cheap, not a lot of gimmicks like sony or panasonic.

"<1%thd" not the best, but that is what home theater is for

i have these hooked up to an onkyo A/V reciever connected via optical toslink to an aiwa dvd player.
playback for cds on this setup sounds pretty good for a cheap pair of headphones, best headphones i have ever used.

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cheap-a$$ headphones

outstanding price/performance

too long cord, not loud enough

Let me begin by a side story. A few months ago, I happened got a very good pair of speakers (Mission 773e) for my home audio system. That experience was really an eye-opener or rather "ear-opener" to me. Inferred from this, I thought the same thing could happened to my portable audio system. I am so hooked to music that I can't go anywhere without carrying my Sony Discman D-E525 and a Sony earphones whose model I can't specify now. If the importance of speakers is universally true, it should apply to the earphones/headphone category.

I did some research on headphones/earphones at this site, and concluded I should try one or two headphones from Sennheiser, Grado, AKG, Koss. I didn't want to pay so much for this first try, and I got Sennheiser HD 433 and Koss Sporta Pro on eBay auctions. I want to emphasize here that they were RIDICULOUSLY INEXPENSIVE.

After the break-in period is over, I conclude my evaluation of HD 433.

Their built is good: actually, they are very comfortable even to my rather sensitive ears. I can't stand "closed" headphones for more than 10 minutes.

Their design is okay. By the way, I really love the symmetrical structure of 433. This may be odd, but I sometimes want to turn right and left channels around because my left ear hears better than my right, weaker ear; I often suffer from too much volume in right channel in many recordings. Asymmetrical earphones/headphones do not allow me flipping around right and left.

Their performance is quite good; who can complain a lot about headphones bought for less than $40? I don't know how good hi-end headphones like Sennheiser HD 600 and Grado HD 325 sound, but HD 433's performance is more than just satisfactory even if its price is not taken into consideration. With them, I even recognize a few details that I can't notice in reproduction from my audio systems: Rega Model 2 driven by Harman/Kardon PM 625 integrated amp, sourced by Rotel RCD 955AX (I emphasize that this system sounds TRULY AWESOME), or Acoustice Energy Aegis 3, driven by Classe CAP-80 integrated amp, sourced by Yamaha CDX 550 and Soundstream DAC-1 D/A convertor).

Admittedly, I have requests: I feel like having more sonic clarity; overall, sounds get murky, even boomy, especially at lower frequencies. I feel like having more loudness; 433 seems to be too quiet, at least a lot more quiet many other headphones/earphones. But I also know I should be contented with its good articulation in highs and mids. Sometimes, string instruments from 433 sound really musical, even as sweet as from my Rega Model 2 speakers (Again, they are awesome speakers despite their ridiculously low reputation; they even outperform Mission 773e in some respects).

If you're looking for high-quality headphones at (ridiculously) low price, and your musical taste is for details and nuances rather than solid, punchy bass, you'll be never dissatisified with 433.

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Koss Sporta Pro

I was looking for a pair of higher-quality, over-the-ear headphones that were lightweight and comfortable to wear. I was pleased to find the Sennheiser brand at Netmarket for $20.95 + $7.95, though I was concerned that this particular model would have sub-standard build quality or acoustics. I have been pleasantly surprised, however, as the 'phones sound great and wear well. I'm not sure how much sound quality one trades off by buying what I suppose is Sennheiser's lowest-priced model, but I find it hard to believe that a pair of Sony or Kenwood headphones (which are usually priced at this level) could match the quality of the HD-433s.

I bought these for $25 after shipping at Ubid and I really love these headphones. I upgraded from some Koss (RD-33?) Deep Bass headphones that were coming apart. The Koss had extremely good bass, but the Sennheisers have shown me the light that it's not loud, but defined bass that is the best. The HD433 go low, but are non boomy at all. That's important I think. I have big speakers if I was the boom. I know that there are better Sennheisers out there, but for the price I think these will suit me just fine. I don't listen to headphones that often anyway. I am a happy owner of these and anyone who needs some entry level headphones, I think these are your phones. Enjoy them and upgrade later, the investment is so small it allows it. If only these headphones didn't look so ugly....
I give it 5 stars because I cant imagine a better headphone for only $25.

I got these cans @ $45 SingaBucks which is around 30 USD.Clear Treble, and Tight Bass. Nothing Much In the midrange though.
Great for music on the move, where the background noise level is high.
5 stars for value
4 stars for performance
3 stars for comfort - ouch new set
5 stars for durability
overall 4+ stars

the sennheiser hd 433 was my first experience with hi-fi sound. they are great entry level headphones. though they are the bottom of the line sennhiesers, is is quite clear that the sound quality is superior to any other portable cans in a similar price range (i bought them for $20+s/H @ spidergear.com). the treble is crisp, pretty clear, and a nice tight bass. the sound is more textured than any other headphones i've heard at that price range. they're not the greatest headphone to use with a home system, but they make great portable phones. great value for the price.

For the price it can't be beat! Though I was expecting a lot more from them. I think they are good for casual listening, definately better than cheapo Sony headphones. Like previous reviewers these aren't the most comfortable headphones. They also lack bass, I prefer a little more bass than what they put out, but that's alright.

Overall, a decent pair of headphones, 3.5 stars!

I was in the market for a pair of headphones that sounded good but weren't going to break the bank for my wife to listen to as she studied (used with a Sony portable CD player). We went to a local electronics store that had Sennheiser, Sony, and numerous other consumer headphones. We listened to them all, priced from $20 - $250, and decided on the Sennheiser HD433 ($50). They sound extremely warm, highs are clear and strong without being overwhelming, bass response is comfortable and warm, and they hold up very well riding around in my wife's backpack. Very nice for the price! 5 Stars for price/performance.

good sound bad comfort

price/performance, clarity

slight lack of bass

I got these last night along with the HD580s. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of listening to them after I listened to the 580s. To be fair, they have much of the overall clarity of their high-priced cousins, but not quite the bass presence. For a walkman, they would definitely be an upgrade, and with a little bass boost, would sound just great. I had bought them for use here at work, where I've got my old Yamaha CDC-755 changer as the source. I've been listening to my 580s all day and, on a decent player, without and tone controls, they are definitly the better choice. I've already ordered another pair to use hear. I think the 433s will be coming with me to the gym; vast improvement over ear-buds.

Overall, very good quality for the money, but not at the level of their 10x-priced cousins.

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cheap headphones included with walkmans, $30 audio-store-in-the-mall specials, HD580's