Headphones with soundstage at $200 or less.

Hello, fellow head-fiers. I'm looking for headphones a $200 or less with a nice soundstage, detail, and some bass, too.

One option I had, was the Grado SR225i. My main concern about them is the narrow soundstage. I know the bass can be upgraded with some modding, same as the harshnes, but I don't thinks there's something to do about the soundstage.

I listen to jazz, rock, indie (most of it poorly recorded), electronic, hip-hop. I heard the SR225is are not the best when it comes to jazz, is that true?

Please recommend me a nice set of cans.

As a plus, I would appreciate if you could test a couple tracks to see how they sound in the headphones you recommend (asuming you own them). This, of course, would be helpful, though not necessary.

- I Was Doing Alright - Diana Krall

- Moon Theory - Miami Horror

- Someone Like You - Adele (Or anything from her new album)

My source would be a Rockboxed Clip+, unamped.

Thanks in advance, people!

Quote:

Originally Posted by fusedpro 

Sennheiser HD598 will handle the majority of music very well and it has an amazing soundstage as well. I don't own them, but they did sound pretty damn good when I auditioned them at a store.

 

Also, I have to ask... who is that in your avatar?

Thanks, I'll look them up.

Wish I knew, I came across the picture and omg...<3 haha

The Senns look like a nice option, the problem is that they're like $50 over my budget. Any other suggestions?

C'mon Head-Fi, don't let me down on this :(

Thank you all! MalVeauX's list was really useful!

I think I've narrowed the list to just two headphones, the FA-011 and the AD900. Both seem to be pretty all round performers, with a nice bass, clear mids and defined highs. Also with a big soundstage and nice instrument separation.

Now, I understand the FA-011 need amplification to sound right. Given their price tag, the only amp I could afford is the FiiO E7 (or something in that price range). Would it be enough to drive the phones?

In case I bought the AD900, I couldn't afford an amp, would my Clip+ be enough to drive them?

Also, anyone who has any of these phones who's willing to try at least one of the songs listed in the OP, just so I can get a refference.

Thanks again. I think I'm up to something now.

I pulled the trigger on the AD900, they'll arrive by the end of the month (oh the importing process :( )

I'll update with impressions as soon as I get them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiteki 

Tricky requirement if you want hip-hop / electro deep bass, wide soundstage, detail, clarity all at once with a Clip+.

 

Perhaps remove bass or soundstage from your requirements or have a look at IEM's, not sure.

I was too young. I own a set of IEMs, these are going to be just for home use. I do want a little bass, since the idea of having a pair of tweeters attached to my ears. It seems like the AD900 does have a nice, tight, clean and detailed bass, plus, it fulfills every other requirement on my list.

I won't use them with hip-hop or electronic, nothing bass heavy. Mostly some Jazz, indie, classical and other instrumental recordings.