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For the past 10 years, I've basically treated my earbuds as disposable goods. I rarely spend more than $20 on a pair of them, because I know they'll end up lost, broken, or missing a single ear rubber-thingy. They generally have a lifespan of four months, tops.
The new KEF M500 on-ear headphones are at the opposite end of the headphone spectrum, at least for me. While they're not as outrageously priced as top-tier $2,000-range headphones like the Grado PS1000s or the Audeze LCD-3s, they're still pricey at $300.
That's not to say you don't get a lot for your money. The M500s are clearly built to last. The meat of the construction consists of a lightweight aluminum alloy, which is supremely sturdy and features a fold-and-swivel hinge above the earpads for folding them up. Those earpads also happen to be incredibly comfy. They're made of memory-foam, which means they won't get overly warm or feel tight on your ears, and have a pleasant oval shape that more accurately reflects the shape of most human ears. The whole package fits into a sturdy, hard-shell taco of a carrying case.
Most importantly though, the M500s sound great. Two 40mm neodymium-magnet drivers deliver rich sound, with deep (but not overpowering) bass. The low end stays sharp and distortion-free even when you're bumping Miami-style rap. But these headphones truly excel at the high end and the mid-range, where they sound crisp and tight.
Weak spots? Mainly the high asking price for casual users, and the fact that the sound leaks a little bit at high volumes. Still, the KEF M500s sound great, look great, and feel great -- which is more than enough to turn me into a higher-priced headphone guy.
