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Best Headphones for under $200

Mark Davis

Mark Davis

Active Member
I am new to Headphones. What would be recommended $200 and below.

I have a Pioneer SX-980 and a TEAC Cassette deck and Reel to Reel from the 70's.

I have read some pretty good reviews on the Grado SR80E.

Also the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and Sennheiser HD 560 S & HD599.

Thanks in Advance!
 
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I know a budget is a budget, but I picked up an open box pair of HiFi Man Sundara for $250. These were direct from HiFi Man and they offer them frequently. FWIW other than the seal on the box being broken they looked brand new.

Like JoeESP9 said above, I'm done shopping for headphones. The most detail I have heard on any sound system.

The upgrade from Sennheiser 6xx, Momentum, and 5xx series headphones is significant.

I also listen to Magnepans in my main system so I like the planar magnetic sound. YMMV
 
+ 1 on the HD58X's Jubilee's. They are very efficient, sound great and don't need a Headphone amp. The Hifiman HE-400i's are my go to HP'S but are a little harder to drive. The HD-598'S and HD-599's are not as detailed but do have a wider soundstage also easy to drive. What kind of music do you listen to? That would sway my decision one way or another.
 
Ross6860 said:
I know a budget is a budget, but I picked up an open box pair of HiFi Man Sundara for $250. These were direct from HiFi Man and they offer them frequently. FWIW other than the seal on the box being broken they looked brand new.

Like JoeESP9 said above, I'm done shopping for headphones. The most detail I have heard on any sound system.

The upgrade from Sennheiser 6xx, Momentum, and 5xx series headphones is significant.

I also listen to Magnepans in my main system so I like the planar magnetic sound. YMMV
Click to expand...
That's my next move. You got a great deal in those Sundaras.
 
DavidZak said:
+ 1 on the HD58X's Jubilee's. They are very efficient, sound great and don't need a Headphone amp. The Hifiman HE-400i's are my go to HP'S but are a little harder to drive. The HD-598'S and HD-599's are not as detailed but do have a wider soundstage also easy to drive. What kind of music do you listen to? That would sway my decision one way or another.
Click to expand...
Rock, Jazz, Live
 
Massdrop HD 6XX (modded Sennheiser HD650 and cost less)
Grado RS-2 - the #1 favorite in my stable. Be sure to get the aftermarket foam cups tho. They are much more comfortable.
 
If you don't listen to music extremely loud I would go with the HE4XX or HE400I'S. Details, soundstage and speed are superior. If you want something more portable go with HD58X'S they can be driven from your phone with out an issue. The DT990S are great hps but some find them very fatiguing.
 
Mark Davis said:
Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro vs SENNHEISER HD 58X JUBILEE HEADPHONES

Looks like deals can be had on both. Opinions?????
Click to expand...

I have three pair of Sennheisers (598SE, 6XX, and Momentum closed-backs). I don't think you can go too far wrong with any of them.

Buy from somewhere that takes returns. Get both and keep the one you like better.
 
Agreed on two points mentioned:

- Upgrade the pads for Grados. IME, Grados improve significantly with pad upgrades, moreso than other headphone brands. Give them a good hand wash with shampoo to soften them up.

- Try headphones out first before committing, where possible. Especially if your audio experience has mostly been in equipment, you don't consider how things like clamping force, headband material, and pads affect your experience.

I've owned a couple of Senns, including the 58X which is a fine all rounder headphone with a nice weight on the bass. If you're okay with used or older, 560s and 580 are also fine, more balanced choice choices. They can be found at the same price point as a new 58X.
 
Mark Davis said:
I am new to Headphones. What would be recommended $200 and below.

I have a Pioneer SX-980 and a TEAC Cassette deck and Reel to Reel from the 70's.

I have read some pretty good reviews on the Grado SR80E.

Also the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and Sennheiser HD 560 S & HD599.

Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
I would keep a look out for Focal Elegia. Adorama has weekly specials and this headphone pops up at $399.99 (Regular Price: $890.00). Maybe if you can increase your budget as these have fantastic
reviews.
https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html

FocalHP.png
 
I have Hifi man Devas which I bought direct for under 2 bills, driving them with a vintage Sansui AU-717 and all is great. I am very pleased with these phones and my jazz and rock sound wonderful.
 
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