Well then that makes the headphone industry even more pathetic. 

I was comparing the Mackies' sound and engineering to headphones, not other speakers so what you're saying is beside the point.  My comparison still stands.  But I think they sound fantastic and a number of people I trust agree.

I should clarify a bit. The Mackies are still pretty accurate, and deserve the term "studio monitor" unlike the headphones which wear the same badge and are usually shockingly inaccurate for any kind of professional mixing work. The 624 is also better than the 824, which is muddy in the bass and lower mids. At their $1,000/pr list though, I think they are outmatched by Adam and Dynaudio.

For what the 824s cost, you can do WAY better.

My point in this thread is not about whether the Mackies are the best studio monitor, I don't want to argue that here, because I think the point I am trying to make is an important one. 

They are better engineered, more precise and more accurate than almost any headphone ever made.  And aside from absolute resolution and bass extension I'd say they are better than any headphone ever made period.  If there are better speakers out there for the price, it only reinforces the fact that headphones are overpriced, and under-engineered.  And we should expect much much more.

So much WIN there rhythmdevils! I agree with you completely.

You should have been there at T.H.E. show. Total failure and disappointment for me...I should have asked for a refund.

Quote from: rhythmdevils on June 18, 2012, 04:14:00 AM

They are better engineered, more precise and more accurate than almost any headphone ever made.  And aside from absolute resolution and bass extension I'd say they are better than any headphone ever made period.  If there are better speakers out there for the price, it only reinforces the fact that headphones are overpriced, and under-engineered.  And we should expect much much more.

It's completely routine with headphones though, as almost none of the major companies can build a headphone that sounds even halfway decent. Why is that?

I have no idea!  But it pisses me off!  I have resorted to trying to make a good sounding pair of headphones myself.  And so has LFF.  It's pathetic.  You've definitely found the right forum if that's how you feel!   

So much WIN there rhythmdevils! I agree with you completely.

You should have been there at T.H.E. show. Total failure and disappointment for me...I should have asked for a refund.

Yeah wish I could have made it.  It gives me a big softie that we use the same speakers.   

I think it's because of a shift across the whole industry towards more marketing and less substance because they have learned that's what sells.  Look at head-fi.  If it weren't for a few people on this forum the HD700 would be in full hype mode right now. 

Audeze and Hifiman's success are the result of this shift.  When the mainstream companies in an industry start shifting too far towards marketing, and the real enthusiasts don't like their products anymore, eventually new small companies will start up and take their place, while the mainstream companies slowly shift until they are all style.  Outdoor clothing is a great example.  Abercrombie and Fitch used to be an outfitting company that was 100% substance.  Now they are the opposite.  You can see North Face moving that direction.  And then there's new compannies like Mountain Hardwear (there are probably better examples now, I havne't been to REI in a long time) who start up because of the new market created by all the enthusiasts who are now looking for better products and new companies. 

If Sennheiser had released a better HD650 as everyone wanted them to, Audeze/Hifiman wouldn't have been nearly as successful in fact they may have flopped.  Same goes for AKG, Beyer, etc.  Not that Audeze or Hifiman's phones are perfect, but none of the major companies make headphones like theirs.