When I researched headphones (in general) I looked at all aspects: quality, sound, makers, and in particular - comfort. I really just wanted a decent pair of them, and so I put my time in and "experienced" just about every pair available at a local (large) showroom. I tried the $500 pairs and the middle roads, and the cheapies...and frankly, they all fit and sounded (to me) roughly the same. I certainly expected a lot more for $500 is what I am really saying here, (like maybe seeing earth from orbit. I mean - $500? Are you effing kidding me?). In any case, I was unimpressed.