Monoprice is a leading online retailer specializing in affordable electronics and cables that are often much cheaper than competing brands. Founded in 2002, they aim to provide quality products at the lowest possible cost by cutting out the middlemen and selling direct to consumers.
In recent years, Monoprice has expanded beyond cables and adapters into more consumer electronics like headphones, speakers, and home entertainment products. Their headphones in particular have developed a reputation for delivering impressive audio performance and build quality at budget-friendly prices.
The Monoprice 110010 are around-ear wired headphones that sit towards the top end of Monoprice’s headphone lineup in terms of design, features and sound. They offer an intriguing mix of premium materials like memory foam earpads and 50mm drivers combined with a sub-$100 price tag.
With many audiophile headphone brands charging hundreds or even thousands of dollars, Monoprice aims to make quality personal audio more accessible. The 110010 headphones target buyers who want great sound without breaking the bank. Let’s take a closer look in this review to see how they perform.
Specifications
The Monoprice 110010 headphones feature 50mm drivers and have an impedance of 32 ohms. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz, providing a full spectrum sound reproduction.
The headphones utilize a standard 1/8 inch (3.5mm) headphone jack and come with a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) adapter. This allows them to be plugged into a variety of audio devices.
Some other key specifications:
- Driver Diameter: 50mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Max Input Power: 500mW
- Sensitivity: 102dB
- Cable Length: 9.8 feet
- Connector: 1/8 inch (3.5mm) stereo headphone jack with 1/4 inch (6.35mm) adapter
The over-ear design combined with large 50mm drivers provides an immersive listening experience and powerful sound across a wide frequency range. The low 32 ohm impedance also makes these headphones easy to drive from portable devices without the need for a separate amplifier.
Design and Build Quality
The feature a robust yet lightweight design constructed primarily out of plastic, with some metal accents. The majority of the headphone band and ear cups are made from rigid plastic which feels durable, though the silver paint finish may scratch or chip over time.
The ear cups and headband are padded with faux leather which feels comfortable against the skin. While not as premium feeling as real leather, the padding seems like it will hold up well to regular use.
The ear cups can rotate and tilt slightly to adjust the fit. This allows you to get a more customized fit for your head size and shape. However, the ear cups only tilt vertically and do not fold inward or flatten for portability.
The headband is adjustable with metal sliders on each side. This allows you to widen or tighten the fit. The headphones can extend enough to fit most head sizes comfortably.
At 0.6 pounds, the headphones are relatively lightweight considering their large over-ear design. This makes them suitable for use while stationary or while walking around. However, the rigid ear cups and lack of folding design limit their portability compared to some on-ear or collapsible headphones. They may not be the most travel-friendly choice.
Overall, the Monoprice 110010 headphones have a very solid build quality with metal and plastic construction. While they may not have premium luxury materials, the design appears highly functional for everyday home and office use. The adjustable fit and lightweight profile also add to their versatility as an affordable pair of closed-back headphones.
Comfort
With large oval shaped earcups that are softly padded with a velour-like material, the Monoprice 110010 headphones offer a good deal of comfort for long listening sessions. The earcups are spacious enough to fully enclose most ears without feeling constricted. Those with larger ears may find the openings slightly small, but the padding helps prevent any pinching or discomfort.
The thick padded headband is adjustable and does not clamp too tightly. The headphones are relatively lightweight at just 8.8 oz, avoiding neck strain or headaches during extended wear. While not the lightest headphones around, the Monoprice 110010 strikes a nice balance between being sturdy yet comfortable enough for hours of listening enjoyment.
Some may find the earpads start feeling a bit warm over time, since the velour material does not breathe exceptionally well. But the earcups are large enough that most ears do not actually touch the pads directly. Overall, the Monoprice 110010 offers excellent comfort that belies its budget-friendly price. The spacious earcups and padded headband allow you to get lost in your music without pain or fatigue.
Sound Quality
The Monoprice 110010 headphones deliver excellent sound quality for the price. The bass response is quite impactful, with punchy lows that add warmth without being overpowering. The mids are clear and focused, bringing vocals and instruments to the forefront. The highs are crisp and detailed without becoming harsh or fatiguing.
The soundstage is fairly wide for a closed back headphone, giving the music a spacious feeling. Imaging is good as well, with accurate separation between the left and right channels. This allows you to pick out the positioning of individual instruments in the mix.
Isolation is decent thanks to the closed back design and padded earcups. It blocks out a fair amount of ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music. The seal also prevents sound from leaking out too much, making these suitable for use in public without disturbing those around you.
Overall, the sound signature is fun and engaging, with a nice blend of lows, mids, and highs. The 110010 punches above its weight class sonically, providing an immersive listening experience. For critical listening, the mids could use a bit more resolution and the highs are slightly rolled off. However, at this price point the audio performance is very impressive.
Value
The Monoprice 110010 offer tremendous value compared to many headphones in this price range. At around $30, these deliver audio quality that rivals headphones costing 2-3 times as much.
The sound is very balanced across lows, mids, and highs. Bass is punchy without being overbearing, mids are clear, and highs avoid sounding harsh or tinny. This versatile sound profile works well for music across genres, from hip hop to classical.
Considering the excellent audio and comfortable design, the Monoprice 110010 punch far above their weight class. Competitors like the Sony MDR-7506 and Audio-Technica ATH-M20x cost almost twice as much, yet don’t necessarily offer better performance.
For budget-conscious buyers who still want good sound, the Monoprice 110010 are a fantastic value proposition. They provide impressive audio quality without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for affordable headphones that don’t compromise on sound, these should be at the top of your list.
Who It’s For
The Monoprice 110010 headphones are an ideal choice for certain buyers and use cases:
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Budget-conscious shoppers – These headphones retail for well under $100, making them very affordable compared to many competing models. The excellent sound quality makes them a great value.
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Casual listeners – The Monoprice 110010s provide very good sound across various music genres. They have a fun sound signature that works well for casual everyday listening.
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Office and home use – The closed-back over-ear design helps block out ambient noise, which is useful in shared work and living spaces. Comfortable pads allow for extended wear.
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Portable use – While not the most compact, these lightweight headphones can fold up for tossing in a bag. Removable cables and low impedance allow easy use with phones and tablets.
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Audio enthusiasts – Serious listeners on a budget will appreciate the accurate sound reproduction and soundstage. The headphones respond well to EQ adjustments.
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Gamers – The soundstage and positioning are ideal for immersive gaming. The boom mic facilitates voice chat. Strong clamp force keeps headphones in place during action.
The Monoprice 110010s strike an excellent balance between performance and value. For the price, they are hard to beat for casual use across a variety of settings.
Drawbacks
While the Monoprice 110010 headphones offer good sound for the price, they aren’t without some compromises:
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Build quality could be better: The plastic materials feel a bit cheap and fragile. The headband in particular tends to creak and feels like it could break with rough handling.
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Bass lacks impact: While the overall sound signature is pleasing, the bass response lacks punch and impact. The low end lacks the slam and authority more expensive headphones can deliver.
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Uncomfortable for long listening sessions: The pleather earpads get hot and sweaty after an hour or two of use. Those with larger ears may experience discomfort from the clamping force. The headband also starts to feel uncomfortable due to minimal padding.
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bulky and non-folding design: These are full-size, over-ear headphones with a bulky and non-folding design. Not very portable or suitable for travel use.
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Cable is prone to tangling: The permanently attached cable tends to tangle and snag if not carefully managed. A detachable cable would have been better.
Overall, at this low price point, some compromises in build, comfort and portability are expected. Those looking for premium materials, construction and features will need to spend more. But for budget-minded buyers wanting decent, entry-level open-back sound, the drawbacks are minor given the very affordable price.
Alternatives to Consider
Though the Monoprice 110010 offer great sound and comfort at an affordable price point, there are some other headphones around $30 worth considering as well:
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Panasonic RP-HTX7: These on-ear headphones provide a fun, v-shaped sound signature at an equally budget-friendly price. The soft earpads are comfortable for prolonged listening sessions.
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Koss KPH30i: For under $30, these retro-inspired on-ear headphones deliver clean audio reproduction and impressive spatial imaging. The lightweight build maximizes comfort.
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JBL Tune 500: With punchy bass and foldable design, the Tune 500 make a great portable option. The on-ear fit isn’t as plush as over-ear models but still comfortable.
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Philips SHP1900: Philips is known for affordable headphones with balanced sound. The SHP1900 have large drivers that create an expansive, open soundstage.
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Anker Soundcore Life Q20: Active noise cancellation at this price is unheard of. The Life Q20 also have bass-boosting capabilities for those who like an amplified low end.
While the Monoprice 110010 are an excellent value pick, some of the other budget-friendly headphones highlighted offer slightly different strengths that may suit other listeners’ needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Overall, the Monoprice 110010 headphones provide exceptional value at their budget-friendly price point. Their 50mm driver units deliver a spacious, well-balanced sound with good bass extension and sparkling highs. The build quality is solid, featuring an all-metal construction that should hold up well over time. Comfort is also a strength, thanks to the soft cushioning on the headband and ear cups.
For critical listening, the 110010s may fall slightly short compared to more expensive audiophile headphones. The bass lacks some control and definition on complex tracks. Soundstage performance is also just average. However, at this price, it’s hard to find a better overall package.
Given their combination of sound quality, comfort, and affordable pricing, the Monoprice 110010s are easy to recommend. They make an excellent entry-level option for casual listeners and budding audiophiles alike. If you’re seeking quality headphones on a budget, put these on your shortlist. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better value buy.