When comparing Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 ) vs AKG K553 Pro, the Slant community recommends Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 ) for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 ) is ranked 41st while AKG K553 Pro is ranked 132nd. The most important reason people chose Monoprice MHP 839 ( 108323 ) is:
The mids are the star of the MHP 839’s sound signature. They are forward and have good clarity, making vocals and guitars sound really prominent, and gives the overall sound a distinctly warm feel. The bass is very good. While not very forward, it is full, has good punch and comes off as quite natural. The top highs are rolled off, which may muddle some of the music’s details. However, this also results in a smooth sound, as there is little to no harshness.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Rich and forward mids with good bass
The mids are the star of the MHP 839’s sound signature. They are forward and have good clarity, making vocals and guitars sound really prominent, and gives the overall sound a distinctly warm feel.
The bass is very good. While not very forward, it is full, has good punch and comes off as quite natural.
The top highs are rolled off, which may muddle some of the music’s details. However, this also results in a smooth sound, as there is little to no harshness.
Pro Ear cup position can be adjusted in a variety of ways
You can wear these the conventional way, or you can also choose to use these DJ style, where only one ear cup is held to the ear.
Pro Two headphone cables are included
One cable is thinner and shorter which is great for mobile use. The other is longer and thicker which should work better when using the headphones indoors.
Pro Removable cable
The cable is connected to the left ear cup via a 3.5mm cable, which can easily be removed. Storing the headphones or replacing a broken cable should be very easy to do.
Pro Nice sounding headphones that are great for casual, studio or mobile use
The MHP 839 is very versatile. The sound signature is enjoyable, and can work well with a variety of genres. It also offers good passive noise isolation for studio/DJ use. The collapsible design with removable cables make it easy to bring on the go. This combination of features is rarely seen in the price range.
Pro Quite comfortable to wear
The K553 Pro's earpads feature pleather materials which feel supple on the skin. Inside, the quality foam should provide ample cushioning. The headband also features a pleather surface and has some padding, which should help ease the pressure off of your head.
Pro Produces clean and accurate yet versatile sound
The sound is clear and accurate, and it should be very easy for the listener to pick out the details in the music. The bass level is just right without sounding boomy or muddy. The mids sound natural and neutral so these frequencies do not jump out of the mix. The highs are slightly extended, but do not make the sound harsh in any way.
Pro Solid build quality and premium feel
These headphones have very good build quality. Solid plastic and durable-feeling plastic is used for most of the headphones' parts. The matte finish adds a softer and more premium feel to the plastic surfaces. The headband is made of metal so it can handle some flex without breaking.
Pro Great noise isolation qualities
The closed design helps to greatly minimize sound leakage from these headphones. People near you will not hear what you are listening to when using these headphones. Also, the pleather pads allow for a great seal which further helps to minimize sound isolation and block outside noise from interfering with your listening experience.
Cons
Con Pads can get warm pretty quickly
The ear pads do provide ample cushioning, but they also trap heat, causing your ears to get warm really quick. You may need to take these off periodically so you can cool off.
Con Strong clamping force can cause discomfort
The strong clamp may feel like it's squeezing your head which can get uncomfortable after a while.
Con Feels cheap and flimsy
These headphones can creak and flex a lot. Some may also find that these are too light for their size.
Con Earpads may be too small for some
While the ear pads are able to provide ample cushioning, they are quite thin. Large ears may come into contact with the driver housing. This can lead to some discomfort and annoyance, especially when wearing the headphones for long periods of time.
Con Long, non-detachable headphone cable
You may encounter some hassle when using these headphones due to the cable. While the length is quite good at around 3 meters, the cable can get in the way and can be quite difficult to organize. The cable is also non-detachable, so replacing it can be difficult.
