Best headphone value for $200? (All around)

[donpd]

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade from my ATH-M40X any suggestions?
I know this gets asked a lot but almost all reviews and searches I got all point out to the M50xs. I have nothing against that but I just want to maximize my whole budget. The M50x can be had for under $150 and it doesn't have a remote on it.
I mainly listen to house/dance, pop, rock and with the occasional classical and acoustic songs. Also portability is good as id be bringing them to places although I won't be using them during commutes, I just need it to be safely carried inside the bag. Having an inline remote control would come in handy as the M40x doesn't come with them.

So far I've done quite a research and these are what I found. I've contemplated about upgrading to the M50x but since I've got a sub $250 budget why not stretch it out a little. Also I listen on my iPhone 6 and iPad Pro. I don't have a DAC or an amp. And most of my music is Spotify premium based with extreme quality (320kbps I think). I know that's not audiophile quality but it's the most convenient for me right now. i don't like too much or strong bass but i also wouldn't want no bass at all.

Beyerdynamic DT770 pro 32 Ohms - a bit bulky imo
AKG K545
ATH-M50X
Sennheiser momentum 2.0 over ear (I found at Amazon that they're going for around $240 which is quite a deal I think considering they retail for $349)
Sony MDR1A
PSB M4U-1 ($250)
V-Moda Crossfade M100
NAD Viso HP50 ($250)
SoundMagic HP150

Feel free to add any headphones that fit into this category.
Cheers! And thanks in advance. I'd very much appreciate any answer.

 

[cel4145]

Most people have difficulty distinguishing between MP3 and lossless. So Spotify is all good

NAD HP50 is another to add to your list.

 

[donpd]

I agree I've tried listening to some flac and it sounds the same to me for some reason. Or maybe I've never tried really high quality headphones with a full setup. Yeah I've actually looked into that. Almost forgot to put it. Thanks!

 

[HipHopScribe]

I'd highly recommend the NAD Viso HP50's. Good bass that's a little emphasized over neutral and extends well but doesn't encroach on the other frequencies or sound boomy or muddy at all (this is where I don't like the M50x's). Mid-range is excellent. There's a little roll-off in the treble, but it sounds natural if a little laid back, so that might even be a positive depending on taste.
 
If you'd like the bass a little more neutral and the treble with a bit more presence, the PSB M4U 1's would be a good buy.
 
Both have an inline remotes, good portability and I found them comfortable

 

[donpd]

I'd highly recommend the NAD Viso HP50's. Good bass that's a little emphasized over neutral and extends well but doesn't encroach on the other frequencies or sound boomy or muddy at all (this is where I don't like the M50x's). Mid-range is excellent. There's a little roll-off in the treble, but it sounds natural if a little laid back, so that might even be a positive depending on taste.

If you'd like the bass a little more neutral and the treble with a bit more presence, the PSB M4U 1's would be a good buy.

Both have an inline remotes, good portability and I found them comfortable

Thanks for the detailed response! I'm still trying to get used to the NAD's looks although it looks clean. My only concern when I get either of the two is that would poor quality MP3 emphasize on the bad sounds? I've read that since high quality headphones are so good you can hear even the bad sounds and it gets amplified.

 

[HipHopScribe]

Thanks for the detailed response! I'm still trying to get used to the NAD's looks although it looks clean. My only concern when I get either of the two is that would poor quality MP3 emphasize on the bad sounds? I've read that since high quality headphones are so good you can hear even the bad sounds and it gets amplified.

 
There are many differing opinions on this subject, but my personal opinion is that CD quality FLAC vs high-bitrate MP3 is one of the least important factors in actual listening experience. The quality of the headphones, playback devices, and the recording, mixing and mastering of the music you're listening to are all gonna play a bigger role in my view. You're gonna notice a bad mastering job on a song (which is beyond your control) before you notice whether you're listening to MP3 or FLAC.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Yamaha HPH-MT220 blows them away! It was originally $150 but was discontinued. Now it's more expensive unless you get a used one. It also has a coiled nondetachable cable, FYI.
 
I think the M50x sounds worse than the M40x due to its overwhelming muddy bass.

 

[smy1]

I agree the m40x does sound better then the m50x.

I heard the k7xx are good

 

[serman005]

You might also want to check out the SoundMAGIC HP150. Very nice soundstage and imaging with a largely neutral (just barely v-shaped) signature. Highly recommended and within your budget.

 

[donpd]

There are many differing opinions on this subject, but my personal opinion is that CD quality FLAC vs high-bitrate MP3 is one of the least important factors in actual listening experience. The quality of the headphones, playback devices, and the recording, mixing and mastering of the music you're listening to are all gonna play a bigger role in my view. You're gonna notice a bad mastering job on a song (which is beyond your control) before you notice whether you're listening to MP3 or FLAC.

I get where you're going on this and yeah I've heard that it all boils down to the source of the song whether it was recorded properly

 

[donpd]

Yamaha HPH-MT220 blows them away! It was originally $150 but was discontinued. Now it's more expensive unless you get a used one. It also has a coiled nondetachable cable, FYI.

I think the M50x sounds worse than the M40x due to its overwhelming muddy bass.

I saw that they look quite good however I would like it to have had a detachable cable for portability issues.

That's the main reason I took the M40x over the M50x and I love the way they sound

 

[donpd]

You might also want to check out the SoundMAGIC HP150. Very nice soundstage and imaging with a largely neutral (just barely v-shaped) signature. Highly recommended and within your budget.

I actually just researched into that. Thanks!! Will add it onto the list

 

[audiojun]

Get a used HD580 it's basically an HD600. Can be had for 150-175 used.

 

[donpd]

As of now my consensus from my list are:
 
PSB M4U-1 - a bit heavy at 320g but i read it's quite comfortable 
Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 over ear - quality is superb but i read problems with bass and clarity? (not sure)
NAD Viso HP 50 - I'm not too fond of the headband
SoundMagic HP150 - the earcups to me come a little too big, i'm not sure though but it might pose portability issues.
Beyer DT770 Pro 32Ohms - same with the HP150
 
HD580 - are really good although they're open back and might not suit me on some places
Sony MDR1A - I read that it isnt that much compatible with Apple devices
ATH-M50x - I liked the sound signature of the M40s better
M100- too much bass for me?
 
I'm quite stuck on the first 5.

 

[boblauer]

If you are interested in the NAD's over on Audiogon there's a dealer selling refurbs for $189 white or red. IMO pretty neutral sounding headphone, works well with a lot of genre's.