'Best' Headphones Under 200?

[josephLinrad]

So I've been lurking this forum for a couple of years now and have come to respect all of your prowess. My first three purchases were heavily influenced by all of your endless (useful) posts.

My previous headphones, in order (note they're IEM's; I'm looking for a new experience): stock Apple earbuds, Klipsh S4, Audeo PFE 012 Bass edition, and finally, my favorite, Atrio's MG7s. Klipsch were okay but were a bit sibilant and lacked the clarity I wanted. The PFE's were amazingly clear and accurate at the cost of bass. In the MG7s I found my sweet spot; they were extremely accurate and 'monitor'-like (albeit not quite as much as the PFEs) and they had excellent, controlled bass, especially sub-bass.

Keeping the signature of the MG7s in mind, could I have the same experience with full size headphones? That is, excellent clarity, neutral and monitor-like, good highs without emphasis, and with a nice full bass when needed, but which does not bleed into the other frequencies at all.

Quite an order, but is it possible? Can I get the MG7 experience (detail, bass, accuracy, neutrality) in full sized phones for 200 or less? My source is an ipod touch 5g, but I could amp if needed. And portability/style is irrelevant. Sound is all I'm interested in. Could you offer some advice to a long-time lurker?

 

[josephLinrad]

Anyone??
 
So, I was thinking about the DT770s Pro 80

 

[BrezicR]

I haven't tried the Atrio's, but as I understand the emphasis is a bit on a low side and are warm IEMs. In this regard, I would recomend the Sony MDR-1R. Warm, good bass, yet detailed and with good soundstage. And can be powered by an iPod.
 
The DT770 are somewhat bright in comerison with the MDR 1R and are not so easy to drive. Otherwise they offer great value for money in my opinion.

 

[josephLinrad]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have a look at some reviews.

 

[BrezicR]

BTW, do you look for closed headphones? Open headphones in general offer better SQ. You might want to look at Sennheiser HD598 of HD558. Also warm headphones although some might say a bit thin on bass. Otherwise they have a more flat sound, comfortable, good detail and soundstage. Or if confort is not your main concern, you might want to look at grado sr225i. Very rich sound with a midbass hump ideal for rock and metal. The DT770 for example are more suitable for electronic or dance music. Another recomendation would be the Audio-Technica M50 or Shure 840, however I haven't tried it, so I can't really comment (they are closed). All of the listed above a relatively easy to drive.

 

[Trunks159]

IMO, the best headphones period under $200 (closed or open) is the Sony MDR MA900.  It's extemely well balanced, and it has a good amount of bass for every genre.  They are also the most comfortable cans I have ever worn.

 

[josephLinrad]

I haven't tried the Atrio's, but as I understand the emphasis is a bit on a low side and are warm IEMs. In this regard, I would recomend the Sony MDR-1R. Warm, good bass, yet detailed and with good soundstage. And can be powered by an iPod.

The DT770 are somewhat bright in comerison with the MDR 1R and are not so easy to drive. Otherwise they offer great value for money in my opinion.

After researching all of the suggestions pretty thoroughly I'm leaning toward these. They really sound too good to be true. How would you describe the highs? And does the warmth detract from detail, because I wouldn't want a set that sacrifices details for the enjoyment of lower quality recordings. Thanks again for this suggestion, and everyone. They've all been great, but like I said, these seem to the best for me.

 

[josephLinrad]

MDR-1R that is

 

[Buck Rogers]

Hello
This is the best 20$ I have ever spent. Koss UR20.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Koss-UR20-Over-the-Head-DJ-Headphones-/120962482655?pt=US_Headphones&hash=item1c29ed01df
 
Bought some just to monitor in a loud club. Needed something that would block out external sounds.
 
After a few weeks sold off all my electrostatic, planar headphones, Sony's and in-ear Shures.
 
Don't miss them at all. Bought a bunch for Christmas presents.
 
These are just plain Right.. Smooth response, extended top end, efficient and a shocking amount of really good firm low bass.
 
Am sure there is some down side but have not heard it yet. Opened them up, but could not even see how they are made!
 
The magnet is the size of a penny.
 
Buck