When it was time for my niece and nephew to get their first "decent" headphones this was my choice. Version 2 is now out, which means the originals are available with deep price cuts. These are clear, balanced and comfortable. They use them for listening to music and for playing electronic keyboards. I worried that she would be disappointed that they are not Beats headphones. She got to try a friends set of Beats and decided that the AKG's sound much better. ... I'm so proud. She really can hear the difference.