Best open cans for $225 US

[serman005]

Hi, all. Interested in people's feedback on this thread. I listen to rock, country, bluegrass, edm, opera, and jazz--in roughly equivalent doses. I am not a basshead. I have several other cans, but none that fits in this precise niche. I appreciate the assistance very much!

 

[billybob_jcv]

Depends on your definition of "best"...

Some folks might say Grado SR125e, others might say AKG K612 Pro or Q701, still others might say the Audio-Technica AD900X, or Sennheiser HD598, and, of course, our Beyer fans might say the DT990 Pro-250...

Who have I forgotten? Philips X1? Soundmagic HP200?

 

[serman005]

I hadn't realized the X1 would make the list--thank you.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Sennheiser HD 600, if you're willing to find them used and don't need the safety of a return policy.

 

[serman005]

Didn't know you could get an HD 600 in the range of $225 used--thank you. Definitely on my list now.

 

[Music Alchemist]

  Didn't know you could get an HD 600 in the range of $225 used--thank you. Definitely on my list now.

 
I've seen it even lower occasionally. You just have to look out for it and act fast.
 
Here is one being sold in mint condition for $265!

 

[Godsson]

I have sens 598.
They are really wide for headphones, you can get a pair for 100 bucks.
IMO buy a sub 200 pair or just go in for the 600-1000$ range.
Not a ton of difference between low to mid grade except subjective personalities.

 

[serman005]

There does seem to be diminishing return somewhere around $200, I agree.

 

[Music Alchemist]

  There does seem to be diminishing return somewhere around $200, I agree.

 
Here is an interesting review of the beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium ($399 MSRP) that says it sounds better than the Sennheiser HD 800 and 95% as good as the STAX SR-007! I may get one used sometime in the next two weeks.

 

[serman005]

Do you have a link to the DT 880 review, by chance? I couldn't see one in your remarks. Maybe I missed it. Many thanks.

 

[Music Alchemist]

  Do you have a link to the DT 880 review, by chance? I couldn't see one in your remarks. Maybe I missed it. Many thanks.

 
The first word in my post was hyperlinked.
 
http://www.kenrockwell.com/audio/beyer/dt-880.htm
 
My friend who owns an HD 800 strongly disagrees with the part about the DT 880 being better, though. In the end, personal preference is what matters.

 

[serman005]

Many thanks, Alchemist--I do appreciate your time and counsel!!

 

[Music Alchemist]

  Many thanks, Alchemist--I do appreciate your time and counsel!!

 
Another factor in my own decisions is that I favor a more forward, dynamic and engaging sound signature, as opposed to laid-back, delicate, or whatever -- which is fine as well. beyerdynamic is more like the former compared to Sennheiser, which usually sounds more relaxed.
 
Guess you'll have to listen to various headphones to determine what you're looking for.

 

[serman005]

I looked at the DT 880. Gorgeous!!! I am trying to find a place I can listen to a pair as we speak. Thanks a ton!

 

[Music Alchemist]

  I looked at the DT 880. Gorgeous!!! I am trying to find a place I can listen to a pair as we speak. Thanks a ton!

 
Oh! I might as well tell you this: Massdrop has a sale ($239 + $7.71 shipping instead of the normal $350) on the DT 880 Premium 250 ohms version, but it expires in two days. (link) However, the 600 (or 660 according to some who have measured it) ohms version is better, as long as you have a good headphone amp to drive it. Either way, it's outside your stated budget unless you find someone selling it used for around the same price as the one I got a private offer for.
 
The PRO (instead of Premium; aka Edition) versions of the DT 880, DT 990, etc. are much more affordable, but I'm sure you can imagine it's for a reason.