I have owned many audiophile (read: not Monster or Bose or the like, although I've had Beats and Bose before) IEMs and headphones in the $300-500 range. So now, let me say this:These headphones are truly, truly extraordinarily sounding. The sound is very musical, warm, and sweet. Compared to a pair of neutral and analytical sounding headphones, the 51st Studios has a slight emphasis on the bass and mids. However fine details are preserved and sometimes pop out even more than monitor grade headphones. It is amazing. I have no idea how AE did it, but they did, and it is extraordinary.They are suitable for a wide range of music - rock, metal, rap, soundtrack, pop etc. The 51st Studios are very enjoyable. You will want to sing along and rock out with the music. However, with certain genres - for example, bass can be a bit much for listening to new age peaceful/meditational music, classical, musicals (broadway, Les Mis, Lion King, Phantom, etc). For me, these kinds of music compose about 30% of my library. So I would rather use the 51st Studios and enjoy 70% of my music better than my more expensive (and usually more neutral/analytical) headphones.It is easy to find a source to pair with the 51st Studios. They are not too power hungry, and sounds fine coming out of any number of devices - laptop, iphones, etc. Using my Fiio X3, I find that I need to turn to low gain otherwise bass is a bit too much.The fit is good for what they are - smaller ear cups, on-ear. I am not complaints against this particular pair in terms of comfort.However, I have two issues with the design of the 51st Studios. I see them as fundamental flaws that may affect durability and longevity. They are very, very basic and obvious flaws, makes me wonder how AE missed them. But I am in fact glad they spent most of their R&D budget in engineering the drivers and fine-tuning the sound. Here are the flaws:1. Headband cushion - Underneath the headband there is a piece of foam, and the layer of faux leather covers that foam and is glued onto the metal headband. Even though there is much glue applied, the glue simply cannot form a strong enough bond between metal and soft material like faux leather. When you put the headphones on, the headband bends, and the cushion starts to come off. It happened the first time I put the headphones on, and it's gotten worse over time. I can see the cushion coming apart in the long run.This is not a big issue. You won't see it anyway when wearing the phones.2. This is a bit more of an issue - look at the stock picture. The earpieces can swivel vertically FREELY. The only thing that holds the wood cover side facing out, is the thin piece of audio cord connecting the earpiece to the headband. On the user manual, there is even a warning to not stretch that piece of cord. This is a very simple problem - other brands with this kind of design usually incorporate another piece of cable that is shorter than the audio cord, and use that to connect the earpiece and headband. This way, the audio cord never has to be stretched and develop loose connection in the long run.Since the size, price, and closed-backed nature of the 51st Studios point to casual/portable use, I would say that when you are on the go, grabbing the headphones around and such, chances are good this audio cord will be problematic in the future. And it is such a simple issue to fix. Of course, the rest of the headphone is very solidly built, and so far I have seen no problem with mine, so I am only speculating.I am a very critical reviewer and usually I'd knock 2 stars off for these two pretty serious and obvious design flaws. However, at the price I bought it at ($70+, look out for coupons), these headphones are constantly giving me pleasant audio surprises, and I would have no problem recommending these over other headphones under $100.COMPETITION:I have had the famed ATH-M50 and Sennheiser Momentum. M50 can be easily found for $100 or less every 1 or 2 months. And I have found the Momentum On-Ear for less than $150 more than a few times.The 51st Studios are more liquid and musical sounding than the M50s. The M50 has the same slightly boosted bass, but its bass has a faster attack and sounds leaner, giving the M50 a more analytical sound (hence why some use them for studio monitors). Compared to the M50s, the 51st Studios sounds a bit more mellow. M50 has larger driver, bigger ear cups, and really long cords, but they are foldable and thus have about same portability. (51st Studios not foldable but smaller).The Momentum also has faster bass and has much better clarity and imaging throughout the frequency range. But to me the 51st Studios is a tad more comfortable though not by too much. They are about same size - Momentum a tad smaller, not foldable.VERDICT:With the current promotion (I think 15% off?), the 51st Studios is a great deal, especially if you are looking for a pair of casual headphones to have around that is very musical and enjoyable. I think the sound more than makes up for the two issues I described.My son (with autism) use this headphones at school. They are very good for kids because the volume isn’t to laud. It’s good for kiddos with autism, perfect size and volume for them.If there's one thing I noticed while shopping for headphones, it was the constant refrain of "I'm not an audiophile." Well, I'll add to that refrain: I'm not an audiophile, and I suspect that if you are, you became one as a result of your ability to hear like Superman and pay like Lex Luthor. Thus, this review does not apply to audiophiles with money, or Kryptonians in disguise.Basically, I set out to purchase headphones (of the over-the-ear variety) because I need something to block out outside noise while writing and studying. Naturally, style is an important component, and because I'm over the age of 30, a pair of Beats or Skullcandy's would undoubtedly make me seem like I was attempting to prematurely recapture my lost late teenage years. I came across the 51st Studios set, and after some research (including the posted reviews) decided to buy them. So far, I do not regret my purchase (I've had them for about a week now, so this review doesn't necessarily apply to their longevity). Their style, sound, and general build quality are top-notch, and I would highly recommend them.Style: These are definitely going to appeal to you if you're looking for something slightly retro (the wood looks kind of like the walls of an 80s house basement, only nicer), and acceptable to wear if you're not 18-25 (no offense to the culturally elderly--that is, those of us over 25--but sweet red Beats might make you seem like you're trying too hard). Also, if you are 18-25, you could easily get away with wearing them without looking like an old dude (that is, a 26 year old). Just grow a beard and throw on a flannel shirt (and maybe buy some chickens, pickling supplies, and the contents of the early SubPop catalogue). I'm kidding. Beards are optional. But flannel is damn comfy, and who doesn't love free-range eggs and a hearty pickle?Sound: Great sound so far; from my research I gather that headphones sound better over time, but the initial time I've spent with them has proven to be a sonic utopia (no Hunger Games to be had here, folks!). Everything I've listened to sounds quite nice: 50 Cent, College, Amon Amarth, The Sword, The Handsome Family, Green Day, and Robin Thicke. So, rap, radiopop, alt-hipster-country, ambient-techno, and Swedish (and Texas!) metal. Excellent bass, treble, mid-tones, and whatever the hell else jargon you want to throw around. Good stuff.General Build: They seem pretty sturdy, the connections aren't loose, and the fit is nice (even with my giant head and glasses). The leatheresque ear cushions are comfy, and stayed that way for at least a couple hours on my second listen.Overall, I would highly recommend these headphones to anyone who might have a sound and style requirement, and is not looking to spend more than $100.Let me preface this by saying I am in no way involved with the hi-fi audiophile subculture, and am reviewing this from the viewpoint of your run of the mill 'I only listen to music from my phone' consumer.These headphones are, quite obviously, a very nice looking piece of equipment. Real walnut panels, steel construction, plush pleather cups and headband cover. Light, for all that steel and wood. On my pair, I noticed a fair amount of seeping out where the padded pleather meets the steel headband, an aesthetic niggle, it seems quite securely attached.My other concern is the wire between the cans and headband. The cans can swivel towards each other, and the only thing stopping the can from going all the way round is that wire. Seems like a definite stress point.All said, the sound quality is wonderful. Not the ear rattling bass emphasis of Beats, SOL Republics, or even a pair of Skull Candy Hesh's I got from Target for $40, but they are aiming for clarity, not overwhelming bass. Not that the bass is weak, it still resolves in a sonically pleasing way, but if you are looking for some shaking in your ears, you won't be thrilled. They have something of a mid range hump keeping from being truly flat, but like my preface states, I'm not looking for true studio quality.As John Q. Consumer, not an audiophile, not someone looking to wear headphones for the supposed prestige of the brand, not someone who listens to EDM and hip hop exclusively, I can recommend these. They are comfy, sound good, and have what I can only call a 'handsome, manly' aesthetic.I bought these as a replacement for a pair of PSYC Enzo headphones, that were too uncomfortable to wear for long periods. I also have to be honest and admit that probably would have bought these for their looks alone, but it just happens to be the case that they sound pretty good as well.They are a bit of a mix of materials. The shell of the cups is genuine walnut, and it's a decent sized lump of wood, and the fittings and headband are stainless steel, but the padding is imitation leather, on both the earpads and the band. That being said, they're still not expensive by any measure, so it's unsurprising to see some costs cut here and there.They have a good deal of adjustment, including a degree of rotation on the cups themselves, and are lightweight & comfortable when on. They are not the loudest earphones that you'll find, but the sound is of a good quality and will suit a wide range of musical tastes. The bass is maybe not as strong as some others, but they handle it well, and (maybe because of the wooden construction) everything sounds that little bit warmer and laid back.I think that these are the first product from this manufacturer, and if that's the case, then I'm keen to see what else they'll bring out. But for the time being, I'm very happy with these and would recommend them highly.These headphones are quite shockingly great. I hadn't heard of the brand before, but the reviews already up convinced me to give them a try. A quick overview of why these are so good.1. I know other reviews have said this, but really and truly these headphones do not look like any other headphones I've seen before. It frankly ruins the look of other headphones forever. I cannot look at other headphones now without feeling a bit superior.2. They seem very well built for headphones that are not in the £100 + category. The steel is a nice solid touch, and the joints feel secure and solid.3. The wood is absolutely fantastic. The matte finish gives it a nice look, and the craftsmanship is impeccable4. The sound is noticeably affected by the wood, and in the best way possible. The sound feels (yes, feels) fuller and warm, especially with lower bass level beatsAll in all, an absolutely excellent headset. Would gladly recommend to friends.So no joke, these headphones are absolutely gorgeous. That itself is enough to get these, but that's just the first thing. The wood is really well crafted, all of it is just nice nice nice! The headphones are not heavy as the picture might suggest with the maple wood, they are as light as it gets yet feel very sturdy. They might be the best looking headphones I've ever seen.And then you put them on they are so comfortable and the ear bands are thick and soft and the top metal headband is fully padded. And the sound is very clearly fuller and deeper and I listen to all genres of music from rock to jazz and without a doubt the sound is not over powering for long periods of use.I could go on about some of the touches, but basically, these things are beautiful (I cannot state that enough), comfy, and really sound good.I have already ordered another pair as a for a Christmas gift.So comfortable you forget you are wearing them. These things sound fantastic. They look cool beyond words. A really great alternative to beats by dre. The only warning is that people tend to stare and always seem to want to try them on. They have a bag for storage which is a nice touchThese cans are great looking, very nicely styled and are comfortable to wear.There is a great deal of quality about this product and that includesthe overall sound,with deep mellow base and good clear vocal pickupas well as crisp and sharp mid sounds. The flat detachable lead isa great touch. The cloth bag to help protect these headphones is alsoa nice addition. At a more than competitive price this makes this productOUTSTANDING.Well done AE I will certainly be looking for your future products.