Best $200 Headphones

[exigentsky]

Hi,

I'm new to all this but want to learn more.

I'm looking for the best headphones I can get at $200 or less. I'm currently looking at the SR225s and the HD595s. Are there other brands I should consider? Which would be best in this range?

I could theoretically go up to $300 and get the HD650s, but it seems to me like the difference is no longer significant enough to justify the extra cash unless you have amazing ears. I guess most on these forums would disagree.

Also, are amps necessary if the volume is already loud enough? For example, if I turn up the volume to max on my Macbook, even my PX200 headphones are more than loud enough.

Thanks in advance!

 

[uraflit]

audio technica a500/a700/a900

no need for amp.

 

[Ubel]

What genres of music do you mainly listen to? As some cans are better than others at different genres.

Joseph

 

[exigentsky]

I listen to a pretty wide variety of music including classical, pop, rock and electronic. Still, I think it's primarily rock. (for example some Green Day)

I'll look into the a900s for now. Never heard of these, but they seem promising from the reviews. (sorry, I'm a newbie) GradoSR225, HD595 and a900- this just got more difficult. :?

BTW: I would prefer closed headphones so I don't disturb others and so that I can listen even in a noisier environment. But, if the best is open, then I'm open to that. Is open or closed just a matter of preference or is one generally considered to sound better? It seems like the "audiophile" headphones are almost always open. I would also prefer not to need an amp for quality sound.

 

[AudioCats]

for $200, your best bet is the pre-05 Beyer 990. The price is around $190 plus shipping. The 990, even though older version, was the flagship model of the Beyer line, while everything else you can get for that price will be of the second line phones from other companies. Unless you can find some Senn 600 on ebay for a good price, the Senn600 was a flagship model too.....

Have no idea what kind of sound you can get from closed phones for under $200, not too many good ones in that price range.

 

[kamal007]

u can get a denon d2000 for like $300..or maybe a used around $250..from tge reviews theyre awesome..or get the ES7 for around $100 and save that $100 to get another pair of cans or iems or buy some music

 

[pingalep]

i can advice you to buy more cheaper cans that fill the 200$ budget.
like a grado sr80, an akg k81dj, and a pair of IEM.
you can use the grado at home, very confortable and good sounding(i use the sr60).
the k81dj has a great sound for its price, and the ear protection from noise and cold worth all the money.
the IEM is for hot weather days.

cause every hi-end can needs much time and a good rig to make it sounding the best, but you have at that time to use them in particular conditions, like at home, no background noises, etc. so you'll find yourself like used by your headphones!

 

[silverrain]

I still use and like my V6 and V600 Sony's, To my ears, they still can compete with all my higher-end (read = $$$$) cans -- not always equal, but plenty good enough to satisfy, even after my exposure to really good stuff.

Both are less than $100, and don't need an amp to sound good.

And they are closed cans, too -- no worry about disturbing others.

 

[F107plus5]

You may also wish to look at some Grado/Alessandro threads. The $100 MS-1 or the $300 MS2i would fit your style of music quite well, and they don't really need an amp.

....the MS2i may ask for one later, though.

I also use HD600 for much of what you listen to, especially if the recording is overly "hot," but an amp seems to be more important with them. In my opinion the Alessandros(made by Grado)are more appropriate for the rock side of things since they put you more on stage with the performers, while the Senns put you back a couple rows.

 

[ex0du5]

Alessandro MS1/MS2i
Grado SR225 (if you're in the States)
Audio Technica A900

Alessandros and Grados blow the HD580/600/650 away when it comes to rock.

 

[lostbobby]

I got some 2003 DT880 for $200 brand new, but i can't remember the name of the place. if you watch the 4sale forum, you'll see top of the lines (HD650, K701) approach the $200 mark (i.e. more like $250-$280, but really worth it)

 

[Cousin Patty]

The HD595's were a great introduction to the hobby for me. Versatile, comfortable, great sound quality unamped.

 

[BrookR1]

You can get the SR-325i for $265 or the SR-225 for $175 from TTVJ.

 

[wnmnkh]

2 options for you based on my opinion.

Closed : Heard Denon D1000 are excellent headphones which have similar SQ to their bigger brothers (and D1000 is in fact full size, not on the ear.) D1000 also do not require an amp as well.

Open : HD595 of cause

 

[spinali]

I think your inquiry casts too wide a net. Moreover, you're at the $200 level; as some forum members have suggested, there are some nice offerings at a somewhat higher cost. If I were you, I would visit the used forum and pick up a higher-priced headphone more reasonably. I recently saw a K701 for $150 (gone, now), but DT880s and various Senns, etc. appear regularly.