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Best sound quality heaphones under $300

I just ordered a pair of Focal headphones, the Spirit One, recommended over any Grados.

AFOCALSPIRITONE.jpg


Price: $279. I own several Focal speakers so I thought what the hell.
I'll find out how good they are on Tuesday.

Wayner
 
well, to compare the Focal Spirit Ones to say, a Grado GS1000 or even an RS-1, it would be apples and oranges except for personal preference, and obviously choice-of-source/amplification.
They look good for under-300, for sure.
 
I haven't tried all the Beats models so I won't talk too much smack but I have heard their $200 'Solo HD' offering as a family member has them (she loves them which I guess is what really counts) but I'd say my AKG 240s that I bought for $80 two or three years ago are easily twice as enjoyable to me.

As a long time fan of Focal and JM Labs, I'd love to hear those Focals!
 
I know this is going to sound a bit crazy... I have pointed half a dozen folks at these and the ones that bought them really like them. Monoprice 8323 at $23.20! One review and Tyll H's thoughts

Not super high grade, but I bet they sound better than the beats.
 
Billyk said:
I know this is going to sound a bit crazy... I have pointed half a dozen folks at these and the ones that bought them really like them. Monoprice 8323 at $23.20! One review and Tyll H's thoughts

Not super high grade, but I bet they sound better than the beats.
Click to expand...

I realize the OP asked for headphones recomendations under $300. Still that is different than than the best headphone under $30.

cubdog
 
The Sennheiser HD555 sounds excellent to me and are very comfortable. Everyone I have let try them has smiled and said "Wow!"

They are open cans, which I prefer because I don't feel completely isolated from the environment around me -- and disturbances should be muted (cell/TV).
 
cubdog said:
I realize the OP asked for headphones recomendations under $300. Still that is different than than the best headphone under $30.

cubdog
Click to expand...

True, but did state looking for something to replace some beats, these will probably do that. Hence my bringing them up.
 
reggaenaut said:
True!

Also might save the OP some change. :D
Click to expand...

EDIT: Whoa I thought this was the thread about replacing Beats with good headphones. Either way though I don't think the 8323 would hold up against headphones in the OP's price range, even the Beats Studios which, while overpriced, don't sound that bad.

Beats Studios actually sound better than the Monoprice 8323s. The 8323s are much too rolled off. I found them rather dull sounding. Compared to the Beats Studios they're also rather uncomfortable with too much clamping force and rock hard pads. I have to say that I don't think the 8323 would win this comparison.
 
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neobop said:
I was looking at Golden Ears headphone review and measurements. The Beyer 990 pro looks killer, to me. It might be a little too analytical for some. It's under $200 at B & H. I think you'll need an amp. So far this seems to be the one for me.

You can also see measurements for the Takstar Pro 80 there. Claus at Head Fi says they sound very close to the 2050.

http://en.goldenears.net/index.php?mid=GR_Headphones&page=6&document_srl=10634
Click to expand...
Analytical is not a word I hear to describe the 990 very often. My understanding is that it bumps up the bass and treble, which make it a little more exciting, but less accurate than their 880 counterpart.

Of course, this is only going on what I've heard...
 
I don't own the 990 (Pro) and I'm just shopping like the OP. It's funny you should make that comparison cause the 880 looks bumped up almost identical to the 990 Pro, top and bottom. The subjective evaluation says the bass isn't bumped at all..
http://en.goldenears.net/index.php?mid=GR_Headphones&page=5&document_srl=11302

The new AKG K550 seems to have its fans. They say the phones are physically big.
http://en.goldenears.net/index.php?mid=GR_Headphones&page=3&document_srl=13746

The Senn HD580 looks like a nice all-arounder. I think they're efficient too.
http://en.goldenears.net/index.php?mid=GR_Headphones&page=8&document_srl=9631

Beyer has a new Custom One Pro with a 4 position adjustable bass port. People seem to like it.
http://en.goldenears.net/index.php?mid=GR_Headphones&page=3&document_srl=14130

The Ultrasone HFI 680 has its fans also. Hard to audition all these choices.
 
I would have to say that the best heaphones I've really heard under 300 bucks would be the Sennheiser’s HD598′s and My own MDR-V55/BR DJ Headphones.
(thats why I bought em)...They have great bass, Not that Skull Fracturing crap like Beats.
 
I also heard some really nice Bose haedphones also, But I don't remember the model number.
I know a Person could get em for under 300 bucks if Ya look around.
 
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