A:
the lower the number the more boomy the sound. The high end phones are supposed to be more "accurate". The earpads are a personal preference. I love the fabric covers on my 439's because they don't make my ears all sweaty, but they don't seal outside noise as well. If you want to block out the outside world and go boom boom, get the 428's or 429's, if you want softer earcups and precise sound get the 439's. Also the 439 comes with a detachable cable so you get the option of a 4 foot or 10 foot cable (includes both).