Yamaha HPH-MT8

Let's start with the fact that these are my first such expensive headphones. I've never dealt with such expensive studio equipment. Okay, maybe it's not that expensive compared to the available high end models, but for someone who has had headphones for 40 euros max all his life, ~225 euros is a lot. What weighed on my choice was the high-quality workmanship, which is solid, minimalist and aesthetically pleasing. I very much respect the metal parts that reinforce the sensitive areas. Although the rest is ABS, it feels like it's made of good and solid one. As for the materials used, I have no complaints. Let's move on to the sound quality.

If you set yourself to listen to music from your phone through these headphones, maybe you should choose some other ones. I myself also use them in this way, but the sound quality is much higher when I use them at the computer, played through the interface. Also, for listening to music, to make it satisfactory, you'll need an equalizer to bump up the bass a little bit, as the headphones sound very neutral and have subtle stock bass. I don't see this as a problem. Just like a guitar amplifier, you have to adjust them properly to make the sound satisfy you. And when mixing and listening, this neutral fireworks-free sound is just an advantage. Overall, I rate the sound quality as very high. It is very clear and detailed, really a skyrocketing difference from ordinary travel headphones.

As for comfort, they are super comfortable. Any over-ear headphones I've had have pinched my big head to the point that the pain was unbearable. In these headphones, I spent literally the whole day recently, and on top of that I fell asleep in them on my head. And guess what? Nothing comically hurt or pinched me in the morning. They really are very comfortable. It is known, it is subjective we have different head sizes and shapes, different ears and such, but as for me, they are the most comfortable headphones I have ever had on my head.

So, I recommend for anyone who starts the adventure of mixing. I myself use them just for mixing, mastering, playing guitar, watching movies, listening to music making dinner, cleaning in the cottage, commuting to work and..., no wait, I got a little caught up, but these Yamahas are really great. I recommend the product as well as Thomann to complete the order.

I've tested and used the standard Beyerdynamics, AKGs as well as multiple Sennheisers, specifically the HD650. Although I got to love the HD650 (it's still the most comfortable one out of all the ones I've used) it's more of a hifi headphones type and a fantastic one for that matter. But mixing wise (I also use the Yamaha Hs8s + sub and got used to them) the MT8 blew me away. It took some getting used to, but once you use it more often and the frequencies all come to shine, it's absolute killer!

+Sound wise there's absolutely nothing missing (giving the price)
+Handling as well as swappable cables are a plus too
+Size of the earpads are great (I'm on the bigger side)
+Works great with any smartphone or iPod etc due to its low impedance

-The only downside is the comfort, but that's coming from a longtime AKG and Sennheiser user. On longer sessions the bar on my head seems to pressure a bit. It could also be a plus, since it reminds you to take a break every once in a while though ;)

All in all I would definitely recommend this product. Great purchase.

These replaced my Sony MDR 7506. I have used the headphones over the last couple of months mainly for silent bass practice, for general listening and to a lesser extend also for mixing. Different price point compared to the Sony but also definitely a few notches up in terms of sound quality.

The overall sound profile is very balanced with good resolution for closed back headphones. The bass sounds great with good extension without getting boomy, distorting or being overbearing. I find the mids well balanced with good detail. They work well for different music styles. Noise isolation is very good and the cans are very comfortable to wear over longer time periods even with glasses.

Due to low impedance they work also reasonably well on phones. They are not the most portable cans though. Hence there will be better choices if mobile use is a main concern. As musician and studio headphones they are hard to beat at this price point in my opinion.

just brilliant... already 3 months with them and i put my fav sennheisers and beyer pairs back - as a 2nd choice/reference. Much like the MSP series on your head. Good amps and D/A is a must with this yamahas..I bet Akira Nakamura still works for Yamaha : ) Long live, Akira!

04.01.26 edit = ~ 8 years later: I can't stand other headphones when doing critical edits (including micro dynamics or anything Frequency related, imaging..perfect center and m/s relation - again dynamically and frequency-wise too).. and I tried a lot other HPs during these 8 years. Now I have 3 pairs of MT8s, while my other headphones are used occasionally just for listening to music or making music..or just sitting in their bags/cases. As always, Yamaha is still on the top.