Swag Review: Mode M40

[alliclaytor]

Note, the spacing didn't look right from typing from an ipad, so I put a ~ to denote a break.

All, I was lucky enough to win a pair of the M40's at the Pilgrimage. I was pumped and have had them for a while listening. I thought since these were relatively new on the market I should get some info out on them. Maybe this should go in the Headphone section? IDK, Amy can fix if she thinks so.

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I only have one pair of over the ear headphones, we used them for mixing live venues/at home listening/and some light recording - because we were given a band sponsorship for them. They were the AKG K240's which are a open/semi-open design meaning that you can hear them pretty well sitting next to someone wearing them. So realize that they are not noise canceling, and are a different design. My wife and I both took part in the listening, we mostly listen to 70-today rock, blues, jazz, pop, etc. Our review will cover the following areas: comfort, sound quality, and any/all other. Also of note we only have Klipsch speakers in our house.

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Comfort: Both my wife and I experienced that these were tight on our heads, this is a function of the noise issolation which the 240's do not do any of. The 240's were lighter and did not put much pressure on the side of your head. Also, the M40's were rock solid under movement (walking/etc) where the 240's are prone to the headstrap falling or the ear cups josteling.

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Sound Quality: Both of us felt that the M40's provided a more intimate experience, we don't have kids but do have barking/playing dogs that are always doing some mischief mixed with "house" noise. This experience mimicked the sensation of hitting the sweet spot between a nice 2 channel system. The M40's reduced that to nearly 0, and it was hard to hear the music bleading out of the headphones. The bass on the M40's seemed to be a tad deeper, but the vocals of the music we listened to was more clear and "live" on the 240's. In general, I did not listen to the units M40's the noise canceling feature as it wasn't need due to the isolation. We were able to reduce each others voices a bit when no music was playing...but with music I won't even think this feature would be needed unless you were walking around a downtown/very noisy area. I did notice a boost in the signal when turned on so I would turn down the music first before doing this.

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Any/All other - Pretty much all in favor of the M40 here, I-compatible, easily configurable/detachable cable, fold up for travel, comes with sweet leather case and plug in accessories, NOT just black. A lot of thought went into the accessories, usability, and details of how the M40's would work in your life. The 240's are just plain ol' headphones.

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Final Wrap up: Since we didn't pay for either , the value proposition isn't an issue. At the time the 240's were like $120 and the Mode M40's are around $300 online. For just listening to a CD or whatever at home for hours on end, I would choose the 240's for comfort and the live sound. But if I were on the move, on a plane, packing in a backpack, putting in a gig bag, or just about anything else I would take the the M40's hands down. The tightness on our head may be an issue of breaking them in or that I have a fat head, as a side note my wife (who has a smaller head) agreed . I think Klipsch put out a good product for the market that is growing, the I-people...and I can only assume it will be accessible for the Droid-people soon.

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Finally, thank you thank you thank you to the Kipsch folks for the pilgrimage, I have been there three times and really enjoy it every time. I am lucky enough to be in the area and run into folks from time to time, but it is a pleasure to plan time to hang out.

Thanks,
Alli-