Monster Beat Dr. Dre Studio Headphones - Dissapointment

[El Hefe]

I just came back from Dubai, UAE last weekend where on the last day I was there, I purchased this headphones from Virgin Megastore in Mall of the Emirates. I was rushing to the airport hence did not test them out after purchasing.I only tested the the display unit in the shop and the sound really blew me away. It is better than the Bose.

However, when I first statrted using on the flight back to Kuala Lumpur, it did not function as its supposed to be. The mute button on the right cup had to be constantly touched in order to get the sound. I mean literally touch, not pressed. Its like there some static thingy going on there. Take my finger away, then the sound is gone.

It was a good thing that I still had my Sennheiser earphones for the rest of the flight.

Once in KL, I emailed Monsters Cable US but since it was the weekend, had to wait till Monday. But no respond till Tuesday so I re-emailed them on Tuesday. They then replied for me to contact their sole distibutor in KL but I have never seen these phones sold here.They also gave the contacts of their distributor in UAE. Was told to contact either one of them to getr a replacement unit. If these 2 distributors do not want to replace, then I have to send the unit back to US for a replacement.

A bit dissapointed that I have to go through all these trouble when there is a lot of hype of the quality of these phones by Monsters.

Anyone else ever experienced the same problem with this unit?

 

[idc]

If it is any consolation El Hefe, this is the first Dr Dre thread I have seen that complained of a fault. You have probably just been unlucky and since you lack easy access to a shop to return them to, that is obviously going to make it more complicated.

 

[El Hefe]

idc,

Thanks. Yes more bad news. The sole distributor in in Malaysia does not want to replace my unit with a new. Mosnter Cable USA will but I will have to courier them the unit. That will be easily another 3 to 4 weeks.

 

[Anonymous]

El Hefe, sorry to hear about what happened to your Monster Beat headphones. If you could get those issues worked out I'm sure you'll have a blast with them. Another "common" issue that I've heard on US forums is that the plastic band will crack around the metal screws. Seen it happened personally at a local Apple store. But I'm sure if you take good care of them that won't be a problem.

 

[El Hefe]

I have finally sent the damaged unit to Monsters in Netehrlands after a few confusion on their side. The confusion came when their US counterpart replied to my email and after a week of communicating, Monsters Europe issued me the RMA number (number used to accept goods to their warehouse). Hence, didnt know whether to send it to USA or Netherlands. Finally they confirmed with me to send the unit to Netherlands. They will replace the unit with a new one but it will take 4 to 6 weeks.

 

[Anonymous]

The Denons AHD 1001 would have been a more sensible buy.But if you have the moolah why not go the extra mile.

In between how much did you pay for them in UAE,here in Jeddah the Denons are retailing for SAR1500.

 

[Anonymous]

El Hefe:I have finally sent the damaged unit to Monsters in Netehrlands after a few confusion on their side. The confusion came when their US counterpart replied to my email and after a week of communicating, Monsters Europe issued me the RMA number (number used to accept goods to their warehouse). Hence, didnt know whether to send it to USA or Netherlands. Finally they confirmed with me to send the unit to Netherlands. They will replace the unit with a new one but it will take 4 to 6 weeks.

Are Monster meeting the cost of shipping?

 

[idc]

Ramanuj:The Denons AHD 1001 would have been a more sensible buy.But if you have the moolah why not go the extra mile.

In between how much did you pay for them in UAE,here in Jeddah the Denons are retailing for SAR1500.

Hi Ramanuj. Am I getting this right? SAR1500 is £263. That is what the Beats cost here, give or take £10. The Denon AH D1001 can be had for £100.

 

[El Hefe]

DAVID MCKEOWN:

El Hefe:I have finally sent the damaged unit to Monsters in Netehrlands after a few confusion on their side. The confusion came when their US counterpart replied to my email and after a week of communicating, Monsters Europe issued me the RMA number (number used to accept goods to their warehouse). Hence, didnt know whether to send it to USA or Netherlands. Finally they confirmed with me to send the unit to Netherlands. They will replace the unit with a new one but it will take 4 to 6 weeks.

Are Monster meeting the cost of shipping?

They are not covering the cost for me to ship the unit to their warehouse in Netherlands but they will cover the cost of sending the new unit. Nevertheless, due to feeling really ****** off, I purchased myself an Alessandro-Grado Music Pro headphones today. Cost me like 570 quid. Will write this one up in a separate thread.

 

[El Hefe]

Ramanuj:The Denons AHD 1001 would have been a more sensible buy.But if you have the moolah why not go the extra mile.

In between how much did you pay for them in UAE,here in Jeddah the Denons are retailing for SAR1500.

I bought it for AED 1400. I think that is about 270 quid.

 

[Anonymous]

idc:
Ramanuj:The Denons AHD 1001 would have been a more sensible buy.But if you have the moolah why not go the extra mile.

In between how much did you pay for them in UAE,here in Jeddah the Denons are retailing for SAR1500.

Hi Ramanuj. Am I getting this right? SAR1500 is £263. That is what the Beats cost here, give or take £10. The Denon AH D1001 can be had for £100.

Thats right,i heard the beats,believe me they didnt impress me at all,for the price they come at and what they do.

 

[El Hefe]

I am soooo dissapointed in Monster Cable. I have sent my faulty unit 2 weeks ago and they have confirmed that they have received it but ask me to wait for 2 weeks because it out of stock out of their Netherlands warehouse. A few days after that they said that they will ship it out on 21st July. Its been 8 days now and I have not receive the unit. I have emailed them twice this week but they have stop replying to my emails.

Very poor customer service. Although mine might be an isolated case but nevertheless, I will never recommend their product to others.

What can be done to ensure I get a replacement unit as soon as possible? Anyone in the UK can help out or suggest?

 

[El Hefe]

Finally received my headphones via courier last weekend. And this unit is in full working order. With the courier charges to send the damaged unit + customs tax on receiving the new unit, I had to fork up another 80 quid.

Sound wise, its definitely providing more bass than the Alessandro Grado and does feel enclosed. the noise cancelling works really good in a noisy environment.Have yet to try it on a flight.

Product seems good but I rate their customer service to be the worst experience I have ever had, from both the US and Netherlands locations. To be frank, I have emailed and even called Netherlands to get the update and they promise to give me the UPS number via email, but nothing was done. I wasnt even expecting the replacement unit to come. It was just a normal Thursday morning when the UPS guy showed up in front of my house, asking for custom tax payment before he can release the unit.

 

[Anonymous]

Just look at their name - if you expect excellence from a product called that, well you're already a few scotch eggs short of a picnic....

 

[matengawhat]

they are pretty highly regarded but to be honest i am fed up of seeing footballers and jls wearing them round their necks!!!!

I think their service has been pretty poor to charge you delivery costs and being stuck for import duties for an item you have already bought that was faulty!

 

[El Hefe]

Yeah, I notice some footballers and athletes were uing these phones. Was it Beckham who was using this in the recent world cup?

I am very unhappy with the purchase. SOmething that I thought I got it cheaper buying in Dubai compared to Malaysia, end up costing me the same but plus the heartache.

And guess what, they have not even replied my email even just to check whether I have received the headphones or not.

 

[Anonymous]

I purchased a pair of the beats some time ago, but returned them for a refund within a week. I thought they sounded ok but was really worried about the manufacturing quality - to me they simply looked as if they would break.

Too bad about the poor customer service, but think of the number of people who will not be purchasing a pair from Monster because of your story. Funny how many manufactures don't seem to realize the power of an unhappy customer.

 

[Anonymous]

Well, all I can say is that I have a pair for travelling and they have been around the world with me, in and out of rucksacks and travel bags etc. Bought them well over a year ago, probably nearer 18 months.

Still work perfectly and are still in one piece.

Sound quality wise I thought they were better than the Bose equivalent at the time. Of course they don't hold a candle to my Grado GS 1000i's which I use at home but you wouldn't expect them to.

So I am a happy user but unfortunately not a footballer.

 

[El Hefe]

Sound wise, yes its much better than Bose. But of course no comparison to my Grado Alessadro as well. I will get the chance to try the effectiveness of the noise cancellation tomorrow as I am going on a flight again.

I wish I can write to higher management of Monster Cable on this incident but there is only a generic online query page which will go to the helpdesk of course.

 

[idc]

How was the flight?

You could send an email to the help desk with a link to this thread. That may spur some action.

 

[El Hefe]

Hi idc,

Just got back from the trip. Excllent headphones they are for travelling, sound and noise cancellation wise. Even without music on, the airplane engine sound can only be heard faintly. The best part is (I dont know how), but I can still hear announcement from the captain even with the headphones on. With my Sennheiser earphones, no can do.

The sound is more on bassy side. On certain songs, I can feel that the phones are vibrating. I am sure it does not leak any sound as I dont see the person beside me grumbling. The pads are comfy and my ears did not sweat, maybe because it was good air conditioning in the business class.

Bad points to me however, its a bit cumbersome as a travelling kit as it is a bit bulky compared to BOSE. Also, as the headband is solid and thick plastic, it was difficult for me to put my head on side to sleep. Had to position my head facing straight front.

I will try sending the link of this thread to the helpdesk by looking at how they treated me, they might just delete it and will not escalate to higher management.

 

[El Hefe]

The agony continues. Aaaarrrghhhh.

I boarded a flight to Vietnam today and just about to hook up my headphones to my iPhone. Unzip the carrier bag and the cap (too mute) on the right cup came off. I can see the plastic around 2 small screws are broken.

This must be the worst hifi/headfi product I have ever purchased. Quality is even worst than a freebie cable.

I guess I will be selling this headphones really cheap and get myself a Bose.

 

[idc]

You are so unlucky. Thing is Bose are not known for longetivity, see the Amazon reviews for that. I would go with the Goldring NS1000, much cheaper, excellent sound and a brilliant carry pouch.

I had no idea there was so much inside a Beat! There are amps with simpler circuit boards.

 

[El Hefe]

Aaaahhh didnt know the Bose having a similar issue. The over the ear model I have seems quite sturdy.

Will have a look at Goldring. Saw on ebay a brand new set is 99 GBP.
How about the Senns PX450?

Yes, the circuitry looks complicated but the quality of material used is just next to rubbish.

 

[john1000000boy]

All looks very poor on monsters behalf!! Nothing more annoying than poor customer service to boot!! I picked up a pair of beats at a comet store and tried them. They did feel reasonably robust!! This thread had certainly put me off..... I do like the styling of them.... but sadly i am not a pro footballer either!! Hope you get some satisfaction from this whole purchase and dont end up out of pocket anymore!!