Best Headphones around $100-150?

[MattAKramer]

Trying to decide the best headphones around $100-150. I've never owned full size head phones but I have had Senn cx300, shure se110 and now have Shure se215 IEMs.

I've read a lot of good things on the forum about the m50's and the srh750's. Not really sure which would be better though. Also a lot of those threads were old, not sure if there are other contenders I should consider.

I listen to all sorts of music but mostly various genres of rock, pop punk, some rap. I tend to like things slightly bass heavy but still want a clean sound from highs and mids.

I also use headphones mostly at the gym or office. I guess I would be using these at my office or at home. Not really sure.

I really would like to try some on in store but not sure who in my local area has any of these. I know best buy doesn't for sure.

I'll primarily be using these with my iPhone listening to music on Spotify at 320 or MacBook.

Thanks for any input.

 

[MetaLicca]

I've got a pair of the ATH M50's myself, and I think they're a great headphone. Good bass, but not too strong, sound quality is great for the price. Only complaint is that they clamp a little tight, but it hasn't been too much of an issue personally. 

 

[MattAKramer]

I've heard the m50's in general are more comfortable than the 750's. I do like the detachable cable in case something in the cable shorts out like both of it IEM's from Shure have done.

 

[zazex]

There are lists and polls and many entire threads devoted to this single topic; have a look around.
 
Here's one for starters -
http://www.head-fi.org/t/621283/poll-best-headphones-under-200

 

[MattAKramer]

That poll doesn't include the 750's at all. Is that model basically not worth looking into?

Also, any ideas of places that may have these available to try in store?

 

[MattAKramer]

Anybody else? I would love to have some recent opinions on the m50s vs others.

 

[KCxSmacker]

I gave my m50s to my girlfriend. They were nice but I upgraded. Seems like mostly mobile headphones are what you want and since you are not using an amp/dac it slightly limits your choices.
 
This thread gives good portable headphones: http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-107-portable-headphones-reviewed-astrotec-as-100hd-as-200hd-added-12-02-12
 
DT-770 80 ohm would be a nice pick. HD25ii used, m50, v-moda m80. Just some options. 

 

[Anaru]

M50 <3

 

[MattAKramer]

I gave my m50s to my girlfriend. They were nice but I upgraded. Seems like mostly mobile headphones are what you want and since you are not using an amp/dac it slightly limits your choices.

This thread gives good portable headphones: http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-107-portable-headphones-reviewed-astrotec-as-100hd-as-200hd-added-12-02-12

DT-770 80 ohm would be a nice pick. HD25ii used, m50, v-moda m80. Just some options. 

I don't necessarily know that I need something ultra portable. I won't be using them at the gym. Mostly home use, occasional plane ride, and possibly my office.

I'm also not necessarily against an amp, just wouldn't want to add a ton of extra cost but if it is reasonable and makes a big difference in SQ I'd be open to it I suppose.

I think I want closed cans so I don't bleed sound while in the same room as my wife and I believe they deliver better bass as well, but I'm new to full size cans so not sure.

Thoughts?

 

[KCxSmacker]

Quote:

I don't necessarily know that I need something ultra portable. I won't be using them at the gym. Mostly home use, occasional plane ride, and possibly my office.
I'm also not necessarily against an amp, just wouldn't want to add a ton of extra cost but if it is reasonable and makes a big difference in SQ I'd be open to it I suppose.
I think I want closed cans so I don't bleed sound while in the same room as my wife and I believe they deliver better bass as well, but I'm new to full size cans so not sure.
Thoughts?

I think the DT770 80 ohm is a great lower end headphone to have. You can find them new for 150 sometimes and They are closed. Great all around sound but have a good bass response too. Durable and dont look to bad. They are usually $199 but lately ebay etc have had good deals on them. 
 
Refurbished : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-80-Closed-Studio-Headphones-FULL-WARRANTY-/130794130009?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Speakers_Monitors&hash=item1e73f00a59
 
New : http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Beyerdynamic-DT-770-PRO-80-Studio-Headphones-FREE-Priority-Mail-NEW-/121027352373?pt=US_DJ_Monitoring_Headphones&hash=item1c2dcad735

 

[KCxSmacker]

Another suggestion if you want is the Beyer Custom One Pros. They came out recently but have a detachable cable and adjustable sound. Not bad but slightly above budget. 
 
 
sound is very similar to the dt770s

 

[MattAKramer]

I think the DT770 80 ohm is a great lower end headphone to have. You can find them new for 150 sometimes and They are closed. Great all around sound but have a good bass response too. Durable and dont look to bad. They are usually $199 but lately ebay etc have had good deals on them. 

Refurbished : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-80-Closed-Studio-Headphones-FULL-WARRANTY-/130794130009?pt=US_Pro_Audio_Speakers_Monitors&hash=item1e73f00a59

New : http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Beyerdynamic-DT-770-PRO-80-Studio-Headphones-FREE-Priority-Mail-NEW-/121027352373?pt=US_DJ_Monitoring_Headphones&hash=item1c2dcad735

It looks like sound professionals have the m50 for 99 with free shipping so that is quite the leap. Is the sound quality worth the jump? I've been doing lots of searches and it seems like people either love m50 or think they are overhyped. The dt770 and srh750 are two that seem to keep coming up. I really wish I could hear these in person.

How will any of these 3 compare to the se215 IEMs I have now from a sound stage and bass perspective?

 

[soundisee]

I'm in the same boat. Is the hype over the m50's just because they are cheap headphones or are they actually that good? How would they compare to the DT 770 pro 80 ohms, is it worth the extra $100?

 

[MattAKramer]

Guitar center by me says they have the m50 and 750dj in stock. They don't have them on display so I will have to open boxes with sales guy. What other models should I try that they may have in store?

M50 best for 100-110? Anything between 100-160 that is better or worth the extra 50-60 bucks?

 

[fabio-fi]

Quote:

Guitar center by me says they have the m50 and 750dj in stock. They don't have them on display so I will have to open boxes with sales guy. What other models should I try that they may have in store?
M50 best for 100-110? Anything between 100-160 that is better or worth the extra 50-60 bucks?

 
Yes, try the HFI-580. Liked it over the M50 which have recessed mids.