Need headphones can't afford much

[Harrohno]

Hi I want a pair of good headphones to plug into my Rotel Rx 1052 but can't afford much. Are used ones too risky? I've done my research and I'm focusing on a pair of Audio-Technica ath M50x. A guy has a pair in what he is describing as barely used (everyone seems to say that) and we've agreed on $105 cdn -$78 usd. Is that reasonable? Someone else had a well used pair sold for $40
A second novice question, I use a decent DAC streaming device now cabled to above amp but bought the Bluetooth version by mistake instead of the wifi one; would I be better just - yikes- just plugging into my cellphone which apparently has one of the better cell DACs, or going phone to DAC to amp to headphones??
Fyi I know minimal about audio if it isn't already obvious

 

[Hammett]

If you don't need closed backs to avoid having others listen to your music as you do, consider the venerable Koss Porta Pros. They are classics and have been around for almost 40 years for a reason.

All Porta Pro owners can tell you about their flaws. The mid-bass is a bit bloated. The treble rolls off early. Their dynamics could be a little better.

None of that matters for most people because the bass is surprisingly good for a lightweight, comfortable, open-back. The treble is rolled off, but it is also non-fatiguing. The mid-range, where our hearing is most sensitive, is just lovely.

You can get aftermarket pads by Yaxi for $12 that make an already comfortable headphone more comfortable and they also push down that mid-bass and lift up the treble.

The original version is all of $40 on Amazon and for $39 plus shipping you can currently get the Drop version that also has a microphone. You do have to pay for shipping from Drop, but if you are a new user Drop will give you a $10 coupon.

Seriously, the Porta Pros are great headphones and the Yaxis take them to another level.

If you want to take it up a notch, you could consider the Drop Sennheiser HD 58x right now for $149. They are wonderful too!

 

[Quadman2]

From a quick look-see on the AT 50's, they do have a good record of performance being around since 2012, with up grades as in the 50x's.

Reviews look fine, but meant only for indoor use, as already shared. Amazon has them on for $165 with a recent reduction, which could indicate this model being soon dropped...a guess on my part.

They are well built and solid in design. And, as per that "risky" aspect...a quick rubbing alcohol application should deal with any health issue.

So for a $60 additional, and a warranty thrown in as well, guess you'll have to decide on this aspect as well.


Good luck, and take your time in choosing.


Q

 

[RickB]

I'd look into the Philips SHP9500 if you can get by with open style headphones.
I really like mine

 

[xrayspex77]

I have the M50x's, they are Monitor type Headphones but fine for casual listening.
Price is ok if it includes the 3 Cords and Bag otherwise they do seem to be on sale right now.
Not waterproof but I wear them outside with no problems.

 

[JoeESP9]

If you don't need closed backs to avoid having others listen to your music as you do, consider the venerable Koss Porta Pros. They are classics and have been around for almost 40 years for a reason.

All Porta Pro owners can tell you about their flaws. The mid-bass is a bit bloated. The treble rolls off early. Their dynamics could be a little better.

None of that matters for most people because the bass is surprisingly good for a lightweight, comfortable, open-back. The treble is rolled off, but it is also non-fatiguing. The mid-range, where our hearing is most sensitive, is just lovely.

You can get aftermarket pads by Yaxi for $12 that make an already comfortable headphone more comfortable and they also push down that mid-bass and lift up the treble.

The original version is all of $40 on Amazon and for $39 plus shipping you can currently get the Drop version that also has a microphone. You do have to pay for shipping from Drop, but if you are a new user Drop will give you a $10 coupon.

Seriously, the Porta Pros are great headphones and the Yaxis take them to another level.

If you want to take it up a notch, you could consider the Drop Sennheiser HD 58x right now for $149. They are wonderful too!

I'm in complete agreement. IMO for the price the Porta Pros are just about unbeatable. I replaced the cushions on mine also. My next least expensive pair of headphones are Grado SR-100's (NLA). They cost more than twice what I paid for the Porta Pros. They are not twice as good.

I also replaced the Grado cushions. The originals were awful. They felt like sandpaper to my ears.

PS: The Grado's especially with the replacement cushions do sound better than the Porta Pro's. It's just not more than 2.5 times better.

 

[swechsler]

Consider this another vote for the Portapros. Great bargain phones.

A second novice question, I use a decent DAC streaming device now cabled to above amp but bought the Bluetooth version by mistake instead of the wifi one; would I be better just - yikes- just plugging into my cellphone which apparently has one of the better cell DACs, or going phone to DAC to amp to headphones??

There's no hard and fast answer to a question like this, especially without specifying which phone and DAC you have. Try it both ways and see which sounds better to you. The most recent versions of Bluetooth are very good.

 

[Caveman Carl]

Amazon has them on for $165 with a recent reduction, which could indicate this model being soon dropped...a guess on my part.

Their regular price is $169, now on sale for $149. Not EOL imho, price drop is relatively modest and moreover, it's a still a best-seller.

 

[petes'picks]

I would keep an eye out for Sony MDR-V6 or MDR-7506, same but marketed to different folks. Saw some good deals on them during holiday season but not sure if they still have the deals. For what it is worth I have been using a pair for 25 years without issue, have tried upgrading several times but always return to them. There is a reason you see so many photos of great musicians wearing them.

 

[jayvis]

I'm in complete agreement. IMO for the price the Porta Pros are just about unbeatable. I replaced the cushions on mine also. My next least expensive pair of headphones are Grado SR-100's (NLA). They cost more than twice what I paid for the Porta Pros. They are not twice as good.

I also replaced the Grado cushions. The originals were awful. They felt like sandpaper to my ears.

PS: The Grado's especially with the replacement cushions do sound better than the Porta Pro's. It's just not more than 2.5 times better.

I know this is a little off topic, but I've never found anything in audio that has a direct correlation between sound quality and price. In other words, just because something costs twice as much doesn't mean it will sound twice as good. As you climb the price ladder, you usually see diminishing returns. And that's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you have the attitude and wherewithal to make the climb.

 

[Guido57]

Hi I want a pair of good headphones....1.Are used ones too risky?
.2...just plugging into my cellphone which apparently has one of the better cell DACs, or going phone to DAC to amp to headphones??

1: My current headphones were bought used and I've had no problems. Used can be a reasonable option with the caveat you buy from someone who at least appears to care about their equipment. YMMV.
2: Depends on the DAC and the phone. In general I'd use the phone as a source running through the DAC.

 

[David_NC]

I bought a pair of used but mint Sony MDR-1ADAC for $80 about 18 months ago on eBay. They are one of my faves, mainly due to how comfy they are, and they sound great, too. They are nice, as they have a HD DAC and amp built in and plug directly to my iPhone via Lightning cable. They also sound great when used with my laptop connected by USB or via 1/8" cable to my amps. The prices seem to be much higher now, but the non-DAC version, the MDR-1A, is very similar in comfort and sound and is much cheaper. There are a few newer improved models too, but I'm not familiar with them.
I have Grado SR80's too, and I very much prefer the Sonys due to sound quality and comfort. I can literally listen to them for 4+ hours without them hurting my head; something I can't do with any other headphones I've tried.

 

[Dudeman7]

If the A-T headphones are in good shape and include the extra cables, I'd go for it. Price doesn't seem unreasonable to me and they are terrific sounding 'phones.

I have a pair of the M50xs, as well as similar studio models from Sony, AKG, Sennheiser and Shure. The only ones that I think sound better than the M50x is the Shure SRH840. Those are bigger and not as solidly built, though.

Good luck!

 

[KingBubba]

I have a pair of closed ear headphones that I would love to recommend to you, except for the fact that I picked them up at a thrift store for $3. They are a real pleasure to listen to. The cup of the phones are bright blue and they seem well built; like mini Koss's. They have no name or marking at all; so there is no way to know where they originated from. Many times items picked up from thrift stores can end up being true bargains. Hit a few of your local thrifts and see if anything shows up. Good luck on your choices.

 

[HB3]

I bought a pair of Grado SR225x's recently that were used. I got a good price on them, they work fine and I enjoy them . If these are above your budget the SR60's and 80's get a lot of love.