Damage:
R2500
What you need to know:
- Over ear
- Noise isolating
- Connection = 3.5mm stereo
- Dual audio input jacks
- Custom looks
What we think you should know:
Monster had paired up by Beats by Dre to market and distribute the Beats line of headphones but the two companies parted ways. Following the split, I think Monster saw the gap and introduced their DNA Headphones. There’s a definite market for on ear ‘phones. I’m that market. I hate in ear buds and have always been partial to over ear cans. The DNA Headphones are on ear (yup, there is a difference) and I think most people are happy with an on ear set because over ear ‘phones start becoming a little bit expensive.
If you’re still reading now after all the on over in talk then you’ve probably realised I dig headphones. A lot. They are, by far, my favourite gadgets to own and review. The Monster DNA Headphones were impressive coming out of the box. They have a distinct design that sets them apart in that the outward appearance is more a triangle on the cans than the circle shape we’re used to. They’re extremely light weight and fold up (a bit like sunglasses). This put me off as I presumed they’d be less durable especially with the plastic finishes. I was pleasantly surprised that they actually held up (I bent them a lot) and even with the plastic the finish doesn’t have a “cheap” look.
The Monster DNA Headphones are noise isolating and do a good job of eliminating background noise. I found the cans a bit small and somewhat uncomfortable after using the headphones for long periods of time. The press on the top of your ears which can get a bit achy. The connection cable is removable and offers a dual connection meaning it can be plugged in to either side of the ‘phones which I liked. This is especially convenient at work or plugging into a PC, you don’t get tangled in cables. Talking about tangles, the cable offers a tangle free design. So, in pasta terms, think a fettuccini shaped cable versus spaghetti. There is also a mobile control on the cables but it seems to only be compatible with iOS devices.
The Bohemian Rhapsody test
There is only one way to test headphones properly. Crank the volume as loud as your ears can handle and play Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The song has instrumental and vocal highs and lows. While it may not be my favourite track it is the ideal way to test a pair of ‘phones. The Monster DNA Headphones held up pretty well. The sound quality is good but they do distort on deep bass when the volume is really high. Saying that, I’m pretty sure most people don’t listen to music at the volume, or at least not for long periods of time.
These are great headphones. They’re ideal for someone on the go who wants to be able to pack them in their handbag and take them everywhere. They’re stylish and funky. You’re also able to customise the design and colours.
If you’re looking for good quality headphones with crisp and clear audio for commercial music that match your outfit – the Monster DNA Headphones are the one. Though they are rather pricey.
So rad
- Tangle free cable
- Funky design
Makes us sad
- Uncomfortable if you wear them for long periods of time
- Mobile control only works with iOS devices
- Pricey
