Design and features:These headphones can be used wirelessly with Bluetooth devices or can be cord connected. When cord connected they have medium sensitivity so they can provide satisfying volume levels when used with home audio equipment and all but the lowest-powered portable audio devices. The Monitor Bluetooth has an integrated microphone and volume, music player function, and call connect/disconnect controls for use with paired Bluetooth devices. Additional features include an audio jack on right earcup that's used as the audio cable input for wired use and an auxiliary audio output for a second set of wire connected headphones during Bluetooth use, removable earcup pads, and earcups that fold for ease of storage. This model comes with a detachable coiled 46-inch long audio cable that can be stretched to over 60 inches with built-in mic and answer/music player control button for iPhone/iPod/iPad and smartphone use, a USB charging cable, and a carrying bag.
Sound quality: We found the Monitor Bluetooth 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. While the overall sound can be summarized as boomy and somewhat hazy, it manages to sound clearer and more well balanced than would be expected. Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is prominent and boomy. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is somewhat hazy and grainy, and a bit nasal and etched (a bit more sharply outlined then it should be). The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is a bit smeared (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer sound blurred), and the upper treble is somewhat muted. The sound has a good sense of liveliness and is somewhat open -- sound-wise it almost seems like you don't have anything covering your ears. There was no significant difference between Bluetooth and wired sound quality.
Comfort: We found that these headphones produce a sense of moderate pressure around the ears. Users with larger ears may find the over-the-ear fit of the ear pads feel cramped, or that the ear pads sit on, rather than around their ears. As typical of over-ear models the ear pads might feel hot and/or sticky after prolonged use. We also found that this model has a poor folding design - if care is not taken when unfolding the Monitor Bluetooth's hinges can pinch the skin on the hand or finger.
