Recommendations for open headphones less than $200
Feb 2, 2014 at 4:14 AM Post #31 of 61
You've owned teh 598 and ma900 and 612pros? which are most comfortable? How do their sound profiles compare? How about the 990?
 
Feb 2, 2014 at 4:17 AM Post #32 of 61
I've got the Philips X1, Denon D2000 , Senn Momentums and Grado X1. While I prefer my D2000, they're discontinued. For metal I prefer my SR80i although they're lacking some lowend compared to the X1 ( again, not comparing the D2000 as they're discontinued... but awesome!). The other day I listened to the entire Gojira album (L'Enfant) on my SR80s and was captivated. The Low end of the X1 gets a bit messy, especially in songs where down tuned guitars, bass and kick meet. With artists such as Meshuggah it's gets a bit blurred. You end up trading boom for definition... I personally prefer definition  feeling that no headphone I've used provides the visceral kick of a true sub.
 
If you can find a reasonable D2000, I can promise that they are a fantastic all-rounder for someone of your tastes. Philips X1s are close sacrificing a bit of clarity and treble extension for air and space.
 
Feb 2, 2014 at 9:45 PM Post #33 of 61
I think all those are bit too expensive for me, the D200 I only see for $300+.
 
Right now my main considerations are:

DT990
558
MA900
 
I think I'm going to have to go with whichever one is the most comfortable since they all seem pretty highly recommended. I'm leaning against the MA900 due to build quality, price, and possible discomfort since it rests against your ear on the inner part, ie not deep enough, but really I can't find enough on it to make a definitive call for or against it. There aren't many comparisons of it against the 558s. 
 
As for DT990 vs 558, I really find conflicting opinions on it but I think I'll probably lean towards the 558 for being more comfortable. I hear the DT990 adds more 'flavor', the highs might be too much but I think that can be EQ'd if it's really an issue. 
 
Feb 2, 2014 at 10:08 PM Post #34 of 61
If you get the 250 ohm version of the Beyers, your going to want an amplifier. 

Now, with that being said -- I'd probably recommend the 558 as a good, comfortable headphone with nice sound quality. 

I've owned the 555s for years and they have been awesome headphones. I've only recenetly picked up the Fidelio X1 by Philips (another good recommendaton).
 
Feb 2, 2014 at 11:31 PM Post #36 of 61
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Quote:
  I think all those are bit too expensive for me, the D200 I only see for $300+.
 
Right now my main considerations are:

DT990
558
MA900
 
I think I'm going to have to go with whichever one is the most comfortable since they all seem pretty highly recommended. I'm leaning against the MA900 due to build quality, price, and possible discomfort since it rests against your ear on the inner part, ie not deep enough, but really I can't find enough on it to make a definitive call for or against it. There aren't many comparisons of it against the 558s. 
 
As for DT990 vs 558, I really find conflicting opinions on it but I think I'll probably lean towards the 558 for being more comfortable. I hear the DT990 adds more 'flavor', the highs might be too much but I think that can be EQ'd if it's really an issue. 

 
 
 
 
558 is also comfortable.  but not anywhere near the comfort of ma900 for me.  and ma900 is more refined. more refined than hd598 too.  anyway it is up to you to make the final decision. 
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 12:35 AM Post #37 of 61
I got a question for you appmaster, or anyone really. Are the AGK headphones, ie the Q701, K701, K612, etc, all the same design? Is it the same design as the Superluxes? Because they all look the same design, does that mean the same comfort too? Because the 681 Evos I have, my complaint about them is that my ear touches the driver pad and that, I think, is what causes my ears to get sore after 4+ hours. I want headphones significantly more comfortable than the 681 Evos I have. Which are very comfortable, but I just want something more (you know, otherwise I'll just spend $30 and get some 681 evos or even just $60 for the more comfortable takstar 2050s). 
 
Quote:
Well the MA900 is definitely the most comfortable.

 
I've looked around and I think you are one of the only people who's saying that. There's literally like 20 posts of you saying 'get the ma900' and that's all your post is, in about 10 different threads, with zero evidence, zero substantiation, zero explanation. 
 
If recommend the ma900. Extremely comfortable and they have wonderful imagery and soundstage. 
biggrin.gif
 
  Id get the Fidelio X1 or MDR MA900 and call it a day.  Neither need an amp.
 
Heres the MDR MA900 appreciation thread:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/663121/sony-mdr-ma900-appreciation-thread
 



 
hit and run yo
 
Anyways I swore I saw the MA900 for $150 on amazon but, they're only $240+ now so whatever. I'm not sure what I was thinking, so I'm going to not consider these anymore. I've heard a few reports say 558> ma900 for comfort and complain about the ear touching the driver pad and the stitching on them being annoying and the hard headband and bad build quality. 
 
So yea, DT990 vs 558s.
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 1:42 AM Post #38 of 61

I haven't tried any Superluxes yet, so I cant comment on the comfort comparing AKGs. K701 and Q701 top of the leather headbands have few bumps, so you might find them somewhat uncomfortable. but 612pro doesn't have that kind of bumps . so I found 612pro is more comfortable comparing with k701,q701.
 
Few weeks ago Sony discontinued ma900 (I'm not sure why.. they always do this) that might be the reason for the sudden price increase. to me 558 is not a bad headphone by any means for the current price tag. they might be not refined as ma900 or 612pro but really worth around $130.
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 2:26 AM Post #39 of 61
but 612pro doesn't have that kind of bumps . so I found 612pro is more comfortable comparing with k701,q701.

 
Is that the only difference? Because my issue with the Evo's is that the driver pad touches my ears (the evo's have bumps but they dont bother me, i dont notice them. i think), if they are basically same ear design then I think I'll avoid them, as i want something more comfortable.
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 2:46 AM Post #40 of 61
   
Is that the only difference? Because my issue with the Evo's is that the driver pad touches my ears (the evo's have bumps but they dont bother me, i dont notice them. i think), if they are basically same ear design then I think I'll avoid them, as i want something more comfortable.

 
yes. far as I remember that is the main difference. I think 558,598 design might suit you well. you can also consider dt990pro, and their pads are also velour (very comfortable), but as I said before they have somewhat moderate clamping force. and they have V shaped sound signature, with more emphasis in treble and bass.
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 5:20 AM Post #41 of 61
I didnt' realize the 595 was only ~$100+. What's better, 595 or 559 (I dont mind modding)?
 
I think im leaning towards 558 as more people say they are more comfortable, but I'll return the 558s in a heartbeat if they aren't perfectly comfortable. 
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 5:25 AM Post #42 of 61
   
Is that the only difference? Because my issue with the Evo's is that the driver pad touches my ears (the evo's have bumps but they dont bother me, i dont notice them. i think), if they are basically same ear design then I think I'll avoid them, as i want something more comfortable.

My 612 pro are very comfy and the pads are deep enough that my ear doesn't touch the inside.
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 5:35 AM Post #44 of 61
It's not easy to measure but i'd say 2.2cm or 0.85 inches
 
Feb 3, 2014 at 10:48 AM Post #45 of 61
I usually do recommend other cans, but I can't help it if I think the MA900 is the best, especially if i've heard the competitors. Look:
SR225i vs MA900: MA900 wins in build quality, comfort, soundstage, neutrality, bass extension, lower mids.
Q701: MA900 is much more musical, a much more even response, the ma900 DOES NOT need and amp, the MA900 has about the same soundstage, but thats when the Q701 is at its potential; the ma900 is more comfortable;q701 may pull out more details, though the ma900 wins with a flatter, more impactful bass response. Did I mention the MA900 its cheaper?

DT880: The MA900 wins in comfort, but the 880 wins in build. They sound equally as good, but the DT880 needs an amp.

Haven't heard the K612

Fidelio X1: The X1 costs more, is built better, not as comfortable, and is not flat enough. It's too uneven. I prefer the warm response the MA900 has.
 

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