Monster Beats by Dr Dre Solo HD review

This latest addition to the fashionable Beats by Dr Dre brand proves to be just as covetable, although we think they could be more detailed Tested at £180

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

These Beats cans are covetable enough, but massively flawed

Pros

  • +

    Robust and shiny

  • +

    assertive, spacious and balanced sound

Cons

  • -

    Could be more solid and detailed with bass

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

It's apparent the Solo HDs don’t have to work especially hard to win on style.

The glossy headband and shiny Beats logo are a stylish proposition, while comfort is high on the agenda too.

The soft ear pads and padded headband give a secure fit, and the seal does a good job of cutting outside noise.

The Beats produce a generous amount of bass weight, but instead of precision, notes sound thick and unwieldy, swamping the rest of the music.

This lack of definition and transparency also proves a hindrance to timing.

However, bass-light tracks let you hear the Beats’ reasonably detailed and smooth midrange and treble.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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