Design and features:The P2 features a built-in battery powered amplifier with a switchable bass boost function. The headphones have very high sensitivity in powered mode with or without bass boost feature activated; they can easily provide satisfying volume levels when used with lower powered portable audio devices, but the high level of amplification produces very noticeable levels of background hiss when used with AC powered home audio and studio equipment. When in passive (non-amplified) mode they have high sensitivity; so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used with low powered portable audio devices. In passive mode they can also be used with home audio and studio equipment without background hiss. The P2 has an inline volume control that works with iPads and some iPod and iPhone models, plus an integrated microphone and player function controls that are compatible with iPads, some iPods, and some iPhones and some other cellphones. The call connect/disconnect button can be used with some iPhones and some other cellphones. These headphones may not operate properly with some non-Apple/non-Android mobile devices or other audio equipment. Additional features include a high capacity battery that can be used to partially recharge external portable USB devices such as cell phones and digital music players, an earcup mini-jack connection for a second set of headphones, and earcups that fold for ease of storage/transport. This model comes with a detachable 47-inch long audio cable, a USB charging cable, and a carrying pouch.
Sound quality: In the powered mode without the bass boost function engaged we found the P2 delivers sound quality that falls in the very good range - it reproduces music and voice very well although it does have some noticeable sonic quirks. The overall sound can best be summarized as bright and a bit harsh. Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and is fairly detailed, but is slightly boomy and the deepest bass is lacking. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is thin, grainy, slightly constricted (think straightjacketed) and washed out. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended, but prominent and sizzly - sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying. Above a moderate volume level the midrange and treble sound harsh. The sound has a good sense of liveliness and is partially open -- sound-wise it almost seems like you don't have anything covering your ears in the treble region, but that openness does not extend down into the midrange. When the bass boost function is used the overall sound quality level is still the same but the character of the sound changes significantly - the bass becomes prominent, boomy, and less detailed; the midrange changes from thin and washed out to full and a bit soft but still grainy and the upper midrange has a bit of an edge; the treble, while not prominent, remains sizzly; and the sound becomes fuller overall and less harsh above a moderate volume level. When used in non-powered mode the sound is very similar to the powered mode without the bass boost.
Comfort: We found that these headphones produce a moderate sense of pressure around the ears. The ear pads might feel hot and/or sticky after prolonged use.
