Featured Sponsor Listings

Best over-ear headphones for $150 or less?

Feb 12, 2014 at 9:46 PM Post #18 of 27
The M50x isn't 300, you have to change the vendors on Amazon because they're not in stock at the moment. The M50x has better pads and detachable cable but sound the same. Oh, and they're redesigned.
 
Feb 12, 2014 at 11:32 PM Post #19 of 27
No cheaper made then the M50 and DT990. There is a reason Sennheiser cans are so popular, and you wont find cheap build quality in anything less than their 400 series, and for obvious reasons. I'd take the Sennheiser's for daily use. But if you happen to to be producing an electronic album the M50's would undoubtedly be more apt for that situation.
 
Feb 13, 2014 at 12:35 AM Post #20 of 27
Does anybody know much about the Sennheiser hd 598? I was also looking at those, as well. I know they are open so they will leak some sound but I don't know how much they will leak and if leakage is worth the sound quality that you get in open headphones. I'm considering opens because I'm going to be using this mostly for listening to music and gaming.
 
Feb 13, 2014 at 7:46 AM Post #21 of 27
Open ear headphones can get very loud, and that's why people try and use them at home. I had a pair of Sennheisers and they were comfortable. They all have the same design basically. I haven't tried the HD598 but usually like Sennheiser quality and open ear, im sure they sound great. Look great too.
 
Feb 13, 2014 at 8:12 AM Post #22 of 27
thecurryflurry said:
  Does anybody know much about the Sennheiser hd 598? I was also looking at those, as well. I know they are open so they will leak some sound but I don't know how much they will leak and if leakage is worth the sound quality that you get in open headphones. I'm considering opens because I'm going to be using this mostly for listening to music and gaming.
Click to expand...

The HD 558 are basically the same like the 598. They both have the same drivers and build. THe only difference is some foam (or whatever it is) build in in the 598 which can be removed and even attached again. Having to choose between those two I would go for the 558 because of price. 
 
Keep in mind though that (like phillkill said) open back designed headphones basically no isolation have, so theres no way you can use them on the go. 558s and 598s are one of the most comfortable headphones btw. (the most comfortable headphone IMO, but on the other hand I haven't tried a lot of 700+ headphones).
 
 
edit: if you are willing to spend a little bit more I'd recommend the Fidelio x1 (usually for available for 230). Warm, Bass-heavy over ear open headphone with great soundstage. I love mine. 
 
Feb 13, 2014 at 11:39 AM Post #24 of 27
catblepus said:
  The HD 558 are basically the same like the 598. They both have the same drivers and build. THe only difference is some foam (or whatever it is) build in in the 598 which can be removed and even attached again. Having to choose between those two I would go for the 558 because of price. 
 
Keep in mind though that (like phillkill said) open back designed headphones basically no isolation have, so theres no way you can use them on the go. 558s and 598s are one of the most comfortable headphones btw. (the most comfortable headphone IMO, but on the other hand I haven't tried a lot of 700+ headphones).
 
 
edit: if you are willing to spend a little bit more I'd recommend the Fidelio x1 (usually for available for 230). Warm, Bass-heavy over ear open headphone with great soundstage. I love mine. 
Click to expand...

Is this personal experience or reading off of reviews and forums? Speaking from experience, there is a difference between the two. It might not justify it to you, but I auditioned both in gaming and music before settling on one and the $30-40 more dollars is went from pretty much what I wanted to exactly what I wanted. Both headphones sound different. 598 is a brighter then the 558 with a slightly wider stage. It also uses better materials.

Both are great headphones though. If you are on the strict budget the 558 would do just fine, but I prefer the 598 from my experience. Check headphonia review of the 598 vs. 558. It pretty accurately addresses the difference. With the 598's dropping price (were $200 a few months ago), it seems that the gap has been closed a bit.

That said, I don't even use 598's for most genres of music anymore. I use my HE-400's, because I love planars. I don't think there is a better competitive first-person shooter (directional footsteps, comfort, quality) headphone then the 598. IMO, still the best 'all-around' headphone in its range, and maybe in general. Why? Because no one is going to game with Audeze, Stax, HE-6 or HD-800's.
 
Feb 13, 2014 at 4:42 PM Post #25 of 27
What are some other closed headphones that are really comfortable but provide a great sound quality? The people I talk to suggest the ath m50 but I feel like they might be overhyped. I listened to them and they are great but I feel like I can get more bang for my buck with a different pair.
 
Also, I like the idea of open headphones, but in the environment where I study I don't want to hear other people and I don't want to disturb them with my music.
 
Mar 20, 2014 at 7:39 PM Post #26 of 27
At that price point, I'd recommend the Brainwavz HM5. Very comfortable (once you stretch the headband a little bit, not too difficult), nice neutral sound sig, good isolation, and possibly the toughest build quality I've ever seen in a headphone (excluding V-Moda). They sound fine without an amp, but they will scale up nicely.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top