I don't think it's defective. It's just a matter of perception.
Personally I had a few headphones in the past, based on recommendation from head-fi members. Even when they describe plenty of bass, it's really not that much in reality.
I think it has more to do with music they were using to judge the headphone which could be very different from what you're listening to.
AndrekuaIt's definitely not the music selection in my case - I've tried opera, classical, blues, dance, rap, electronic, folk, and house. There is just no bass in any of it.
I even compared against an old, crappy pair of in-ear Samsung buds that came with a cell phone from 6 years ago and they have more bass!
StandUpYes, they probably do have more bass, but it' s probably overpowering or too bloaty.
If you've been accustomed to that type of bass, you should look into other headphones like Beyerdynamic DT 770 or V-Moda M-100. The bass will feel so much better with those!
StandUpWhat tytryi said. The V-Moda M-100 definitely has even more bass. Very good for bassheads. Or if you are really fiending some bass, I'd grab a Subpac :P
KingJah23You're probably not getting a good seal. That said, all of the people that bought studio mixing/mastering headphones and complain about MORE BASS - I don't even know what to say to you.
StandUp*Edited original response after playing around with testing headphones further.*
Go to this site and download the frequency response test (specifically 10hz to 200hz) and the driver matching test. Once downloaded play them both and see if the audio, specifically the bass, seems off or if one driver is louder than the other. It's a possibility you may have a faulty headphone (loose connection or something). FWIW I can hear the bass around 20HZ.
SpookyCThanks for this, what is the site to go to though? - I'll give it a try tonight!
Edit - I used this site: http://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_frequencychecklow.php and at my typical listening volume, I heard nothing until after 30 Hz. However, if I crank the volume, I do start hearing it at 20 Hz. So, I guess they're not defective.
I am not using an amplifier. Would using one help for that particular scenario?
StandUpSorry for late response. I guess i forgot to paste the link, but yes that's the one. Make sure to download the audio files and listen to them for best fidelity. I do use a dac/amp which might be helping drive them. I think if you change the pads you'll find the bass better, however your preferences may be for a more warmer headphone. These are fairly neutral with a just a bit of extra bass/treble.
Personally I had a few headphones in the past, based on recommendation from head-fi members. Even when they describe plenty of bass, it's really not that much in reality.
I think it has more to do with music they were using to judge the headphone which could be very different from what you're listening to.