KEF M500 Pro Reviews

Once we enter the $300 price range for headphones, our expectations become quite high. The first pair of headphones we've ever reviewed from KEF, however, do not disappoint. The $299.99 (direct) KEF M500 is a comfortable, great-sounding pair with a focus on midrange frequencies. Deep bass is delivered cleanly, even at high volumes, but the lows are balanced by some sculpted high-mids and highs. Add to the equation a detachable cable with an inline remote and microphone for mobile phones, and the M500 starts to earn its price tag. Purists seeking flat response should steer clear, but if you want rich bass without gobs of it weighing down the mix, read on.

What makes a good headphone isn't just good sound but a combination of good sound, comfort, and build quality. As far as the M500's sound goes, I didn't get that wow feeling that makes you want to go back and listen to your whole music collection again to hear how it sounds through these headphones. But the M500s still sound very good, delivering relatively accurate, well-balanced sound with good detail and strong bass. In all, that makes KEF M500s an excellent set of everyday headphones that works well with a variety of music -- whether you're using them at home or on the go with a mobile device. At $300, they may not be a bargain, but neither are most $300 headphones, and at least these are built with a good amount of metal, not plastic, parts.

KEF has come up trumps with its first pair of headphones offering excellent build quality and a stylish comfortable design. After running in, the M500 headphones sound clear, punchy and balanced but won't blow you away quite as touted. They are also pricey for our liking and you can find similar or better sound quality for less.