[PoSR77]

Looking for my girlfriend who wants to replace her Beats Solo 2.

$200 or less ($100 - $150 is best) firm. No used. No wireless.


Some general requirements:

- easy to drive (will be using with phone/tablet; does not want to mess with amps)

- reasonably comfortable and durable (easily replaceable pads a plus)

- smaller ear cups are better (a lot of resting head on a pillow use)

- have forward mids/vocals (the Beats sound like this to me)

- have some warm bass/mid bass; not too thin or clinical of a sound


I've never really looked at this price range, especially for closed backs, as I started my head-fi journey over 10 years ago with what was "mid fi" then: $250 - $350, so I really don't know what the overall good recommendations are. I seem to remember that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 was a solid choice; is that the case (or still the case)?

Thanks for any recommendations!

 

[KPzypher]

Akg k371 seems to fit the bill. M50x is crap IMO. Unless you fancy extreme v shaped sound, I would avoid it. If you want something super light, compact, and comfortable, MDR-1AM2 is a solid choice to
IME. I mean we're talking beats here, so pretty low bar to clear.

 

[PoSR77]

Really, the M50s are V shaped tuned? Didn't know that. I remember people raving about them as "giant killers" years back.

I briefly listened to the Beats, and yes, not great, but I could tell they have the warm lower mids some like and the vocals stood out from the mix. On other closed back phones in this range that's not always the case so I she wouldn't like them even if they sounded better overall.

Thanks for the info!

 

[silentraindrop]

Have you considered wireless? They have come a long way. Still have ways to go to audiophile standards, but close enough to be enjoyable to normal person like me. Soundcore Q35(currently $91) and Q45($149 but often have 20% sale) are pretty good. Both are v shaped but take EQ well. Also can be used as passive wired cans too.

 

[PoSR77]

Thank you, but I guess I should have mentioned no wireless. She doesn't want to mess with it.

 

[pbui44]

Check out the Massdrop x Meze 99 Noir:

https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-meze-99-noir-closed-back-headphones

Also, if your girlfriend does not mind open-box:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175456929653

 

[PoSR77]

Thanks, I did see the Meze 99 yesterday and was wondering if that would be a good option. It seems Meze might have a house sound she would like.

There's lots of options here from brands like AKG, Sony, JVC, Shure, Audio-Technica, Senn; I just don't know if there's a clear stand out at this tier in this category.

More research...

 

[pbui44]

Re-reading your first post, I keep thinking about the Sony MDR-1A, which will work great for what she wants, which is a mid-forward-ish sounding portable closed back:

https://www.adorama.com/somdr1am2b....mpaign=organicshopping&utm_source=adl-gbase-o

If she does not mind used, then here is a one in overall great condition, besides the inner ear pads, with the accessories you need to get it back to like-new:

(Make an offer of at least $35)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/374300193801

https://www.amazon.com/defean-M30-M50X-M50S-M40X/dp/B07DRG23YG/ref=mp_s_a_1_4

https://www.amazon.com/Headphones-M...hone-Accessories/dp/B00V9EGM2G/ref=mp_s_a_1_2

(You can get 2, just in case you need a backup cable)
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-...4B/ref=m_pd_aw_sim_sccl_2/138-9324183-4749231

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304599941636#SellerPresenceViewModel

 

[PoSR77]

Thank you pbui44; but she doesn't want used (as stated). That Sony does like nice though; maybe a lower model with the same sort of sound/design.

Are SIVGA headphones any good? I see some interesting choices in this range.


Apologies for not going with any recommended headphone yet even though there are some good choices offered. Not trying to be too picky and exhaustively research, but I don't want to end up with a dud(s) and play the return game over and over either. Girlfriend has been busy too, so I haven't had a chance to run too many models by her.

 

[pbui44]

There is a loyal following for the SIVGA SV021 and high anticipation for the SIVGA SV023, but both will need proprietary ear pad replacements to fit the mounting holes in the ear cups and you will definitely need a zippered headband cover to protect the headband pleather.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

How about a Sennheiser HD-25? Throw it, abuse it, it still works. Lots of parts.

 

[Samplingentropy]

How about a Sennheiser HD-25? Throw it, abuse it, it still works. Lots of parts.

+1 on that.
I brake a cable every few years,and put on a new earpad set at the same time.
Other than that they just keep working
I think they are going on 20 years now.

 

[kinkling]

If you can find one out there, the NAD Viso HP50 checks all of the boxes except "lay the head on the pillow"

 

[PoSR77]

Thanks guys, I think I have enough good options to choose between now.

Reviews seem to be almost random though: some saying a can has a V shaped presentation with recessed mids, or is bass heavy, or has too sibilant highs, and others not hearing that. There seems to be more inconsistency here than with the more expensive headphones I'm used to that have more of a consensus about sound signature and quality.

 

[kinkling]

Any number of reasons for that -- bad seal due to head shape, cheap inconsistent construction because they are not more expensive headphones, reviewer earwax, you name it.