PHONON SMB-02 Subtonic Studio Monitor Basic Headphones for Professional Studio Use

Although I recently purchased a set of Beyerdynamic T90 headphones, I subsequently read some raves about these Phonons and decided to check them out. The Amazon reviewers here rated them very highly and their comments matched what I generally look for in headphones. So I went ahead with a purchase.It's not entirely clear in the product description, so it should be noted that the Phonons are "on-the-ear" headphones (unless you have very small ears). Although I generally prefer the over-the-ear approach, the Phonons are not heavy and exert a fairly light pressure, so they are not too uncomfortable for me.However, after extensive direct, careful comparison with the T90's, I prefer the sound of the T90's. My comments here are all in comparison to the T90 sound. I played a variety of my favorite classical and rock digital tracks, including some 96/24 HDTracks downloads, through a Grace m903 (high quality DAC-headphone and monitoring device).The Phonons appeared about 9 dB more sensitive than the T90's, so I adjusted all listening levels accordingly.The pair of Phonons that I received were somewhat tilted to the bass, especially the lowest musical octave (40 - 80 Hz). This changed the tone of bass instruments and the additional loudness even had some effect on perceived pitch. The Phonons lacked some sparkle or air on the high end (again, in comparison to the T90). Overall, in comparison vocals and solo instrument sound all seemed slightly veiled.Heard by themselves, the Phonons are impressive. They would probably make a better on-the-go headphone played through a portable device than the T90. But more my inside critical listening, I will stick with the Beyerdynamic T90.

If you have found these headphones, then you are obviously looking for magic.You've owned many headphones, and you have some you really like, but you want one more that is GREAT.Well, you found it.This is a $800 headphone value for less then $300 usd.Pull the trigger.There is one downside.This particular headphone has a very unusual ear cup.Its not over the ear, and its not an on the ear headphones.Its in between......And not only that, the inner mesh that veils the speaker sits right on your ear.So, think about that, before you buy it.I bought it because a few reviews said this unit is an "over the ear" headphone, and its not.I also dont like "on the ear".....so, when i pulled this one out of the box, and strapped it on, it was puzzling, as its neither an on ear or an over the ear.Other then that, its not the coolest headphone, but its not hot.....Its in the middle.Its comfy.The sound is balanced, a bit warm right out of the box tho very detailed, and offers very good bass but its not a bass-head headphone(s).This is also one of the rare headphones that allows you to play the music very quietly without a loss of fidelity or quality.The Phonon does about everything right with the exception of how it is designed to wear on your ears.*Warning*.... Because this set of headphones sit directly on your ears, very close, remember to lower the volume.Sound = 9.4Comfort = 7.2

The sound quality is absolutely amazing. However it loses a star for comfort. The cups are smaller than they should be which makes wearing them for an extended period of time uncomfortable unless you find a sweet spot. I would almost prefer them to be smaller so the pressure points are different on the ear. Regardless, a very great sounding headphone with comforting shortcoming.

at any price. Not one to get excited about headphones but these are very special, particularly at this price point. Fantastic

Clean, rich, clear audio. Well balanced frequency range—not overly bass heavy, but still low and powerful. The highs and mids are well adjusted to give naturally great sound. They're fairly sealed as well so I use them a lot of airplanes and in my quiet office. Comfortable too. Light weight due to their mostly plastic construction.I've auditioned many headphones more and less expensive from well-known and lesser brands. These are such a great balance of performance and price. Honestly, they sounds better than some I've heard at twice the price. Just them them already.

A friend of mine killed this one by listening too loud. So yes: they are sensitive! But I ordered another pair of them immediately, because they are far beyond any other headphones in this price category.If you just want to listen to music very loud, these are probably not the best choice. But if you want crystal-clear sound at a moderate (also loud) level, these are the ones you're aiming for.Backround info: I use the headphones for djing in a studio-setup.

As all the reviews say these headphones sound really very good. I am only giving 3 stars because they are not comfortable unless you have really small ears. Being round the pinch my ears and I have a small head. My daughter has a larger head and agrees. I would have returned but I assumed they would get better and have not.

While searching the audio world for a decent headphone which can represent high definition audio the Phonon is pretty close. The sound is solid with sparkle and healthy base. The overall sound curve is flat, which I want, and these headphones do not push up the low end in an insulting manner. Expect performance for your money and an enjoyable listening experience.

After buying a few pairs of different headphones for the studio, these have stood out by a mile, with the ease of completing mixes. The mixes translate great and they’re the best headphones I have used to get a tight bottom end. They’re great!

この製品は実際に音楽制作に携わっているエンジニアの方がチューニングしたモデルですが、TAGO STUDIO MONITOR T3-01 とは全く違う方向性を持っています。あちらが目指したのはスタジオモニタースピーカから出る音の再現。一方こちらが目指したのはスタジオの環境そのものの構築。この製品はハマる音源であれば単に楽器の音が云々、人の声が云々、ではなく、演奏されているスタジオの空間を丸ごと再現します。そこには再生機器がどうの、特性がこうの、と言った話は介在せず、濃密でクリアーでスケールが大きく、かと言って遠巻きにではなくダイレクトな音が聴こえて来ます。一方、ハマらない音源の場合、ピンボケ気味でヴェールの掛かったような眠たい音が出て来ます。恰も大手自動車メーカーの作る公道をはじめとする様々な環境をそつなくこなすように作られた市販車と、サーキット専用に作られた切れ味のあるレーシングカーとの違いのようです。量感と切れがあり、なおかつオーバーシュートの発生しない絶妙にダンピングされた音は価格相応以上のものを持っており破綻することはありませんが、前述の通り音源との相性の良し悪しは顕著に現われます。これ一本で全ての音源をまかなうのは無理があると言わざるを得ないものの、ハマった時のスケールの大きさは他に替え難いものを持っています。自分にとってはT3-01、DT250、そしてSMB-02、の3本が今のリファレンスになりました。