I suspect those who complain about the quality of bass either did not choose the right model that fit their need (Skullcandy seems to make hundreds of differing models), they need to EQ the bass up a little, OR their built-in sound card on their computer just doesn’t pack the punch.

Keep in mind, computer manufacturers focus primarily on four parameters: price, hard drive capacity, processor speed, and RAM. Other functions like video, audio, keyboard, and mouse functionality is now integrated on the motherboard, NOT seperate cards as they used to be in the old days. The result is that in the interest of keeping costs down audio and video will often suffer. This is why I ALWAYS use aftermarket video and sound cards. For instance, I use a Soundblaster sound card with 7.1 Dolby Digital capability. Not only does it pack more power than the built-in “card” on my Compaq, but the sound quality improvement is DRAMATIC. So when I see others complain of distortion when they boost the bass, I have to wonder if it is not the fault of the phones, but the sound producing element of their computer. The simple fact is that if you care greatly about the sound quality of your computer, you MUST purchase an aftermarket sound card. The same goes for video as well. As far as MY Skullcandy phones, I can boost the bass to ridiculous levels using my Winamp EQ and there is no distortion.

I have owned some MUCH more expensive phones in the past including the $200 Grado 220’s and several Sony models. These Skullcandy phones are the equal of ANY headphones I have ever owned as far as sound quality AND they are lighter and, without a doubt, more comfortable than ALL OTHER over-the-ear headphones I have ever owned (and no, I DO NOT work for Skullcandy!). Again, the sound quality is second to none, but it is how light they are that truly make them so comfortable. I don’t know about all other headphones in Skullcandy’s product line, but mine are outstanding and I would certainly buy another in the future or recommend them to friends. Mine cost $50-$60 at Best Buy (as I recall, they were the most expensive Soundcandy over-the-ear, non-noise cancelling model they sold), but this is a true bargain IMHO compared to what I have paid for lesser phones in the past. I know the ridiculous colors and designs will likely steer true audiophiles away from these, concluding they are designed simply around their aesthetic appeal to young people. But that is simply not the case, at least not the case with ALL of their headphones, like mine.

Senheizer makes a great phone as well, but I cannot imagine my Skullcandy’s being any better than they are. I have owned them for over a year and a half and they have been dropped, stepped on, ect., yet they are tough and are working as well as the day I bought them.

Anyway, like all things, it’s safe to say you get what you pay for. Obviously, a $60 set of Skullcanyd’s are going to sound better and be built better than a $15 set. This applies to all brands as well. The point I am making is that Skullcandy DOES make some outstanding phones, though the better ones will cost you more of course AND to maximize their performance you really should have a quality aftermarket soundcard.

MOSFET67

Seriously, you’re gonna bash some headphones JUST BECAUSE the frequency range written on their label has a 5% difference than other higher quality ones? Go back to the back of the bus.

They look sick , no one can deny that.

But when the frequency response is only 100hz-18000hz , you’re paying for style not quality.

A pair of sennheiser HD212Pro headphones are only 5 dollars more expensive and actually cover sub bass tones entirely.

Sub bass ranges from 20hz up to 125hz.

These skullcandies begin at 100hz and dont go any lower = paying for style and not function unless of course you dont care about Sub-bass.

Also , highend ranges up to 20000hz , these only go up to 18000hz.

The sennheisers go up to 19.

Look at frequency response when buying headphones … unless of course you dont care about such things :o)

I’ve been looking for some decent headphones and that these are Metallica plus the free music download are just icing. Score!