Best Open-Back Headphones for Under $200!

[Zixon]

Hello! I'm a bit new to the intensive headphone shopping, and until now, I've used a Bose AE2 (which apparently is not all that great/quite overpriced) for both music and gaming alike. I've done research so far, but i'm torn between a couple different open-back headphones. The Sennheiser HD598's or HD558's seem to be good, but then again, the Philips SHP9500 seems to be getting quite a bit of support. I definitely want something with a good sound-stage, and to have the most balance possible, as I game and listen to many different types of music, not just classical/jazz or dubstep/rap, etc. Don't worry about the power, my on-board should be able to handle mostly anything, as long as they're not monsters. I would really appreciate it if you guys could offer your opinion on the matter as i'm totally lost! 

                      Thanks! 

 

 

[Nemoona]

I bought the Sennheiser HD 558 and it has been one of the most ear-opening experiences I have done.
They are open-back so they provide 00.1% noise isolation but it's a worthy sacrifice if you use them in a quiet space.
The '558s also have surround cups to make the music sound like it's coming from all around you instead of just two speakers.
As well they have "Duofol diaphragms" which reduce ambient vibrations.
When you combine all these innovations, the conclusion is amazing.
The moment you put them on the sound is completely immersive and unlike anything you've heard before.
They are incredibly comfortable and have velour padding making them dreamy to listen to.
Some of the downsides are that the velour picks up all types of dust and hair and the headphones have a clamping force if you have a large head.
One great thing about them is the value for price.
Their retail price was originally $300 but since there is no demand, everyone selling them has dropped the price like crazy.
You can probably pick them up for somewhere around at least 55% off like I did (I got them for $130 CAD).
I'm guessing the reason the price is so cheap is because everyone is buying the '598.
I see so many people with the '598 and barely any with the '558.
In fact, the '558 has the same speaker drivers as the '598 and on the inside they're almost identical.
I would highly suggest the HD 558

Hope this could help.

 

[Zixon]

Thank you so much for the information!

 I will definitely consider the 558's. Have you tried the other two headphones, in order for a comparison?

 

[Nemoona]

Sadly no, I have not tried any of the other headphones.
Hopefully someone else will be able to assist you there.

 

[Kozic]

The AKG K7xx are a really nice set but they do like power. You may want to take a look at them large soundstage balanced sound with a bit of a bass boost. 

 

[Zixon]

Bump.

 

[Zixon]

Can anyone else provide some advice for me?

 

[Rhamnetin]

Look into the AKG Q701.  It's often compared to much more expensive headphones.

 

[jodgey4]

The Q701 is basically the K7XX, they need amps. The HD558 is a super value. The Phillips X1 is good for a warm, bassy sound with an open sound. Those are the popular recommendations under $200.

 

[cel4145]

^^

Second this. Also look into the ATH-AD900X.

 

[Zixon]

Should I get the HD 558's or the HD 598's? There has been quite a bit of debate on this issue. 

 

[jodgey4]

They use the same driver. Depends on price and aesthetic preference. Look up the HD558 foam mod - you can make them sound more like HD598's with a simple mod. I'd go with the HD558 personally.

 

[Nemoona]

On top of being cheaper at retail,
The 558 has no demand and the 598 has quite a bit.
This means that you might pay much less for something that has a small difference in sound quality.
The 558 does have the same driver as the 598 and if you want to, you could perform the foam removal mod like jodgey4 suggested.

 

[obobskivich]

On top of being cheaper at retail,
The 558 has no demand and the 598 has quite a bit.
This means that you might pay much less for something that has a small difference in sound quality.
The 558 does have the same driver as the 598 and if you want to, you could perform the foam removal mod like jodgey4 suggested.

On Amazon, at least as of this posting, the price difference between them is around $40.

To the original question:

I've tried the 558 and 595 in demos; I've never been interested in owning either of them. Neither has ever really blown my socks off. I'm not saying they're bad, they're just kind of generic to me - they don't do anything really right or really wrong. For the money, I'd consider the Ultrasone HFI-2400, the Audio-Technica ATH-A900X, Grado SR-225, or the AKG [letters and numbers go here]7[letters and numbers go here] (can't even say "7XX" anymore because that now refers to a specific model good grief! :rolleyes instead. The AKGs are relatively insensitive, so you'll want an output with at least a few mW of power if they're your pick.

FWIW I also have the AE2 (I've written about them in the past too); I like them for gaming, and honestly don't consider any of the above (or even more exotic models) to be a significant upward step. However music is an entirely different matter, and I think that better options do exist. I wouldn't say they're "bad" or "overpriced" though - they're a great middle-of-the-road headphone that's very comfortable and very easily driven, and works with a wide range of genres and material. They're also more forgiving of lo-fi sources than many hi-fi models.

 

[Audioholic123]

I'd recommend Akg k702/k701. They are definitely the better performers in this price class. Having said that, the HD558's are brilliant and the only real difference to the HD598 is the little ( removable) piece of tape/foam on the inside of the cups.The 598/558's sound pretty much the same regardless.You would probably need an amp to give sufficient power to the Akg's, but should do ok without one for the Sennheisers.
 
If you prioritize practicality over performance then the HD558's are the better headphones.