Previously I used to own 70+ head gears under $50 price range. In the past, my trial/error costed me more than buying an audiophile headphones like hd650. Out of all this madness, the Audio-Technica ATH-EZ5CX topped every other competitors like koss, sennheiser, sony, panasonic, aiwa, pioneer, jvc, etc in lite weight category (earfons, canalfons, neckband and lite headfons, and clip-ons). These ATHs were only $25 in japan 3 yrs ago.

Best kept secret fons in my opinion. Sonically these ATHs don't outperform koss' bass or sony's highs or senn's mids, BUT when you put three together EZ5CX does it very coherently and harmoniously. These Audio Technica does everything in discrete and balance manner with good musicality. They're bit warm yet good detail in such a small package. It's unlike any other audio technicas I've encountered in this price range. The EZ5CX doesn't excel in one side of sonic characteristics, but very well rounded gear for all round performer.

For build quality, these ATHs are no exemption to solid ATH house quality. All transluscent plastic is very durable and quite in presence. The opening aperture ingress on earclip hinge makes easier entrance and exit. Pretty comfy for clip ons, but 2 hours max for me since I can't stand irritation on back of my ear. The tough cables are made of fabric woven fiber.