"Are You Religious?"

"Are you religious?"
"No, I don't believe in religion."

That is a response I have been hearing a lot lately from various atheists in casual conversation, or even academic ones. Similarly, among the theistic crowd it seems that the validity of religion is based on a principle of their beliefs (i.e.  they don't believe in a supreme being, therefor it is not a religion). Regardless of which camp is on the opposite side arguing either of these things I can say that they are wrong.

This is not to say that I understand the validity of their points. Perhaps they do not know the principles, at least in an academic sense, of religion. Or perhaps they misspoke and really meant it another way but failed to articulate it. Regardless of what it is, it is why I am going to help give an understanding of what religion is and why these two above opinions do not hold weight.

Religion, in the simplest terms, refers to a collection of beliefs, a code of morality, tradition and ceremony, cultural values, and to a certain extent philosophical notations on life that is shared by an individual or individuals. It exists regardless of your belief in it, and any thing that abides by these definition certainly validates itself to a certain extent a religion.

Now I know there are arguments of the strength the word "religion" holds. Groups based on hate or cults certainly walk a fine line from what we want to be 'proper' religion and them. It is a word that also functions as validation, and one that can be used to discriminate upon other groups we do not agree with. Regardless, cult or not, if it abides by the above definition, in an academic sense, it is a religion.

We cannot simply say that we believe religion does not exist. This would be like arguing that the Earth does not exist. It is very much a part of human history and something that is nearly synonymous with culture. Little traditions like crossing fingers are examples of religious tradition creeping its way to common phrases and gestures. Art is perhaps the biggest area, with religion and art becoming nearly inseparable for much of human history. It simply cannot be rejected.

Now, Atheism is a term that I think deserves mention. It is trumpeted often as a religious belief, when it is rather simply a term to note that one does not believe in deities. It is not a system of beliefs, a code or morality, &c. Rather it is the non-belief in a deity, no more, no less. This is where I would like to mention Humanism, or more specifically Secular-Humanism. This, unlike Atheism, can be considered a religion as it does hold the above definition to be true. I myself am an atheist and a Secular-Humanist. I believe in humanity, and my values, ethics, morals, and culture are a reflection of that.

This is where it becomes tricky to reject religion. There does not need to be a god, or supreme being involved. Buddha is considered a teacher and role model in most branches of Buddhms, certainly not a deity. Still, it may very well be possible that your moral code, ethics, and beliefs reside outside of a defined religions. That is fine.

It is not to say that religion is something that you must have. One can live without religion just fine, and have the above mentioned filled culturally rather than through religion. That is completely rational. But one cannot reject it, or make it invalid because it is not part of their own.

Our words have power and meaning.

Fine Writing: J. Herbin 340th Anniversary Rouge Heratite Ink

Introduction:
When you think of quality ink or sealing wax, one of the companies that always comes to mind is J. Herbin. For centuries they've been providing quality product--and as we in this very special ink, 340 years worth of quality. Not too many companies can say they have existed before even the United States was founded and even before the invention of the piano.

That said, with such rich history in two specific products means one thing: true quality. J. Herbin knows a think or two about ink. And, with this special 340th Anniversary ink really does shine as a product that demonstrates just a company can create with such long history.

Aesthetics:

Now, every fountain pen, dip pen or fancy writer for that matter cares about the appearance of their pens and of their ink. Period. More specifically, if the ink is bottled, it is that much more important in how it looks. If you it is sitting atop the desk, the bottle becomes part of the personality of the desk as a whole, much like the pens or of any other desk ornaments (aka toys). There are a fair amount of truly ugly bottles, and to balance this there are a great deal of absolutely beautiful ones.

The J. Herbin 340th Anniversary Ink bottle is one of the most alluring I have ever seen.

A square bottle, capped with a brilliantly red wax and a piece of golden elastic stamped too the bottle with a gold seal stamped “1670” the founding year of J. Herbin. It is stunning. Perhaps one of the reasons for even purchasing the ink or making the draw to buy it was the fact that it looked so damn good. While it looks amazing there are only two complaints that I do think are worth mentioning to potential customers. First off, the wax is very delicate and will crack when opening the bottle for the first time (as with per my experience and countless other accounts). And secondly, is minor in comparison but the gold elastic just seems like it could have easily been replaced with a good twine, which in my opinion, could have made it look that better (and that much more extravagant).

Performance:
Buttery smooth in writing and brilliant in colour.

There is not too much to say it how smooth the ink is when writing, it like many other quality inks is smooth and lays down on the paper well. Unlike many bottled inks out there, the 340th anniversary ink is very thick in comparison. This is wonderful as it lays down very deep dark lines saturated in colour with a nice shadow. This thickness does mean it takes a bit longer to dry then other inks, but with care (especially for you left-handed writers out there like myself), this should be a non-issue.

As for the colour side of things, the Rouge Heratite is a colour unlike any I have witnessed in a red ink. It is, by all technical accounts, a very, very deep blood red. Like blood fresh from the skin, it is profoundly rich in its appearance. This colour was chosen for a very specific reason, to match the brilliant colour of royal sealing wax that the company has also long produced. Oh, and did I mention the gold? Going back to the red waxed cap and the gold seal on the front, there is a bit of foreshadowing in the surprise many broad nib/calligraphy nib users out there. Along with this very elegant red, there is a subtle but present hint of gold that shines while the ink dries. While present in all the nibs tested with, it just looks that much better with a broad/calligraphy nib—so much so I would recommend against any other type of nib.

Final Thoughts:
Pros:
-Great bottle design.
-A blood red colour unlike any out there (specifically the gold accent).
-Little/no feathering even on the worst of paper.
-When fresh in the nib, it's very smooth and lubricated.
-Inexpensive for the quality of ink and 50ml of ink.

Cons:
-Concentrated ink results in staining—especially plastics.*
-Soft wax cap.
-Dries quickly in a pen if not used at least every other day.

There is something special about this ink. In the fact alone that rarely will you see a company celebrating a 340th anniversary, this ink is well worth buying alone. But with a combination of such expressive colour and gorgeous bottle design, it is a no brainer. This by far is one of the best ink buys I have made, especially for only $20.

*NOTE: This ink is highly concentrated, thick and natural. What does this mean? It, more then most synthetic inks, is very high maintenance. Of course all fountain pens should be cleaned regularly for optimal performance, but with J. Herbin inks this cleaning routine should be about every month, if not shorter intervals (about every two weeks is best). Not doing so could lead to staining of plastics in the pen, especially the converter. And, as with any ink, always be sure to cap it post use to prevent the growth of mold.

Pens used for testing:
Levenger True Writer - B
Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point - M
Parker Chiselled Sonnet - F
Lamy Joy - F/.2c

Headphones: Why Grado Labs Headphones are my 'Go To' Cans of Choice

Grado SR-325is plugged into a La Figaro (DarkVoice) 336 Tube Headphone Amp

There is no denying the fact that I spend way too much money on headphones. Collecting them, working on improving their sound signature, modifying them. Re-cables, headbands, equipment. It all is part of the game of achieving the best sound*

In recent times I've finally acquired my first Grado Labs headphone, the SR-80i. Being their second headphone in the Prestige Series, it is their inexpensive $99 MSPR offering that is a slightly improved version of the SR-60i. Since then my addiction has only grown.

When I first put a Grado Can on my head and started to play some music, I was knocked off my feet. These things were amazing. This listening even took place at a local Hi-Fi shop in Las Vegas, NV where they are a authorized Grado Labs dealers with a sample SR-325i headphone. Let's just say that blues never sounded more alive.

Of course then I did not have the mans to afford the $300 offering from Grado, only the $99 cans. Regardless, I absolutely loved them for what they were. Sure, they were not as clear as the sample phones, but they sounded fantastic. Everything was exactly as I liked it.

Fast Forward to 2011 and here I sit with my SR-325is and SR-80i that I'm working on modifying them. I've tried other $300-500 headphones, but the Grados still win hands down in my opinion.

There is something magical about what they are. Germany/Austria, the other big headphone manufacturing country produces some of the worlds other finest headphones. Sennheiser, AKG, Beyerdynamic, Ultrasone just to name a few. But here is the difference between the the German/Austrian sound and the All-American Grado: Cold and analytical or fun and outrageous.

I guess the best example of this would be the difference between a German sports car an an American Muscle car. The German car is very clean, precise, responsive where as what the American muscle car lacks in finesse it makes up for in personality. Sure, throwing a monster engine in a car that can do nothing but go straight seems stupid, but it makes for something very enjoyable and very different.

There is just something about it. "Personality," That is the word.

I recently bought the top of the line offering headphone from AKG, the K701. It is often times considered one of the best dynamic headphones ever manufactured. So crystal clear, even a pin dropped in a studio could be heard. Every sound from the opening of the lips; every instrument could be distinctly heard; the key press of a grand piano; even the scuffling of the musician could be easily distinguished. The K701 took clarity and finesse of a headphone to another level. But it was missing something. Its wide sound stage made it so that you would feel like you stand as the conductor,in the center of the orchestra but slightly removed from the show. The frequency response of the phones is also relatively flat, meaning that nothing playing has that sparkle or shine.

It was not engaging; rather cold. The most recent offerings from Sennheiser suffer from this as well.

Enter the Grado Labs headphones once more and things change quite a bit. Rather then every instrument being separated and easily distinguishable, some say they are mashed together. Sound stage is definitely lacking here. Frequency responses are no where near as flat as the K701 or any of the Sennheiser cans nor are they as broad in range. Grado Labs headphones are very bright, have very forward mids, and offer fantastic mid-bass and very clean accurate but light low-bass. From a quality stand point, their lower end headphones are made from a very inexpensive feeling plastic, and offer a terrible vinyl headband. Moving up the line some of the parts remain the same and quality control still is questionable. From most people's point of view, reading this alone would make anyone wonder why I love these cans so much, and wonder why many others have also fallen in love. It's indescribable, they are something special.

It's not just about sound: just look at them.

In a world where headphones are becoming 'fashion' items, there is something special about a headphone that looks different. Is aside from the norm. It strays off from the mass of modernistic looks of popular headphones and goes with a a simplistic retro look. They are very clean and have looks that say "Rock n' Roll." No other headphones look this good.

When I put these headphones on, more then any other, the music comes to life. Listening to anything rock or jazz based jumps out at makes for one of the most engaging experiences I've ever head through headphones. Again, it's an indescribable experience.

There is no other phone I've heard that I'd rather have at home or on the go. No other phone instantly induces head bobbing and foot tapping like Grado cans. There is something truly special about these American garage company cans by Grado Labs.

Grado Labs is an American headphone and turntable cartage manufacturer and of the oldest hi-fi American audio companies. Based out of a small garage in Brookyln, NY, every device they offer (excluding the iGrado headphone) is hand made and molded their. Over the years their headphones have greatly changed, especially with new audio engineer John Grado taking over the company from his uncle Joe Grado. Regardless of these changes, Grado has long established its name amongst audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts alike.

*The best sound is a very subjective term. The "colouring" of your equipment on the sound varies greatly on your taste, your experience. Some like flat reference phones, others love something with personality. Tube amps and wooden phones provide warmth, solid state and metal phones can be hash. It's all subjective.

Rant: Thoughts on Homosexuality and Marriage

A recent "Question" on Facebook has been circulating, and that is a simple "Yes" or "No" as to whether you support equality in gay marriage:
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=question&id=10150167914048281&qa_ref=qd

No where does it say whether they are talking about legal or ceremonial marriage. No, just marriage,that funny word combined with gay and homosexual has gained quite some controversy. I will say out right, here and now, that I support it. I support gays, lesbians, transgender peoples in their pursuit to happiness. Be it in legal regards or social constructs.

Reading through the various "Posts" back onto the Question, there is a good deal of those very religious people using the Bible to defend their argument. And that is something of both humour but also deep sadness. While it may be funny to laugh at 'those' people, it is also deeply hard to realize the social effects they have on our culture. Every hateful sermon in a Church bashing the 'institution' of homosexuality as "a mortal sin" or "utmost crime against God" further marginalizes the group who identify themselves as living that alternative gender or sexuality (how it it alternative when it is part biological? But more on that in a second). So here is my argument and reasoning for my support:

"For those ignorant pompous pricks who use religion to justify inequality, oppression and marginalization based on gender and sexuality (while not directly perhaps, but through culture of course) here is that scientific evidence you try to say does not exist:
http://bit.ly/e6IUvS
http://bit.ly/hzLZqM
http://bit.ly/i0DD5d
http://bit.ly/hwHZLA

And those are just a few articles/books in a sea of scientific research, all linking to the same thing. Homosexuality is not a choice, rather something that is caused by uncontrollable biological and social influences. That is that.

No accredited researcher or scientist in the late 20th and 21st century will discredit these facts. Any opposing articles are clearly derived from non-academic journals, deriving from institutions who have a religious bias which discredits their research.

More so, almost all mammals have been observed in engaging in homosexual relationships (http://bit.ly/hIn21M). As mammals, it is safe to assume that among our species, homosexuality will exist in its various forms. You may say that 'free will' makes us different then most animals. But, you must remember that free will does not prevail over biological construct, rather it accompanies it. A college course in Psychology, a social science, even biology major will have the "Nature vs. Nurture" argument in one class or another. That is exactly what this comes down to.

So please, think and educate yourself before making your decision.

Any comments to this that state something along the lines of, "I'm against gay marriage but my brother is gay and I love him like I love all people. He respects us like we respect him, and chooses not to show Public Displays of Affection (PDA), date, or engage in that activity" will be met with sociological and psychological constructed arguments giving insight to that "choice" deriving from oppression which in turn has caused a rooted self-loathing.

Gay marriage should be a right protected by law. The 14th Amendment protects the rights to of "life, liberty and property" in the equal protection of laws in Section 1. Who has the right to deprive homosexual the right to live? More so, liberty is defined as allowing people the freedom of free-will, the choice to make decisions and accept the consequences (good or bad, it's subjective) of their choices. Who has the right to take away the free-will of man?

All I hear is "I accept gays, but I hate who they are (obviously not their lifestyle as many homosexuals live happily as 'normal' [what's normal?] people)." Let's replace "gays" with "Blacks" or "Asians," then you're a racist jerk. Either way, you are being single minded and continuing to degrade and marginalize people based on gender and sexuality.

I rest my case."

Now this is my direct post to the question itself, my way of venting to the general public of my beliefs and justification as such.

I'm up at 12:25am writing this, a time that I am normally in deep sleep. However, this issue has arisen a lot lately and it is beginning to make me deeply angry over the hate and oppression of a people. It is sickening.

Live life; be happy. Is your sexuality or gender physically killing me? No. So why should I stop you from living your life as I live mine. 

Rant over. I'm going to sleep.

Rant: All For Our County, American Football and The Superbowl

Let me say it here and now, I still don't know who won The Superbowl. And frankly, I don't care. I worked my job the evening of, and I never bothered to look at the scores or turn on the television for the final score. When I announce my gross ignorance of the game to co-workers or friends, they react with shock. "Why?" they may inquire followed up with the typical, "Well, don't you watch the news or television?" 

My answers to those proposed questions, in respective order, is "What do you mean by 'Why'?" and "No." Simply told, the culture around the entire thing blows my mind, and there isn't a single aspect of the game or culture which drive me too care. I suppose here is the best time to bring forward my case as to why, after all, I'm doing no good simply declaring my distaste. 

There is something about tuning into a game where every statistic is being bet on, every advert played worth millions, every player making many a lifetime wage of the common working man, and thousands of American's engrossed in watching the game while engorging on copious amounts of snack foods. In short, it's frankly disgusting on multiple levels. I think of it like this, why are we so busy watching (sometimes even paying to watch) fellow men play a game, why do we spend so much money around the game (in bets, new televisions, food, &c.) and why are we so engrossed into it all. It's our culture, our tradition.

While tradition has its place and cause to exist, there are some traditions that have taken leave as we've slowly moved away from their remembrance. Victory in Europe Day is hardly a thought on people's mind, nor is any celebration to boot. Sure, a day celebrating a victorious end to a war about 70 years old seems like a tradition that dissipates over time, but like all traditions has its place and comes and goes with the times.

The problem with the Superbowl is it is indeed tradition, but not like those defined previous. It's not a celebration of man, victory, country. It's a celebration around one game. A celebration around a relatively new sport--a relatively new championship. This isn't the Olympics or The World Cup, both of which celebrate international competition and strive to, for that moment, bring the world together in competition. It's the American Superbowl the American championship of the professional leagues of American football. It is only about America, and no one else. The international stage could care less about this game, but we care. It's common fact, and believable that more Americans tune into the Superbowl then both the Olympics or the World Cup combined. A fact, that I will never understand.

Still, the Superbowl, like those large American banks is too big to fail. Generating millions (if not billions) of dollars exchanged in bets, revenue in adverts, ticket sales and footage copyrights, Superbowl memorabilia, and all the accessories like televisions and snacks. It's too big a money maker for people to stop promoting or walk away. 

If there is anything to say to end this it's this: Go out and play a game of football. Go play. Engage and compete in friendly competition with your neighbors and brothers of man. Take the joys in sport like those you watch who get paid millions to do so. If there is one team I'll support with full pride, it's that of the Olympic team. An event calling on what perhaps a championship should really mean.

Trey Takahashi, from the time writing this to the time posted still does not know the end result of the Superbowl. Perhaps one day, when reading random Wikipedia articles, or some angry acquaintance shouts the end game results he'll know. 

Image Source: Wikipedia.org

Fine Writing: Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen

Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen Resting in Presentation Case

I've been using fountain pens for quite some time now, almost exclusively for the last five years of my life. They write extremely well, are very smooth, and best of all are undoubtedly expressive in both their form and output. Fountain Pens are fantastic pieces of tried and tested technology that continues to be some of the best around.

The Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen (PDF link)  caught my eye a few months ago when I saw it online as I was shopping for a new writing instrument to use for note taking as well as for work. It had the looks of convenience and offered all the perks of what I desired out of my next pen. When I saw it in person, and tried it out for myself at Paradise Pen, I was sold. It was one of the best pens I've ever written with.

The pen itself is a click pen where the nib vanishes into the barrel, creating a seal for the pen entirely to prevent the nib from leaking and drying out. It works wonderfully, feels solid, and best of all impresses everyone when a small golden nib emerges.

With accents coated in a electroplated Rhodium, the accents carry a shine like that (if not more) of solid gold, in some of the darkest rooms it will still reflect whatever fraction of light that catches it. Its barrel is metal (of what type exactly I cannot say), coated in solid feeling resin. Weighing in at 1.09oz, the pen is fairly light weight, but still feels very solid in the hand and offers enough weight so that those who love heavy pens, and those who love light pens will still appreciate it. The nib is small, and a solid 18k gold making it widely expressive, anti-corrosion, and of course very smooth. I'm a left-handed writer, which makes fountain pens rather hit or miss when it comes to the balled nibs, and I can say one thing, this pen writes well--very well.* Like the Namiki Falcon or even a inexpensive Pilot Precise v5 Extra Fine, the quality of the pen is second to none.

Take apart this beautiful pen and you'll notice how easy it is to clean and maintain. Unscrewing at the middle, the two pieces of the body separate at a perfect point right were the converter or cartridge are housed. On the threads where top and bottom screw on, a small slit sits, allowing the nib to be placed inside correctly every time, and actually prevents it from being inserted in the wrong direction. With the nib removed from the pen, it's very open and accessible for simple cleaning which is always a huge bonus in any non-standard fountain pen design. When not using the provided converter, a metal enclosure is included to be mounted above the cartridge, protecting the plastic from ever breaking under pressure from the clicking top.

By design, the Vanishing Point is very brilliant. If you've not noticed from the pictures, the nib exits it's housing on the clip side of the pen; meaning it's impossible for this pen to bleed in your pocket. To top this, the nib is enclosed by a small folding door that is cushioned to not damage the nib, but prevents it from drying out by providing a very tight seal. This tight ink leak preventing seals continue around the pen, even the threads on the seal have a small rubber ring providing a water tight encasing. It is simply brilliant.

Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen disassembled with Converter Attached. Namiki Inkwell Sold Separately. 

It comes in at a nice price point too for something so fantastic, at an MSPR of $166 and a street price of $130, it's a steal. I bought this pen a few months ago, and haven't regretted it for a moment. It's one of my favourite pens by far, and one that any frequent writer on the go will enjoy.

*Tested pen equipped with a medium nib.

Technology: NoteSlate, Finally A Functional Tablet For The Masses

Source: NoteSlate.com

There is finally a tablet that meets all the demands I, or anyone, could hope for; A simple, elegant, functional, and inexpensive device. NoteSlate has come out of nowhere with their concept tablet marked for release in June of this year. Featuring an e-ink display, this A4 standard paper sized tablet (that's an 8.5"x11" paper size, or 13" screen) boasts an impressive 180 hour batter life, coupled with a simple open-source operating system for ultimate customization. The basic model (pictured), is set for the MSRP of a mear $99, a price that any student or professional can afford. It's that tablet from our dreams. Let's hope that this concept makes it to the market as planned, and doesn't end up like the Joojoo. If all goes to plan, come June I'll be missing $99, and in it's place will be a shiny new NoteSlate.

Music: The Beatles Came To America 47 Years Ago

The Beatles' Appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show

1964, New York City, a plane lands. Its passengers, The Beatles. Four young men from England who would change the music industry forever. It was two days after they landed that they would preform their legendary performance for the Ed Sullivan Show, cementing them in pop culture here in America forever. The Beatles would go on from simple pop icons, to music visionaries. Presenting their fans with hit after hit, changing their style of music, and innovating in ways no one saw coming. For the next decade, The Beatles would produce some of the most memorable, and perhaps definitive music of the times.

Via: History.com

Monday Movie You May Have Never Heard Of: A Town Called Panic (Panique Au Village)

Enter possibly one of the strangest films I've ever lay eyes on. A Town Called Panic (Panique Au Village). Crafted in France by Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, this stop-motion animation takes madness to a whole new level. With the main characters, all plastic toys, named Cowboy, Horse, and Indian you know you're in for a serious treat.


The movie takes place around Horse's Birthday with Cowboy and Indian failing to remember this special occasion. In a freak panic, they order up some bricks to build a humble grill, but things all go wrong when the order for 50,000,000 bricks is actually placed. Setting the course for what is to become a strange and interesting journey to a whole new world all thanks to one simple mistake.


Well worth the watch, this comity never fails to put a smile on your face while scratching your head the entire time.

The Grado SR80i Experience: An Audio Review

A few weeks ago, I was privileged enough to get my hands onto a pair of Grado SR80i headphones and ultimately buy them, one of the best minor investments I've made in recent audio history.

Source: Gradolabs.com

Intro:
Before going on to describe the headphones them self, I've to give a background on the company who fames itself as, "Truly the worlds finest..." Grado has been around for quite awhile, starting out as a phono cart manufacturer they've slowly grown on to make headphones, largely considered the worlds best. Grado in itself has experienced ever growing success as time goes by. Their company whose very existence relies on word of mouth gives proof to the quality products they put out. Recently, in 2009 Grado put out its "i" upgrade to their headphones, "i" standing for "improved." These modifications brought with them larger driving houses, different pads, and better resonance for the frequency range. They are indeed improved. To this day, the company still man. all but one of their cans here stateside in their garage workshop in Brooklyn, NY with a total employee count of 17.

Sound Quality:
The unique sound signature that comes from these cans comes from the type of headphones these are. For all of those who are not regulars into the world of sound, or more specifically headphones, their are two major types of full sized 'phones. You've open back and closed back, which basically means that with one the drivers are exposed on both sides of the phones (facing in and out) and closed facing inwards with a closed off encasing. Each type has their advantages, and I fear not describing them in detail as it would take far to long. These Grado cans specifically along with every other one in their line are of the open variant. This lets the drivers push more air around. This leads to a tighter bass, and extremely detailed mids/highs. In most cases, you could say that they are perfect for use with music with vocal tracks and guitar such as blues, rock, or folk music specifically. They are great for home listening or recording studio use as you can hear your surroundings as well as music, thus hear prompts when you need to. However, this means that they are not isolating what-so ever, and everyone around you can hear your music and think that you are in effect blowing you ears out with the volume level.
Knowing how the type of headphone they are is important, but what about the sound? This I am sure is what you really want to hear.
The sound in these cans really brings fourth the vocals and guitar work, this is called the midrange and it is fantastic. I am not exaggerating when I say that these things scream with highs, listening to electric guitars never made your ears bleed like this. But I like it, no, I love it. These things make Rock 'n' Roll and the Blues come to life. What do I mean by this? Guitars and vocals stick out with extreme clarity but with a bit of harshness, but that doesn't mean it's lacking in the lower end. The bass is tight but pronounced enough, making these (for some) not ideal for electronic of hip-hop. It's all a matter of taste when it comes down to sound reproduction product, but this pie is some of the best tasting in the world.

Design:
Grado cans look like something straight out of 50's with a Rock 'n' Roll flavor. To date, they are some of the only cans that I know of still crafted with the old rod system (see pictures). Just take a look a the picture above. While these SR80i cans are made of plastic, the higher entries in this series (the prestige series) and ones above (reference series) are made of aluminum medal or mahogany wood which only add even more beauty to the Grado line. There is something trouble some however, the build quality. The headphones feel--cheap. The headband feels like a cheap vinyl, the driver housing feels weak like it would be crushed easily, and there is some visible glue on the outside grill. While all this is disappointing, I can say that while they feel cheap they definitely are quite capable of taking average abuse. After six some odd months, the painting has started to fade, the cables show some wear. But everything works as it should, and they take well to this college student's backpack and it's abuse. Aside from the look though, the drivers are designed well. With only 32ohm impedance, they can easily be driven by any portable media player or laptop, which is a huge plus in my book, but they do shine when amped up!

Conclusion:
With all this said, I really cannot recommend another set of headphones in the sub-$100 price range. Being hand crafted in America, having some of the most amazing sound I've ever heard, and looking well, awesome it's safe to say they are among my favorite headphones. However, this doesn't mean they are for everyone. Open headphones make isolation nil, and lets the world listen to your music. So if you are using them for a commute, I strongly dis-advise. Try on a pair, and see what you think. They truly are something remarkable.