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Headphone under $350

Poll Results: Which headphone do you prefer?

 
  • 13% (3)
    Beyerdynamic dt 990 premium 600 ohm
  • 17% (4)
    Grado sr325i
  • 4% (1)
    Shure srh940
  • 21% (5)
    AKG 701
  • 39% (9)
    Sennheiser HD650
  • 4% (1)
    Audio-technica ath-m50s
23 Total Votes  
post #1 of 24
11/12/11 at 9:19pm
Thread Starter 
I'm in the market for an all-rounder headphone that performs well in all areas. My budget is $350. I listen to all types of music - rock, pop, r&b, hip-hop, techno even some classical music. I'll be using it with my iPhone 4, ipad 2 & MacBook pro (2011). All my music are in 320kbps & some in Flac/alac..

Comfort & sound quality are the main factors. Don't care about looks or brand name.

After doing hours of research, these headphones made my list -

1. Beyerdynamic dt 990 premium 600 ohm
2. Grado sr325i
3. Shure srh940
4. AKG 701
5. Sennheiser HD650
6. Audio-technica ath-m50s

Help me choose from the list. Don't forget to mention the reason you chose it for. Your suggestions will be highly appreciated.
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post #2 of 24
11/12/11 at 9:45pm

Since you listen to mostly rock, pop, and r&b (at least thats what i get based off of your list) I would choose grado's. But unfortunately Grado isn't very good for electronic or rap music. Classical also requires a large sound stage to sound best. From your list i think you should make a list of what you mostly listen to so we can base our suggestions off of that. Finding a headphones that will perform well in all those genres may be tricky, also it would usually be a flat headphone (some people find it boring) with little bass. I think it's best to choose your top genres so we can better choose whats good for you.

 

Edit: Grado sr325 has a 1/4 inch adapter instead of a 1/8 inch. If you choose these get the 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter from grado.

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post #3 of 24
11/12/11 at 10:16pm

Most of the headphones in your list needs a good desktop amp + a good DAC since your using files from computer/ipod. What is your DAC? What is your desktop amp?biggrin.gif

 


Edited by VALIENTE - 11/12/11 at 10:25pm
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post #4 of 24
11/12/11 at 11:59pm
The HD-650 would be a great fit and it is still one of the top headphones in production.

Yes, it needs an amp. You could make do with an old receiver for awhile.

A better solution might be a HD-600. Very similar to the HD-650, but a little more neutral. Used ones can be found for $200. So I'd get a used one and push the budget another $50 or so for a Bottlehead Crack kit. They're an easy build. A HD-600 and a Crack would be an awfully good setup.
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post #5 of 24
11/13/11 at 6:59am

I'd think the HD650s would be the best choice.  I like all of the choices you have, but the 650s seem to have the least faults.  The only problem is can you get a pair from reliable source, while still being in budget?

 

My second choice would be the Beyers...

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post #6 of 24
11/13/11 at 2:54pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I don't have amp or dac. Planning to get filo e7. What do you guys think?

I am a little lenient to the beyerdynamic dt 990. I heard they are really comfortable and the sound quality is great.

How do they compare to the grado and sennheiser in terms of comfort and sound quality? Enlighten me.
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post #7 of 24
11/13/11 at 3:04pm

Heya,

 

Fischer Audio FA-011's. They do all the grenres well, are easy to drive, have that nice woody retro "victorian" styling, are comfortable, and I compare them to things like a warm HD600 or warmer DT990 (but with mids). You won't need to bloat your budget for a special DAC/AMP either, since these are $118. But sound like $300 headphones.

 

FA011_01.jpg

 

Very best,

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post #8 of 24
11/13/11 at 3:20pm
Thread Starter 
Where do I buy it from?
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post #9 of 24
11/13/11 at 3:39pm

Have you checked out the Audio Technica ATH-A900 (closed) & AD900 (open).

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post #10 of 24
11/13/11 at 4:00pm
Thread Starter 
I have not used any audio technica cans.
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post #11 of 24
11/13/11 at 4:01pm
Thread Starter 
I am torn between grado and beyerdynamic
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post #12 of 24
11/13/11 at 4:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdl365 View Post
I have not used any audio technica cans.


They are not bassy headphones, but are very easy to drive and your iPhone, iPad and Macbook Pro would do best with headphones between 25 & 60-Ohms (When not using a headphone amplifier).

If you did carry a headphone amplifier, then I would push for Beyerdynamic (my two cents).

 

 

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post #13 of 24
11/13/11 at 4:33pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the tips. smily_headphones1.gif
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post #14 of 24
11/13/11 at 4:49pm

Grado 325 out of what you listed

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post #15 of 24
11/13/11 at 8:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdl365 View Post

I am torn between grado and beyerdynamic


well the 600 ohm 990s will need more than the headphone jack on the lap top.  so that should make your decision easier

 

what about the denon d2000?

or give those fischers a shot?

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