[username1]

Hello.
 
I'm looking for a headset to my younger brother who mostly only watches movies and listens to random music, mostly dance and electronic. He will be running these phone through external DAC (X-Fi USB), but no amp.
 
Which cans offer good experience in this price range for overall sound media?
 
Thanks!
 
I should add that soundstage is the biggest factor here when considering watching 5.1 movies and stuff.

 

[potatochobit]

audio technica m50x and beyerdynamic are still the best even though they are about 150$
unless you plan to go over 300$ get one of these 
 
m50x is a closed headphone with louder bass
the beyerdynamic are semi open and come in different ohm versions 
 
(m50x is about 38ohms) but I recommend you go higher with the beyerdynamics 
 
of course, if he is a kid you need to think about other things like does he play games or would he prefer wireless
(I dont recommend wireless but have not heard any recent brand headphones, maybe they are better now)

 

[tz0531]

If soundstage is a deciding factor and sound leakage is not an issue (i.e. these will not be for outside listening, only home listening) then I recommend you go open back. IMO, the best open back option for around $200 is a used (or if you're really lucky, brand new) Philips Fidelio X2. Immersive soundstage, bass that isn't lacking for an open back headphone but not overwhelming, and good imaging and detail retrieval. Some people really like them for the usage scenarios you listed, movies and EDM, along with gaming, too.
 
If you're going closed back, as mentioned, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is a good choice, as is the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus. If you want a more neutral and hi-fi headphone and are willing to go used, check out the NAD Viso HP50.

 

[Monsterzero]

+1 on Fidelio X1/X2

 

[Me x3]

Yep, as far as he enjoy slightly raised bass the Fidelio X1/X2 should be on your shortlist

 

[username1]

Thank you very much for answering!
 
I asked him, and unfortunately he prefers closed or maybe semi-open. The Philips sounds really interesting, just based on reviews it looks very suspicious, but they do get good reviews everywhere.
 
About Custom One Pro Plus: No. I've had them, my brother has listened to them, and they don't sound great soundstage-wise. They have very muffled sound, and you couldn't position absolutely anything playing games. Every sound came directly in your can/head. I think it's because of 16 ohm. My old Audio Technica ATH-A500 did a much better job delivering good soundstage and clearer sound. They also had huge drivers compared to COP-s.
 
What about the ATH-A900X?
The NAD H50 goes like around $200, so they look nteresting. Are they better than the Philips one for example?
DT770PRO either 80ohm or 250ohm is also a contender. They seem to be like the favorite choice for this price range for many people, and they are said to sound different than COP. So that is good, i think.
 
I'm just seeing it's really hard to get NAD H50 to Europe. None of the Amazon listings for used products offer to send to the EU, no shop sells them here in Finland, none of the ebay UK sends to Finland other than some Australian shop which brings the whole price around $470 (including postage), and that's ridiculous. The NAD-s are pretty rare i take it?
 
What about Sony MDR1ADAC? I see they go around for around $180 here.

 

[tz0531]

  Thank you very much for answering!
 
I asked him, and unfortunately he prefers closed or maybe semi-open. The Philips sounds really interesting, just based on reviews it looks very suspicious, but they do get good reviews everywhere.
 
About Custom One Pro Plus: No. I've had them, my brother has listened to them, and they don't sound great soundstage-wise. They have very muffled sound, and you couldn't position absolutely anything playing games. Every sound came directly in your can/head. I think it's because of 16 ohm. My old Audio Technica ATH-A500 did a much better job delivering good soundstage and clearer sound. They also had huge drivers compared to COP-s.
 
What about the ATH-A900X?
The NAD H50 goes like around $200, so they look nteresting. Are they better than the Philips one for example?
DT770PRO either 80ohm or 250ohm is also a contender. They seem to be like the favorite choice for this price range for many people, and they are said to sound different than COP. So that is good, i think.
 
I'm just seeing it's really hard to get NAD H50 to Europe. None of the Amazon listings for used products offer to send to the EU, no shop sells them here in Finland, none of the ebay UK sends to Finland other than some Australian shop which brings the whole price around $470 (including postage), and that's ridiculous. The NAD-s are pretty rare i take it?
 
What about Sony MDR1ADAC? I see they go around for around $180 here.

 
The NAD Viso HP50 is made by a Canadian company, which is why they're easier to find in North America. They have a large soundstage for a closed back headphone and great sound quality overall; in fact, I actually preferred them over my Oppo PM-3 for a while. I wouldn't compare them directly with the Philips Fidelio X2, since open vs closed back comparisons are kind of like apples vs oranges, but the NAD do have better bass extension and more linear bass than the X2. The only thing I don't like about them is how they make me look

 
Haven't personally listened to the ATH-A900X or the Sony MDR1 variants, so I can't help you out there, unfortunately.