Ultrasone (HFI-780) Headphones

First off, let me say that I own a lot of higher-end headphones.  The HFI-780s are not the best I've ever heard, but they are very good and one of the better options if you need sealed headphones. If you don't, I'd give consideration to AKG, Beyerdynamic, or Grado.  This is the third pair of Ultrasones for me and they definitely sound better and are constructed better than the other two pair.  (I have a different model that basically pops apart when you put pressure on them.)  Finish and fit are excellent and they are very impressive to look at.  Sound quality is about an 8 out of 10, with some weakness in imaging (an area that Ultrasone prides itself on) and a somewhat heavy bass end.  The sound levels you can achieve are surprising, given good amplification.  The sound-sealing is VERY effective, but at the cost of some comfort.  These make my ears sweat after an hour or two of listening.  You can position them to be a bit more comfortable, but the sound suffers.  They are meant to be sealed to the sides of your head and they don't sound right if they aren't.  The cable is durable and non-microphonic.  Unlike some other mid-range headphones, the HFI-780 comes with a 1/8" plug, not a 1/4".  This is actually my preference, as I would much rather plug a 1/8" plug into a 1/4" adapter than vice versa.  (Plugging a 1/4" plug into a 1/8" adapter leaves you with a heavy, 2" assembly supported by a small 1/8" plug in a tiny jack.)  Overall, a good choice in a sealed headphone at a fair price.