Description
Monster Diamond Tears Edge On-Ear Headphones review: Fashionista headphone isn't all looks
Monster makes an array of headphones, including plenty of new ones designed to compete with Beats models, which carried the Monster label until the two companies in early 2012. While Monster has heavily promoted its DNA and Inspiration lines, what's getting the most attention these days is a flashy, female-friendly model called the Diamond Tears Edge On-Ear.
How hot are the Diamond Tears? Well, the list price for the headphones apparently started out at $299.95, but due to high demand, they has since risen to $349.95, though you can get them online for $300.
As with most brand-driven products, you can argue over whether the Diamond Tears are worth $300, and the short answer -- as far as performance goes, anyway -- is no. You can find headphones in the $150 to $200 range that sound as good. Along others we like the , the , and headphones, all of which offer excellent sound for around $200 or less.
High price aside, I do like the Diamond Tears -- and I like their sound better than other Monster on-ear headphones such as the DNA. They offer a more neutral or balanced sound profile than some Monster headphones and many Beats. And while bass lovers probably won't be smitten with them, I found the bass ample and, just as importantly, not overbearing. The sound is pretty clean and fairly open (for closed-back headphones). They lean toward the aggressive and are strong through the midrange and treble while avoiding being harsh.
That said, if you're looking for a creamier, smoother-sounding headphone, something like the would be more up your alley. And at the $300 price point, we're also big fans of the earphones, an over-the-ear model that earned a CNET Editors' Choice.