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Headphones $150 budget

2point1

2point1

Active Member
Sorry about posting another thread like this but I live 50
- 70 miles from any stereo shops.
What headphones would you suggest.
Back in the 70's I had Koss and liked them. So far these have made my list.
Koss PRODJ100 Full Size Headphones
Grado Prestige Series SR80i - SR125i
Yamaha HPH-200
Or is there a Sennheiser I should look at ?
 
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Second on the 80i's. But Grado's are a sound that people tend to love or hate. I myself love them

an interesting alternative is the Sennheiser PX100-II. Cheaper, but a portable can that really does compete with much more expensive headphones. I prefer the iGrado myself, but the PX100 is hard to beat for comfort and sound, if you don't mind rolled-off treble.
 
OP. It sounds like you're already partial to Koss. If you search for the ProDJ100 on Headfi you're going to discover a lot of live for them as surprisingly neutral cans for the price.

Sent from the driver's seat or the desk at work via my Google Nexus 4
 
swspiers said:
Second on the 80i's. But Grado's are a sound that people tend to love or hate. I myself love them

an interesting alternative is the Sennheiser PX100-II. Cheaper, but a portable can that really does compete with much more expensive headphones. I prefer the iGrado myself, but the PX100 is hard to beat for comfort and sound, if you don't mind rolled-off treble.
Click to expand...

I have a pair of Sennheiser PX-100s that I bought when they first came out. I use them when I travel. I recently decided to buy a pair of full-size cans for home. Bought the AKG K240's at Guitar Center and returned them the next day because the Sennheiser PX-100 blue them away.

Bought a pair of Sennheiser HD-558s from Amazon and gave them a try. At low volumes, the PX-100 sounds better. You have to drive the HD-558 at a decent volume before they really start to sound good. Hopefully, this is just a breaking in period kinda thing.
 
I would only get the k240 studio on discount to try the DF mod on. In fact this past Friday I almost did for $58. Will probably spring for it next pay day.

Sent from the driver's seat or the desk at work via my Google Nexus 4
 
Beats may be suitable, but there are so many awesome choices for a less money, it's crazy. Beats has the best marketing though, no doubt
 
$150 budget? Audio-Technica ATH-M50 is highly regarded at that price point. They're a closed back headphone.

open back types I'd be looking at Grado SR80i or AKG 240s.

A couple of other closed back type worth considering would be the Sony MDR7506 and Sennheiser HD280Pro.
 
Was just about to start the same thread. I've narrowed my choices down to:

A. Audio-Technica ATH-M50

or

B. Sennheiser HD 558

Any thoughts, guys?
 
Was just about to start the same thread. I've narrowed my choices down to: A. Audio-Technica ATH-M50 or B. Sennheiser HD 558. Any thoughts, guys?

I have the Sennheiser HD 555 and the ATH-M50s. I would take the Audio Technicas.
 
Azimuth said:
Was just about to start the same thread. I've narrowed my choices down to: A. Audio-Technica ATH-M50 or B. Sennheiser HD 558. Any thoughts, guys?

I have the Sennheiser HD 555 and the ATH-M50s. I would take the Audio Technicas.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm! I have both too and I'm not sure how clear cut the decision would be.

The Senns have a slightly better sound stage with less sparkle on top and perhaps cleaner, slightly more prominent mids. Whereas the Technicas definitely have more lower end punch (not that the Senns are bad here) and more sizzle up top.

However, that very sizzle up top can get annoying over long sessions depending on what one is listening to.

And the ATs are less comfortable than the HD555s which you can wear and wear. The Senns are also less fatiguing because they are not quite as "detailed" up high? The HD555 is a "mellow" phone. I call it my "easy listening" phone. They are also quite good for movies as they do have enough bass for LFE impacts and are spacious enough in their acoustic presentation.

Really tough call. I sometimes even prefer the sound of the HD555 to the HD600 (maybe on films because the 555s are easier to drive and give more bottom punch with less power--but make no mistake, the HD600s have the resolution all over the 555s, which are lower end after all).

I'd say you really need to listen to these two phones because they are different. And if you can find the HD595 cheaper that would be something to consider as well!

cnh2
 
for me comfort and soundstage of my ATH-M50s improved by swapping the stock ear pads for Shure 840 ear pads, however (it was fine w/ me but be aware) bass was tamed somewhat so folks that really like bass might be put off a bit.... bass isn't gone or weak by an means...but it is tamed some.


and I haven't heard the 558's really so not sure there... I do like my ath-m50s quite a lot however..
 
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