I cannot stress enough the importance of a good pair of headphones to anyone who considers themselves a serious fan of music. Sure, the free iPod buds are alright for school, but during an independent at-home listening session, they turn even the cleanest of mixes into a distorted mess. If you want even a faint glimpse into how a song is supposed to sound, you’re going to have to spend some money.

Thankfully, the Sennheiser HD 518 makes it so you don’t have to spend that much. While other high end headphones can sport a price tag upwards of $300, the $130 for the HD 518 comes across as a bargain, especially when you hear them in action.

They are distinctly clear, and anyone listening to them for the first time is in for a revelation. Snare drums sound crisp, guitars are explosive, and bass lines are felt, rather than heard. The amount of bass is perfect. You don’t have subwoofers in your ears like, say in a pair of pricier Beats by Dre, but you can still feel it without crowding the rest of the mix.

The only drawbacks are by design. The high amount of noise leakage and ridiculously long cord cement that these headphones are meant for personal use. And the design, while simple, is certainly no match for the aforementioned Beats. However, with the price tag and altogether clearer sound, the Sennheiser HD 518 makes a sensible purchase for anyone who wants to get a true feel for their music.