Not so long ago, we talked about how to choose budget headphones for a smartphone. And in one of the comments we were asked to talk about the Beats headphones. Many people have a diametrically opposite opinion about these headphones: some love them very much, and some simply hate them. But in the end, it was decided to talk about how to buy Beats headphones, but most importantly, we will tell you about the history of the origin of these headphones and, most importantly, why they should at least be respected.

Let's start with how, in principle, the bits headphones appeared on the market and end with how to distinguish the original bits headphones from a fake, buying in a store in America.

Beats by Dr. Dre headphones are all associated with the famous rapper. In fact, the story began much earlier. It began with the Monster Cable brand. This is one of the best companies in the world for the production of various cables: for music, video and professional equipment. But in 2008, the company decided to enter the headphone market. Many different directions were launched, among which there were dre headphones. They were based on the concept of very aggressive marketing to attract celebrities to these headphones. That is why, among all the lines of headphones, Beats by Dr. Dre has shot.

Monster Beats by Dr. Dre - that's what they were originally called, and if you think that the price of $ 250 headphones is too high, then just look at the Monster website for the cost of an ordinary HDMI cable. For example, here is such a cable for the same $ 250:

Beats by Dr. Dre must be respected. And here's why: this is the first brand to popularize the headphone trend in principle. Now headphones have become not just a source of sound, but also a separate subculture. And, buying Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, you begin to relate yourself to a certain segment of the population. You may disagree with the sound quality of the headphones or their cost, but it cannot be ruled out that these headphones have had a very strong impact on the market.

Now headphones have become a fashionable accessory; this is no longer just a story about sound. This is the image.

Thanks to high-quality Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, people began to buy more headphones, look for cheaper alternatives, compare headphones by sound, design, and certain types of business have improved their position quite well. For example, there are stores that only sell headphones. And if not for Beats, this probably could not have happened.

Now for a little practice. How to distinguish fake Beats by Dr. Dre from non-fake ones and how much do beats headphones cost in America.

There are two ways to buy Beats by Dr. Dre in the USA: in the official store, where the guarantee to get the original product is very high, or on the Apple.com website; or you can buy bits a little cheaper on eBay or Amazon. But the most important thing when choosing headphones on these sites is to ask the seller for photos of the product that he will send you.

What photos need to be requested from the seller

First, a photo of the packaging. Take a close look at the box and if you see the word Monster - this is a fake. On the original modern Beats headphones, you will not find a mention of Monster.

Second, be sure to ask for a photo of the bottom of the box. The original Beats by Dr. Dre always has a serial number there. Using it, you can check the information about the headphones on the official website, because all Beats by Dr. Dre headphones are unique and each has its own serial number.

But, of course, this is not a panacea, because the seller can take a picture of the box from the original, and put a fake inside. Therefore, you also need to request a photo of the headphones themselves. There you need to pay attention to the following things:

This is the kind of check you can make when buying Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.

Best Beats

1. Beats By Dr. Dre Solo 2 Wireless- given the fact that everyone's hearing is different, I will still take responsibility and say that these are the best wireless on-ear headphones. I tested them on three smartphones: iPhone 6 Plus, Huawei Mate 7 and HTC One M8. In all cases, the sound was slightly different, but in the overall picture, my favorite Death Metal played expressively.
   You can buy Beats By.Dre Solo 2.0 Wireless for $ 70 cheaper in the official store at]]> Amazon.]]>
2. Beats By Dr. Dre Mixr- incredibly high quality headphones in terms of assembly, albeit a little heavy. The iPhone rocks them with a vengeance, but some Android smartphones fail to unleash their potential. These headphones sound best on Mac computers. Only carefully with the volume level - you can become deaf.
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3. Beats By Dr. Dre Studio... These are the best headphones for smartphone and bass lovers. The bass in them is accompanied not only by a deep sound, but also by physical sensations: the headphones have a mechanical "noise reduction" and a physical bass amplifier in the form of a motor. They literally vibrate while listening to music, the effect is incredible. But for this you need to recharge or change the battery. Despite their impressive dimensions, they fit very comfortably on the head, and their weight is only 260 grams.

Or how I bought a fake.

Why did I do it

Who Buys Chinese Beats? So I don’t know. And they are.

I decided to figure it out, compare. What if you don't have to overpay? I didn't have to look for a fake for a long time, I pointed to the first ad on Avito.

Here they are - Beats Solo 2 for 4000 rubles:

At first glance, the real Beats: a neatly sealed box, the necessary lettering and stickers in place. Even the serial is breaking through correctly on the official website. Wow. After that, it became clear that we needed a full-fledged comparison article.

I had fake Beats Solo 2, but for real ones I went to a trusted store, reStore. There and compared.

1. Pay attention to the little things

On the left are the original Solo 2, on the right is a copy. Or vice versa ... At a cursory glance, it is difficult to say where which ones, but if you compare them head-on, a lot of little things emerge.

2. First of all, look for the serial

What is the difference: On the original box, the serial must be printed on the sticker.

Although it turned out that the serial number is not a panacea, it should be on the box. In the original, it is located at the bottom of the box, first of all look there. IMPORTANT! The serial number should be printed on a sticker, for a fake it is imprinted in the package.

3. Compare the quality of printing

What is the difference: The images and text on the box are of poor quality.

The counterfeit has low quality printing. Headphone image is dull and washed out. In general, the colors are faded, this is especially noticeable on the red elements. The fonts are also fuzzy, poorly printed in places. These things should be paid attention to first of all, since the Chinese are saving on this.

4. Read the description carefully

What is the difference: Are there only hieroglyphs in the description? Most likely you have a fake.

The description on the original box is written in 5 languages. If less or more, definitely fake. My fake had 5 languages, but mostly hieroglyphs! Naturally, this should not be the case. Even if the headphones are not PCT, the description is written in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German.

In addition, the description may contain misprints, various errors. So read it carefully.

5. Compare the quality of the box

What is the difference: In Chinese Beats, the packaging is sloppy.

We open the box, in front of us is a case with headphones. The case is not as neat as the real Solo 2. Poor stitching, B dull. Make sure that everything in the box is correctly folded, and not lying around anyhow.

6. Carefully examine the packaging

What is the difference: In Chinese Beats, the packaging is made from cheap materials.

We put the cover aside and take out the tray. And here are two points:

- The fake has no strap for pulling out the tray. You just have to shake it out of the box.
- The original tray is made of textured material, and the copy is made of ordinary glossy plastic.

7. Rate the neatness

What is the difference: In the original Beats, everything is done with quality and attention to detail.

Documentation and cable are under the tray. In a fake, they are upside down: where in the original lies the cable, in the fake - documents, and vice versa. The documents should also have a tab, my copy did not have it.

8. Attach the cable to the headphones

What is the difference: In the Chinese Beats there is a cheap cable, the color does not match the color of the headphones.

Well, the cable, of course, is of poor quality, of some kind of gray color. The original white Beats comes with the same white cable. Later it turned out that the headphones did not work with him at all, so I had to use another one.

9. Look at materials and construction

What is the difference: Chinese Beats are made of cheap plastic, cracks and chips are possible.

When you take a fake in your hands, everything is immediately clear. They are disgustingly assembled, the parts are poorly fitted to each other, there are cracks everywhere. Plastic, of course, is cheap, some kind of toy. The ear cushions on the copy are made of a terrible "rubber" material with a pink tint.

10. Just for yourself, match the color of the headband

What is the difference: The headband in the Chinese Beats is made of cheap rubber, the color does not match with the headphones.

The headband is rubberized from the inside. Only in the original Beats it is white, and in a fake it is dirty gray and falls off in places.

The main thing: listen, you will understand everything right away

What is the difference: Chinese Beats sound like an echo in the toilet.

And, of course, the sound. It's terrible even if you plug in a normal cable. Boomy, boring, very cheap. In short, the headphones have a direct road to the trash heap, but I disposed of them differently :)

And never buy Chinese Beats again

• Beats Pro headphones
• Cable
• Adapter for 6.3 mm jack
• Carrying case
• Manual

What sets Monster Cable products apart from all other competitors? Here you can list for a long time, this is the packaging design, and the design of the headphones themselves, and the rich bundle, and even (in some cases) the sound quality. And yet - no matter how mundane - the price. For example, today we will consider headphones for 20 thousand rubles. Looking ahead, I will say that the price is quite justified. In the meantime, let's get acquainted - the headphones are called Monster Cable Beats by Dr. Dre Pro. This means that they are part of the Beats series, "rhythms", created in collaboration with rapper Dr. Dre and are a professional solution. It's that simple.

Packaging and equipment

The red and black package consists of two parts - a dust jacket and a main "module", which, in turn, is itself divided into two parts.

What is inside? The headphones themselves, a bunch of documentation, a wire (detachable), a screw-on adapter for a "large" 6.3 mm jack, which is mainly used in professional equipment. And also - a cloth carrying case.

Alas, there is no wood, palladium and other attributes of expensive headphones - but one way or another, the design cannot be called cheap. You can safely buy such headphones for someone as a gift, you will not be ashamed.

Appearance and ease of use

Oh, the sly ones are in the Monster company. Judge for yourself - the headphones are made of aluminum, just like Apple products. A great aluminum friend for your aluminum laptop, marketers want to say. The brutal impression is complemented by screws and ribbed guides that are visible when adjusting the headband. Backlash? They are not here.

However, there was a place for leather - or a very high-quality leatherette - the ear pads and headband are qualitatively covered with this wonderful material.

Irony aside - let's see what the headphones will allow us to do in terms of adjustments. Yes, the headband has to be adjusted manually, this is not Audio-Technica. But you can throw the cups back, this is a funny "feature" that may be needed by DJs. On the other hand, a DJ is unlikely to use such headphones - too "cool".

Headphones provide high-quality noise isolation, you should not ride the subway - and otherwise, Beats Pro is good at cutting off external noise. I will say this - among closed monitor headphones, this is almost the best result.

In terms of landing - there is primary discomfort, yet the pressure of the headphones to the head is strong enough. However (here's a paradox) you can sit in them for a long time, and after that your ears will not hurt. Maybe the cunning design of the ear cushions was used, or maybe the secret is in something else. In short, it is convenient.

The wire is replaceable, and it can be connected to either of the two cups. What is interesting about the cable is that it has a relatively short main part (about a meter), and in the area of ​​the plug that sticks into the headphone jack, there is a twisted part. The plug itself is "L" -shaped, very massive. In general, the creators of the headphones hint that it is possible to stick them into the player, but it is better to use something more serious.

What more can be said? There is a fly in the ointment, it is not so easy to distinguish the left earphone from the right one. There are faint markings on the inside of the headband, in the hinge area - and that's it. Well, there are spots on the Sun too. Moreover, you can remember which cup the wire is connected to.

Sound

We will still have time to listen to the "monsters" from the iPhone, but for now we will evaluate their sound with a normal source.

The headphones were tested with a Hifiman HM-801 player with a Game Card amplifier using a Prime Test CD1.

Here I want to write this. Closed-back monitor headphones are always a compromise. Like any headphones, however. There are many trade-offs, however, and the Beats Pro does a pretty good job. There is also a nice bass, deep enough and free from hum. Well, except that sometimes a slightly low-frequency register starts to "strain", but this is already nit-picking. In fact, addiction is extremely fast.

The mids are presented neatly, in detail and legibly - there are no complaints here. The high frequencies are a little muffled, but here, too, I do not want to go into nitpicking - everything is audible, drawn neatly.

The stereo panorama is small, but voluminous and with clear localization of instruments. There is nothing more to add here.

In general, I would characterize the sound signature as soft. The headphones lack speed a little, this is noticeable on some classic and "heavy" compositions. Perhaps the problem is in the source, and not all compositions are affected by such “softness”.

In short, you can find fault only with the cost in mind - but for 20 thousand rubles, in my opinion, good headphones turned out, with good sound. Otherwise, it is a fairly universal option.

Compatibility

Let's listen to the headphones from the iPhone 4, and I just want to write: "for fun." The sound becomes toy, the depth of the bass is lost and excessive brightness appears, the weak amplifier of the phone simply does not "swing" the Beats Pro. You can describe it in more detail, but it's better to say right away that headphones require high-quality amplification - and end up with "beating babies."

Competitors

In my opinion, of the whole host of closed monitor headphones, the only adequate competitor is the Denon DH-D2000 and Denon AH-D5000. In Moscow, these cost from 16 and 30 thousand rubles, respectively, and in the USA or Japan you can buy them 30-40 percent cheaper.

Denon portable sources are not very fond of, although they have high sensitivity and low impedance, there is an affinity with the Beats Pro.

As for the sound - I listened to Denon for a long time, but there are similarities. Sounding quite open for "closed" headphones, pleasant bass.

Output

Let's summarize.

pros:

• Great design of both the packaging and the headphones themselves
• High quality and original wire
• Good noise isolation
• Great sound (even without the discount on closed-back acoustics)

Minuses:

• High price
• Demanding to the source

I think it is clear that the minuses are not just "sucked from the finger" - they are actually minuses, but they are not so critical for those who like to listen to high-quality music on a high-quality source. And while Beats by Dr. Dre is mostly associated with meatballs, Beats Pro are very good for any kind of music.

Frankly, I would buy, but the open STAX SR-007 is somehow more to my liking.

The editors would like to thank the iCases.ru store for the Monster Cable Beats Pro headphones provided for the test.

Ilya Tarakanov ()

An Italian DJ, a lover of sweet life, parties, high-end equipment and disco accessories, remarked: “Buying Monster Beats headphones means both enjoyment and protection ... the only noise they can miss is silence. " He is far from alone in receiving positive reviews. Indeed, MonsterBeats by Dre is a technological treasure for connoisseurs of good sound. The manufacturer offers many different models: Studio, Studio Wireless, solo HD, MIXR, PRO, Wireless and Executive.

The main three types, the so-called OVER-EAR, are solo HD, PRO and Studio. The Solo HD is the pair of headphones most comfortable for those who enjoy listening to music outside the home, whether commuting or traveling. Having the smallest size among all models, it is convenient for transportation and use. The ear is not completely isolated - as, for example, with the Studio, which is much larger in area - but the unique shape of the earphone creates something like a vacuum plug, which becomes an impenetrable protection between the ear and any external noise that interferes with listening. At the same time, the sound of the speaker produces such a high quality that true connoisseurs definitely prefer the Monster Beats brand, despite the fact that the price is quite high. And if something is bought at a serious price, this is an unambiguous indication that the product offers the client parameters that are much higher than average.

The MonsterBeatsStudio model, although not planned by the creators for use by professional DJs, was nevertheless awarded their close attention for its technical characteristics and is used with might and main by both high-level passionate music lovers and DJs having fun in clubs at the console. The oversized headphone completely covers your ear, shutting your attention away from all sounds from the outside world and giving you the feeling of being in a soundproof studio.

However, the pinnacle of dreams of professional performers, studio technicians and DJs who work hard and hard - is, without a doubt, PRO. Legends are told about the quality of this model. It's not easy to use the PRO for listening while walking in the park. After all, the weight of these headphones is about 500 grams, because they are not made of plastic, but of aluminum. As the DJ put it, "They are indestructible!"

Studio is recognized as the most aesthetically advanced model. But all the other Monster Beats, despite their classic design base, are easily distinguishable from most other headphones. The high class is visible to everyone - from the appearance and presentable little things - to the unique technical characteristics.

By the way, the demand for all Monster beats models, and especially for the Studio and PRO, is great among serious buyers. Still: these are the best headphones! When there is a great demand, the potential for purchasing a fake increases. Therefore, be careful not only when choosing a model, but also when deciding "where to buy". As a rule, they recommend the official website of the manufacturer or large proven audio equipment centers.

People scold them for the cheapness of components and sound, joke about shkolota with fakes and generally demonstrate in every possible way disregard for one of the most successful brands, created allegedly solely for the sake of show-off.

I will not hide, once I thought so too... Seven years of music school in the piano class and the experience of playing in several groups on the bass guitar allowed me to consider myself almost an esthete. Far from audiophilia, but not at all close to Beats headphones. I didn't even want to touch them.

Everything changed when I began to actively study various gadgets and write about them. I managed to listen to the then wired Beats Solo 2 and make sure you have the right Sennheiser Momentum Over-Ear for a comparable price. Then I became convinced that the Bose Soundlink mini simply destroys Beats Pill with comparable sizes.

And then Apple suddenly bought Beats for online music. To me, as a user of Apple technology, at that time it seemed a very strange decision. "After all, Beats has nothing but marketing!" - the connoisseur of good sound yelled in me.

But then I realized a few things.

First: Apple has perfected the Beats headphones and speakers.
Second: I was listening not suitable music.

The day my faith was shaken

A year ago, in the Barcelona Apple Store, for the sake of interest, I decided to listen to the updated column Pill +... Imagine my surprise when I did not hear wheezing at maximum volume, but felt really powerful bass, almost comparable to Soundlink mini. The brain and ears refused to believe it.

Six months ago, I was brought to Edinburgh, but the local Apple Store did not find AirPods, which I really wanted to buy at the start of sales for my brand new iPhone 7 Plus. Wireless future, magic, that's it. But there were Beats Solo 3 Wireless and I decided to give Beats one more chance, remembering the improved sound of their little speaker.

For some reason in those days I especially enjoyed listening to the first album. Linkin park, and in these headphones I heard bass very unusual for me and for this release. They just swept away everything in their path and asked very powerful drive... I didn't like the overall sound signature, but I really loved the bass.

I drove various electronics, rock in different directions, and realized that at the moment these headphones are not suitable for me. Too dark and tight sound, not like a wired Momentum, not to mention B&O BeoPlay H6 and even a very bass, but detailed Philips Fidelio M2L with a Lightning wire.

By that time, I had already accumulated a large collection of my favorite headphones and it was difficult to bribe me with good bass. And I didn't have a lot of suitable music in my library. Plus, I really wanted to wait for the AirPods. Not wait. I ended up leaving Edinburgh with Bose QC35.

Their spacious sound did not leave me indifferent. And what a magical noise control there ... The way back on the plane was just fabulously quiet and peaceful. It was love from the first flight. QC35 owners will understand me. Indescribable feelings of silence which is always with you.

Hello again

At the beginning of this year, I started listening to a lot of alternative and instrumental hip-hop, various unusual pops and atmospheric electronics. Around the same time, I realized that the QC35s do not give me as much bass as I would like to hear in some tracks, and at maximum volume they generally lose their power. The sound becomes kind of flat.

In addition, I wondered about the selection of good wireless headphones for the warm spring weather, because it was getting hot in the QC35 every day. So I went back to Beats Solo 3, but for comparison I also took Studio Wireless.

Here it is, here it is the same bass which I missed for a lot of new artists. The Solo 3 Wireless, with its sharp and bold presentation, perfectly revealed some tracks (including even heavy hardcore compositions), and the uniform Studio Wireless expanded the idea of ​​other songs, not forgetting to energetically emphasize the bass.

Of course, this is not a Bose QC35 level sound. And not the level of wireless B & O's of different models. Maybe something around Parrot Zik. But in general, none of the headphones I've tested in the past few years have been able to convey such bass energy... As a recent bass player, it was a hell of a lot of fun for me.

Separately, I would like to note the Studio Wireless noise control. In some situations, it turns out to be more effective than the noise canceling of the Bose QC35, and this was my second surprising discovery. In addition, Beats headphones surprised us with good workmanship, dense matte plastic and pleasant packaging. I expected the worst, to be honest.

So what's the bottom line?

Even though I'm imbued with the sound Beats and finally I realized why people fell in love with these particular headphones, I could not stop my search. After a couple of hours of listening from Solo 3 Wireless, my ears ache, the W1 chip does not always behave stably, and autonomy raises questions.

Why with the declared 40 working hours do they discharge by 15-20% in an hour and a half of listening at an average volume? Maybe I was unlucky with the sample, but the impression was spoiled. It's good that they charge almost instantly. it great advantage.

The sound of Studio Wireless seemed to me nicer and more interesting. Even the basses in them are somehow different, more massive, all-encompassing, where the detail is much higher and the stage is wider. Alas, they are no less hot in them than in the Bose QC35, and they are much heavier in weight. But now I am waiting with great interest for the updated version of Studio Wireless with the W1 chip.

I did not take for the test Beats X and compare them to the AirPods, which, it turns out, don't want to hang in my ears properly. It's good that I didn't buy them earlier in the blind.

Why didn't you pick up Beats X? I have simply lost the habit of plugs and now I don’t want to stick anything but earbuds into my ears. Apple got used to EarPods, I even ran with them without problems. Alas, you can't run with AirPods.

I want to contact you, can you advise me on some good on-ear wireless headphones for warm spring and summer for city walks? Or maybe there are some other nice wireless earbuds besides the Sony SBH-70? I look forward to your advice.

For my part, I sincerely advise you not to judge Beats according to connoisseurs-audiophiles from the Internet, listening mainly to classical rock and various instrumental. These headphones are not for them. They are for you Apple Music users who prefer modern alternative pop, hip-hop, electronica, and rhythm and blues.

These genres will definitely not be disturbed. Beats-style bass.