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Best $50 Headphones/Earphones for Study?

K

Killgore

New Member
Hey guys/gals. I will be spending a lot of time at the library this semester and would like to know if there is a good set of $50 (new or used) headphones or IEM's that I can connect to my phone. Currently I have the Superlux Open Back HD 668B with Velour Earpads but they are open back and sometimes they do make my ears a bit on the warm side.
 
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You'll want sealed or closed back headphones if you intend to use them primarily in the library. Also, look for low impedance as you plan to run them off of your phone. I personnally prefer over-ear vice on-ear, but over-ear phones are on the large side. Lightweight on-ear phones are nice too.

Also, it seems that everyone has jumped into the headphone business, so it's really hard to cover all brands and models.

Over-Ear: Audio Technica ATH-M20X, AKG K72
On-Ear: Skullcandy Grind (these have a mic on the cable, so your phone has to accecpt a 4 connector jack. Good phones though.)
 
I bought a pair of Sony MX110, for considerably less than a twenty, on the bay and my wife liked them so much that I bought a pair for myself. I also was very impressed.
 
Check out the MEE electronics and VSonic earbud options on eBay. Several good options with these for less than $50. I really like the VSonic VSD-1 sound and fit. Cost is between $35 and $40.
 
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As much as I want to try those Beterans, if you're looking for an over-ear/on-ear, I'd suggest taking a look at Tascam TH-02. $15 from Guitar Center, add some comfy pads like Brainwavs velours.

I got the Sony 110's for my kids and did not like them at all. Very muffled mid range.
 
Shure SRH145m+; foldable, comfortable, pleasant sound and durable. On ear. Less than $40 as the SRH144, without mic and controls, and a bit less bass. Or under $50 as the SRH145m+ with mic and controls (Apple) and deeper bass. Plus, they've got a little style.
 
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Samson SR950 or SR850. Both are exceptional for the money. Closed back, over ear, minimum leakage. Amazon carries both. About $45.00.
 
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I own a pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/MEE-audio-Un...d=1472939234&sr=8-2&keywords=mee+audio+m6+pro I find the sound is quite good for a sub $50 set and the comfort is nice. I also have a set of old Sure EC4 that sound a tad bit better but not as comfortable during long sessions in my opinion. Some think they lack bass but I don't think so....I am running them mostly through a Technics SU-V8 integrated amp next to my bed for night time listening but they still sound fine through my LG-V10 phone (with an EQ) They come with a nice case and extra phone cable with built in Mic or plain stereo cable. The adjustable wire really allows the good fit after some tinkering.
 
archie2 said:
I ordered a pair of KZ-ATE on your recommendation for $9.12 new. I only hope they are as good as you say and beat up to $500. phones.
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I have tried Sure SE535, Sennheiser IE80 and heard Sennsheiser IE800 and for the $15 (including shipping) the Beteran will give them a run for the money. Allow them to burn in for about 20-30 hours, they are a bit harsh at first.
 
Maybe I haven't burned my KZ ATE in enough yet but I was switching back and forth last night between them and my Mee A161p BA in ears on primarily vocal tracks. The singer (Holly Williams) came back sounding recessed on the KZ ATE compared to the balanced armature Mee A161p. With recessed mids like that the KZ ATE won't be my first choice for on the go. It's a shame that the A161p has been discontinued. The A151 is a warmer balanced armature but with less high end sparkle. It would be tough to find them within OP's budget. If a v-shaped EQ and more bass presence lends to the music OP is listening then the KZ ATE should be okay. I think though that the Mee M6 Pro might be the best way to go for the money. Confirmed good sound and a great accessory bundle. Detachable cable, provided mobile cable, and a company that's been bringing out great products over the last five years.

Also, I hate the KZ ATE's cable.

Edit: I have been struggling with finding tips that fit the KZ ATE. Medium sized Comply Comfort T400's might be the ticket however we will see if I change my mind on that tomorrow. The included foam tips are too small for my ear canals and I hate silicon tips. Comply Sport and Comply Comfort are my jam.
 
karmanfamily said:
I have tried Sure SE535, Sennheiser IE80 and heard Sennsheiser IE800 and for the $15 (including shipping) the Beteran will give them a run for the money. Allow them to burn in for about 20-30 hours, they are a bit harsh at first.
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Will do. And I will be comparing them to AKG240 vintage 600 ohm, AKG K240, Chinese, ATH M50x, Sennhauser 280pro, Beats Solo, Samson SR950, MEElectronics, Monoprice Head Trip, Youmoon YM8, Infinilla H2, SoundPEATS Q9A+ and a few others I have kicking around.
 
Seriously.....

A killer, smoke all the other junk out there that costs $200 or less, maybe even $500 or less !

KOSS PRO 4A or the KOSS PRO 4AAA Titinium

Specs: 10hz-25khz

Now, the the 4A is traditionally flat lined and the 4AAA is not. But the range of the frequency range matches headphones that cost so much more. I've seen these online for under $40, and they are quality over the ears headphones at the same quality they have always had. As you all know, this was a company that started along time ago just like the equipment most of us own. The 4A is the same 4A that I owned back in the seventies, just without jell ear pads.
 
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Djcoolray said:
Seriously.....

A killer, smoke all the other junk out there that costs $200 or less, maybe even $500 or less !

KOSS PRO 4A or the KOSS 4AAA Titinium

Specs: 10hz-25khz

Now, the the 4A is traditionally flat lined and the 4AAA is not. But the range of the frequency range matches headphones that cost so much more. I've seen these online for under $40, and they are quality over the ears headphones at the same quality they have always had. As you all know, this was a company that started along time ago just like the equipment most of us own. The A4 is the same 4A that I owned back in the seventies, just without jell ear pads.
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I've tried some large headphones for portable use. Or even just average sized headphones with large cables. While Koss makes some great earphones that would serve OPs purpose I do think that trying to carry the traditional style Pro4A around would be a nightmare.
 
RamblinE said:
I've tried some large headphones for portable use. Or even just average sized headphones with large cables. While Koss makes some great earphones that would serve OPs purpose I do think that trying to carry the traditional style Pro4A around would be a nightmare.
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True that....

The 4AAA Titinium folds flat with a gold tipped modern cable at the same frequency range. There are few headphone companies that can compete with the Titinium 4AAA.
 
Djcoolray said:
True that....

The 4AAA Titinium folds flat with a gold tipped modern cable at the same frequency range. There are few headphone companies that can compete with the Titinium 4AAA.
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Too subjective. For full size headphones Id say the same of AKG but I like their mid-forward, almost clinical sound. We all like different house sounds. I've not heard the titanium but I like the ProDJ100/Tony Bennett and the Portapro. Koss is under the radar but remain competitive. The ESP9 is a bargain compared to its competitors.
 
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