Best Headphones for under $200

[KG_Jag]

An open headphone for $200 or less that is not difficult (not requiring significant power) to properly drive points me toward the very good and venerable Audio-Technica ATH-M50X. The 70X is better but will cost you about $300. The outstanding and currently heavily discounted Focal Elegia can currently be had for $369.

 

[Duffinator]

Thanks. Do you have any recommendations for closed phones?

 

[KG_Jag]

Sorry for the typo--the three I recommended early this morning are all closed.

If looking for an open headphone in your stated price range & particulars, I strongly recommend the Philips Fidelio X3.

 

[Duffinator]

Thanks. Where do you see the Focals for $369? In the US? The AT’s should work too.

 

[KG_Jag]

Yesterday at Adorama. You'll have to check and see if they are still offered at that price.

 

[Duffinator]

They’re showing $449 today like everyone else. Oh well. With Fathers Day coming I might stretch my budget a bit. The Elegia has very good reviews.

 

[KG_Jag]

It appears that the $369 price is still good. See:

https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html?emailprice=t

 

[Duffinator]

Thanks. I just ordered the Focals.

 

[KG_Jag]

A good choice in my view and ears. After you have had and listened to them for a while, please post your impressions.

 

[Duffinator]

Will do. Thanks for the link.

 

[Ilikevinyl]

It appears that the $369 price is still good. See:

https://www.adorama.com/fofelegia.html?emailprice=t

Will do. Thanks for the link.

https://cofes.com/adorama-legit-reliable-trustworthy/

 

[Duffinator]

Now you tell me!

 

[KG_Jag]

I have ordered audio equipment (mostly headphones) from Adorama and have not had a problem. They are BBB accredited and their rating is "A", but they do have significant negative customer reviews posted on several sites.

 

[Duffinator]

Edit: they shipped same day, Wed, and will arrive two days later on Fri. I’ll report back when they arrive.

 

[JoeESP9]

I have ordered audio equipment (mostly headphones) from Adorama and have not had a problem. They are BBB accredited and their rating is "A", but they do have significant negative customer reviews posted on several sites.

I have bought several camera related items from Adorama. Every purchase was hassle free with very quick delivery. B&H Photo is another store that I've purchased audio and camera gear from with absolutely no complaints. Their shipping is unbelievably fast. I've ordered on a Monday and had UPS delivery on Tuesday.

I should also add Parts Express for fast delivery. I placed an order with them yesterday. UPS is reporting delivery tomorrow.

 

[Duffinator]

The Focal Elegia arrived in two days and so far so good. Been listening to them on my iPhone 12 which drives them easily. Switching to my Yamaha A-S3000 for the rest of the evening.

 

[Virgil]

The Focal Elegia arrived in two days and so far so good. Been listening to them on my iPhone 12 which drives them easily. Switching to my Yamaha A-S3000 for the rest of the evening.

I'm listening to mine right now using a THX 789 amp & the SMSL SU-9 dac. Nice headphones. Got mine from Adorama on sale last year; no issues.

 

[HB3]

Drop.com has Sennheiser HD 6XX's on sale for $199. That's a pretty sweet deal on a fine sounding set of headphones.

 

[KG_Jag]

The HD-6XX is a good can, but at 300 Ohms you will need some power to drive it properly.

 

[DonTeflon]

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.

What are Grado's known for? I hear many who start with a pair of those and become enthralled in audio after hearing the difference Grados make in playback. The cans look so darn small I'm curious if they're comfy regardless of pads, but I'm sure new soft pads help. I've been meaning to check them out as I have 6XX's and ATH M50x's for this range. I too have heard great things about HE X4's.