[rxzlmn]

I'm looking for an affordable pair of headphones that deliver a strong, punchy bass. Because I'm on a budget, I cannot really go above €300, give or take. I currently have Beyer's Custom One Pro at home, which retailed at 130€. From what I gather, these are relatively similar to Beyer's DT770, which I thought have a good reputation. However, although the bass is not bad, I am less than impressed with their SQ in general. So it looks like I will have to invest a bit more.

I generally do not care much about linearity and am rather a fan of dynamic "V" sound. Headphones that I really liked include: Sony Z7 (Mk1), AKG Q701, AKG K67, Sony XBA-3 (IEMs). Headphones that I did not enjoy as much: AKG K271 (Mk2). Generally I think I am a bit prone to liking Sony's sound signature in general.

Closed back is a prerequisite, and so is mobile usage (i.e., being able to be driven by a phone), and availability in the EU.

I have browsed the forums a bit, but found mostly headphones above $1000, which is just not feasible for me right now. I would appreciate any input.

 

[GREQ]

Sounds like you might be a good candidate for the Meze 99.
It's not my cup of tea, with too much mid-bass emphasis for my taste, but it's just about the strongest bass you can find within budget.

I would only be concerned that in overall sound quality, it is a step down from the Custom One Pro (in my opinion).

A step up with more bass would be the Beyer DT1770 Pro... but that's over budget by about 90€ .

 

[ancientmace1]

V-Moda M100 Master

 

[Junglebook3]

Seconding Meze 99.

 

[buke9]

You want Fostex TR-X00’s .

 

[silent-circuit]

You want Fostex TR-X00’s .

Way outside of price range, why even mention them?

 

[buke9]

Way outside of price range, why even mention them?

Not too far out for used and also one that I thought was the closest to what the OP was looking for also is there a problem recommending something that might be outside of ones budget that would fit closer to what they are looking for and might just have to save up a bit longer ?

 

[symo]

If you like Sony sound, how about Sony 1am2 model. I don't own a pair, but considering them.

According to the reviews they are easily driven by portable music players including mobile phones.

 

[PopZeus]

Meze 99 Classics, or Noir if you can find it locally.

 

[PointyFox]

Meze 99 Classics/Noir or Focal Elegia at current $400 usd price at Adorama.

 

[bonyjam]

For strong bass, Meze 99 Neo..
But they are not detailed sounding, they are fun sounding.

 

[PointyFox]

But they are not detailed sounding, they are fun sounding.

Translation: Frequency response is v-shaped but a little lacking in treble.

 

[PopZeus]

There is a little bit of a lower treble peak to the 99 Noir. It gives percussion and string instruments some bite on the attack. But mids and bass slam is where that headphone really delivers.

 

[bonyjam]

Translation: Frequency response is v-shaped but a little lacking in treble.

Thanks PiontyFox for explaining it in more precise manner

 

[mblain]

Meze 99 Classics/Noir or Focal Elegia at current $400 usd price at Adorama.

I have both. If you get the Meze 99C I would highly recommend getting the silver cables and/or the YaxiPads to bring them up closer to the level of the Elegia's. The Meze's have a better lower-end which will increase the price but is worth it. I'm still getting accustomed to the Elegia's I feel the Meze's have more air and a larger sound stage over the Elegia's but the Elegia's I feel are fuller sounding and has a smoother sound to them. I'm still trying to get a better feel between the two. I will say the Meze's are a more fun headphone. The Elegia's are more neutral, if you're coming from or prefer a more bassy headphone it'll take several weeks to adjust to the Elegia's since the bass is there but it's really tight and doesn't bleed in the mids at all.