The Beats revolution has been good for audio fans. Prior to Beats, most people didn't care about their headphones and now, due to their popularity, several companies have redesigned or introduced entirely new lines to cash in on the craze.

Crisp, refined audio performance with a clear, distortion-free bass response; Extremely comfortable; Stylish design

Light on accessories; Not for those seeking booming bass

The Beats revolution has been good for audio fans. Prior to Beats, most people didn't care about their headphones and now, due to their popularity, several companies have redesigned or introduced entirely new lines to cash in on the craze. Sennheiser, the venerable manufacturer of both affordable and pro-level headphones, has recently begun releasing more fashionable options like its Momentum series. Now we have the Sennheiser Urbanite XL, a $249 over-ear pair that is obviously positioned to compete with Beats. Before the audio purists start shaking their heads in disbelief, let it be known that this is not a booming bass headphone pair. There's certainly low end, but the most Beats-esque part of the Urbanite XL is its physical design. The sound signature is incredibly crisp, and only reaches for deep lows when they are already in the mix. If the trendy style isn't a factor for you at all, the Editors' Choice Sennheiser HD 558 remains one of the best headphone pairs in this categ...

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL headphone pair offers a refined audio experience in a stylish design.

Crisp, refined audio performance with a clear, distortion-free bass response; Extremely comfortable; Stylish design

Light on accessories; Not for those seeking booming bass

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL is a well-designed Beats competitor that costs less and sounds as good or better.

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL is a well-designed, comfortable to wear over-ear headphone that offers exciting, dynamic sound with quality bass; There's an integrated remote/microphone for calls (both an Android and iOS version of the headphone is available)

The nylon carry "pouch" is skimpy

Meet the Urbanite XL, Sennheiser's new, hipper, more fashionable over-ear headphone that retails for $250 (available in the UK for £200) and comes in a few different color options. In Australia, the XL goes on sale in mid-November and will cost AU$399.

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL is a well-designed Beats competitor that costs less and sounds as good or better.

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL is a well-designed, comfortable to wear over-ear headphone that offers exciting, dynamic sound with quality bass; There's an integrated remote/microphone for calls (both an Android and iOS version of the headphone is available).

The nylon carry "pouch" is skimpy.

When it comes to choosing headphones, Sennheiser have to be right up there among the best. This year the German based company have come out with what I would say would be a treat for someone this Christmas; I'm talking about the Urbanite XL. These are one of two in ...

Traditional audio brands are often the slowest to adapt to trends, and we're only now starting to see super-fashionable headphones in the same vein as the now-ubiquitous Beats By Dre.

Great sound quality; Extremely sturdy design; Nifty locking headphone cable

Expensive; Imperfect headband design; Uncomfortable for extended wear

Sennheiser's Urbanite XL On-Ear Headphones offer great balanced sound, but they're priced in a bracket where you've got a lot of choices already. The last time I assessed a pair of Sennheiser headphones was with the genuinely excellent but undeniably pricey Sennheiser Momentum headphones .

Sennheiser is one of the few affordable brands sold in top end shops whose diet normally consists of brands costing a great deal more. However do not think of Sennheiser as a cheap brand as they are not and the quality is good.

Overpriced and sound is not good as expected

I bought these headphones based on positive reviews, mainly here, on head-fi. I own a few good ones, (Sennheiser PX-200 II, JVC Victor HA-S500-B, Sennheiser HD 415, Klipsch Image One, a House of Marley Destiny TTR, and some more), as source i use an Fiio X3 filled up with FLAC, and i still have my...

Looks; comfort; lightweight; clever construction

Horrible SQ; low sensitivity; bulky