I've used mostly $150 to $300 closed back cans for tracking and monitoring or just listening for enjoyment. I've had open backed cans before, but wasn't impressed enough to use them much. I sold the last pair to a video production friend. These are without a doubt, the best headphones I've owned. I use Presonus Septre S8 monitors with the T10 sub in my studio. When I switch between the NDH 30s and the my monitors, the spectral balance is nearly exactly the same, less the extended low end that the sub produces. With the sub bypassed, the NDH 30s are a bit more full in the low end than the S8s alone. This may be more of a statement about my room and the way my monitors are adjusted, but it's uncanny how close these cans are to what I'm used to from my monitors. At first they seemed a little lacking in the top end, but I think I was expecting them to be somewhat hyped, like so many headphones. I find myself wanting to listen to them just for the intimacy headphones give. If you have a small head, you might find these a bit big, but I like that they give my ears plenty of room. The construction seems to be bomber with little plastic.P.S. It's BS that I have to give star ratings that simply don't apply. I have no idea what the support is like. I have a couple Neumann mics and have never needed manufacturer support, so how am I supposed to rate it? Ease of use, what the eff, they're headphones, you plug them in and put them on your head. Wow factor - this is so subjective to be useless.… read more Value is based on how much money you make or have in your bank account. I'm giving these categories five stars only because I have to give them star ratings to do a review and don't what else I should do. I protest having to rate each of these categories.

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