The reviews I have encountered with the product (aside from sound quality which can be subject to personal preference) have been true! So far what I can verify is this:
- Very good passive noise isolation
- Decent build quality
- Top tier transparency mode (boosts the mids and highs, functions like a hearing aid)
- Good ANC for the price (mostly blocks out lows and mids)
- No-nonsense button layout
- Very good multipoint experience
- Decent comfort (can wear 2+ hours without fatigue; headband cushion is fine), but is a tier behind Sony and Bose's best offerings.
- Sound quality is barely affected (or at all) when cycling between audio modes (normal - ANC - transparency)
- Freakishly long battery life (It has been 2 weeks and I have yet to charge this thing)
With the matter of sound quality, I can only critique with reference to my Sennheiser PXC 550 II. The Q45 has a similar sound signature (clean, balanced with a wide soundstage) but has slightly more emphasis to bass without interfering with other frequencies. Sub-bass presence is more pronounced in the Q45, which is a plus when watching action movies or consuming media in general.
My only issue with the Q45's is that the fit can feel a little loose compared to its competitors (small heads beware). The clamping force is mostly on the top earcup, while the bottom earcup can feel a little loose. This can cause noise seeping into the headphone from the lower part of the earcups as you move your head from left to right. This has happened in my case (I don't have a small head) and the only way to minimise this is to move the earcups forward. This will cause the back of your ears to touch the earcups, so do keep that in mind if that concerns you (it's negligible for me).
Also, these headphones are NOT designed for high-intensity activities (hitting the gym, running, calisthenics, etc.). They are not advertised as such and they do not claim to be your workout companion. The headphones can fall off especially when you rotate your head rapidly. The faux leather earpads lack breathability so do expect to sweat heavily in your ears even while walking in 20°C conditions. You are better off getting earbuds with ear-clips should you need to listen to something while working out.
Aside from the fit being a little loose (and no auto play/pause), I think the headphone itself is absolutely worth the amount you pay for. It delivers on all essential fronts for the general consumer (sound quality, functionality, comfort, longevity) while not spending so much more! Why spend $500+? If you want just that little bit of comfort or a little more bass or some gimmicky touch controls...sure; you can spend twice as much, but you will not get a product that is twice as good.
Spend wisely and have a good one! Much grace to you all!