Status is a direct-to-consumer headphone company, building great cans in proven form factors without the markup that comes with popular brands. In fact, there’s no branding here whatsoever.
Their CB-1s are extremely comfortable out of the box, more so (for me) than the ATH-M50X, MDR7506, SR60e, or V-MODA Crossfade Wireless, just to name a few off the top of my head (ha!). The “ergonomic” ear pads that were the primary criticism in initial coverage of the CB-1s have been done away with, and their upgraded design is one of the few I can comfortably wear all day.
The CB-1s have a (relatively) flat frequency response that’s great for listening to a variety of music or audio/video editing, with a wide sound stage in a closed back design. I get good isolation/seal with the updated pads. The inclusion of two detachable cables- coiled and straight, is also generous and welcome. Even better that they smartly attach with a twist lock.
We know from five years of Kinja Deals that great over-ear, closed back headphones for under $70 is no joke. Depending on what you’ve shelled out for in the past, they might even blow away your much more expensive pairs.