The mix youre listening to have noticeable compression? Well, guess what, itll be times 10 with these ear pads due to the awful awful highs alteration, the mids become very muddy and drowned out too. I was pretty disappointed since I originally liked the older pair I returned. the noise cancelling is ok. A good quality case (although the zip was inserted slightly crookedly, although this does not affect its use). It actually has exceeded my expectations and my wife loves it. I got scammed. I have to return one and dared to buy another even I love the style and the quality. I recommend over other replacements, though I havent tried real lamb leather ones that can be found for much more $. the pewter in another style is more subtle.