. That’s great if you are a DJ… Or if you simply want to listen to your music and hear what is going on around you. Yes they are pricey, but for the price you get headphones that sound great and make quite a statement. You can learn more here, you can order yours through our Amazon Affiliate Store [Affiliate Link] here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Monster 24k Over-Ear Headphones
MSRP: $319.95
What I Like: Sound great; Surprisingly comfortable; Cushy ear cups are comfortable and do a great job blocking out ambient sound
What Needs Improvement: No MusicShare feature with these headphones; Cheap carry bag included
The up close photos look stunning however while you were wearing them in the video they looked very cheap to me. I would have to agree with you about the bag not being adequate especially if the gold comes off over time.
Because to me the audio quality supersedes everything else, I can get by the cheesy bag. Although I’d probably do my listening with them at home, since my “fashion statement” doesn’t include looking like R2D2.
The comfort and great sound are what I want most from a pair of headphones, though I also don’t see myself using these outside my home, since I don’t normally use anything that’s so flashy.
A quick edit to my original comment: I meant 3-CPO, not R2D2. Sheldon Cooper would be horrified.
I do love the bling factor. I don’t actually own anything this outrageous, but it would be fun to see people’s reactions. 🙂 Honestly, as long as they sound great, that’s the most important thing. I have to say, if I do pay over $300 for headphones, I am going to invest in a nice hard protective case. These look awesome. I’ve never had a high-end pair of headphones like this. It would be curious to see the different between my normal ones and these.
I would love to compare the sound quality in person. But the binged out headphones, in my neighborhood, would be asking for them to be taken. However I wouldn’t be wearing them outside I’m sure.
I love the over the ear design of these headphones. Would probably use them most at home, but maybe on a plane they would be a winner! The sound quality would be great!
It’s a shame they used plastic instead of aluminum.
How is the sound quality compared to Sennheisers?
I like the Dj flip up option.
Subtle these aren’t but the over the ear coverage and sound might be worth putting up with the family grief. 🙂
Love these…might be a little gaudy for some, but I like the extra flash. I am a headphone collector and if they are anything like the Monster N Pulses, these are a must have. Monster’s new audio is amazing. I love Gear Diary…keep up the great videos.