[avocadobeats123]

I'm going on a trip next week and needed headphones so I impulse-bought the AKG Pro K553 off Amazon for $199. I've been looking at some reviews and a lot of people have negative comments about them. Should I return them and get something else?

 

[pbui44]

Well, you could have bought a used Mayflower O2/ODAC Combo:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00TQ2JDAG/ref=sr_1_2_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1465173818&sr=8-2&keywords=o2+odac&condition=used

Matrix M-Stage Amp:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056ER22E/ref=sxr_pd_sm_se2?pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2417891702&pf_rd_i=o2+odac&pf_rd_r=1D3AHN63Q2DM76RPW1W7&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhs-carousels&ie=UTF8&qid=1465173818&sr=2

NVX XPT100 Over-Ear and FiiO e12 amp combo or used FiiO e17k DAC/Amp with medium gain combo:

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect10-Over-Ear-Headphones-ComfortMax%C2%AE-XPT100/dp/B0093PVTPS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1465173998&sr=1-1&keywords=nvx+xpt100

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00RPD7KP8/ref=sr_1_1_olp?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1465174289&sr=1-1&keywords=fiio+e17&condition=used

http://www.amazon.com/E12-Blanc-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00B6QXWIY/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1465174053&sr=1-3&keywords=fiio+e12

Really, it all depends on what you needed more than what you wanted. The K553 are great, but there are other deals, based on what you need. Just as long as you can cancel your order and re-order something, I guess.

Edit: If you do cancel the K553 and buy something else, I suggest the NVX XPT100, used Fiio e17k DAC/AMP, and add some HM5 hybrid ear pads for $25 later...or with the order.

http://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Hybrid-Memory-Foam-Earpad/dp/B00ZGGG3KY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1465174433&sr=1-1&keywords=hm5+hybrid