I've been using a set of 'cheaper' Sennheisers for years until they finally gave in to the abuse I subjected them too. Decided to try some new Pioneers those were uncomfortable and broke within a couple of months (I'd taken really good care of them too). Decided that I'd follow the herd and plump for these expensive ones. Sound is really nice and isolation is good. You can easily hear what you are doing in loud venues. Build quality / design is really good too. The way the cable is clamped to the headphones and is replaceable is brilliantly functional. Might not meet the apple school of design but it means that the life of these can easily be extended. I expect these will last much longer than my previous Senny's - over 10 years.
