Favorite sub 250 open backs?

[Mhog55]

So the LG V30 comes with a Sabre ES9218P "quad" DAC (I do like the Sabre DAC chip in my NFB-11.28)
Looks like the ES9218P DAC chip comes with something built in to drive headphones (built in headphone amplifier).
Not sure how the "quad" feature (whatever that is) improves audio quality.

Yeah, me neither. I believe it's something along the lines of a 4 channel something or rather, and only certain music apps will trigger all 4 pipe lines. I just use the stock LG music player and it does the trick. It's not very pretty though lol

 

[squee116]

Have you looked into the Monoprice line of planars? I haven't heard them yet, but there seems to a bit cult following, and they might fall within your price and power needs.

 

[Mhog55]

Have you looked into the Monoprice line of planars? I haven't heard them yet, but there seems to a bit cult following, and they might fall within your price and power needs.

I have not, but I believe they weigh significantly more than the he4xx and x2. I'll do a little reading on them tomorrow

 

[Mhog55]

I think I'm going with the HE4XX. I have one final question. I'm really looking forward to the gorgeous mids, but really hope to avoid any treble sibilance. Do the he4xx or he-400i get super hot or harsh. Please keep in mind I'll be list to rock

 

[squee116]

I think I'm going with the HE4XX. I have one final question. I'm really looking forward to the gorgeous mids, but really hope to avoid any treble sibilance. Do the he4xx or he-400i get super hot or harsh. Please keep in mind I'll be list to rock

Some report the 400i to be a bight harsh in the treble, and at my listening volumes, I can understand that opinion. I think I'm generally sensitive treble, and wasn't bother by it though. That said, I find the he4xx treble to have a bit more zing to it. It's not a deal breaker for me, but it is harsher to my ears when otherwise volume matched. I don't think you'll be unhappy with the 4xx, overall.

 

[Mhog55]

Some report the 400i to be a bight harsh in the treble, and at my listening volumes, I can understand that opinion. I think I'm generally sensitive treble, and wasn't bother by it though. That said, I find the he4xx treble to have a bit more zing to it. It's not a deal breaker for me, but it is harsher to my ears when otherwise volume matched. I don't think you'll be unhappy with the 4xx, overall.

Thanks for the response. I've decided to pass on these as I've read from a few members that my V30 won't juice these to their full potential

 

[zazex]

I think you're getting good information, but not providing enough to really zero in
on what you might like best.
What are some of your favorite bands, favorite albums.
Or a genre you listen to often.
You "appreciate a solid drum kick".
Those drum kicks eat up plenty of voltage, and your phone
(or pretty much anyone's phone) probably won't be up to the
job. OTOH, it could probably handle violin concertos just fine.

I'm leaning towards the Philips. You can drive them with
a decent amp (not the E6). They'll put out a lot of good sound,
and you'll have your (drum) kicks. No problem.

The AKG 701, 702, and 712 need a lot of power to sound
decent. Otherwise they tend to sound thin with anemic bass.
With good gear they scale well, and have a great soundstage
and plenty of detail. The bass, even on the 712, will never knock
you over - amp or not.

As for those HiFiMan > haven't heard the XX version. I did have
the HE400S for a while and found them to be in the mix in and around
that price range regardless of their vaunted electrostatic drivers.
More important to me was their build quality, which I found wanting.
After years at this hobby, having had some crazy number of headphones
and having heard and handled even more than that, I had a strong sense
that the 400S's would break very shortly. As I didn't like them that much
anyway, I sold them. Also, while their mids were nice, they didn't seem to
do anything else so very well. But HiFiMan may have improved their
build quality; I don't know.

But if I was after an electrostatic headphone at a reasonable price,
I'd buy the OPPO PM3. They are (slightly) more than the HiFiMan.
I recommend that you read the reviews, there are plenty out there.

My personal favorite in this range is the Beyerdynamic DT880 (250 ohm).
Yes, they need an amp. I've owned them for years (not the very same
set) and have always found them to be quite a true and satisfyiing listen
with a wide range of music. Check out the immense thread on them
here on Head-Fi.

Lastly, let us know some of your preferences; albums and other music
that's dear to your heart. You'll get better recommendations that way.

And sorry for the length of this...was hoping to keep it shorter.
Anyway -

 

[Mhog55]

I think you're getting good information, but not providing enough to really zero in
on what you might like best.
What are some of your favorite bands, favorite albums.
Or a genre you listen to often.
You "appreciate a solid drum kick".
Those drum kicks eat up plenty of voltage, and your phone
(or pretty much anyone's phone) probably won't be up to the
job. OTOH, it could probably handle violin concertos just fine.

I'm leaning towards the Philips. You can drive them with
a decent amp (not the E6). They'll put out a lot of good sound,
and you'll have your (drum) kicks. No problem.

The AKG 701, 702, and 712 need a lot of power to sound
decent. Otherwise they tend to sound thin with anemic bass.
With good gear they scale well, and have a great soundstage
and plenty of detail. The bass, even on the 712, will never knock
you over - amp or not.

As for those HiFiMan > haven't heard the XX version. I did have
the HE400S for a while and found them to be in the mix in and around
that price range regardless of their vaunted electrostatic drivers.
More important to me was their build quality, which I found wanting.
After years at this hobby, having had some crazy number of headphones
and having heard and handled even more than that, I had a strong sense
that the 400S's would break very shortly. As I didn't like them that much
anyway, I sold them. Also, while their mids were nice, they didn't seem to
do anything else so very well. But HiFiMan may have improved their
build quality; I don't know.

But if I was after an electrostatic headphone at a reasonable price,
I'd buy the OPPO PM3. They are (slightly) more than the HiFiMan.
I recommend that you read the reviews, there are plenty out there.

My personal favorite in this range is the Beyerdynamic DT880 (250 ohm).
Yes, they need an amp. I've owned them for years (not the very same
set) and have always found them to be quite a true and satisfyiing listen
with a wide range of music. Check out the immense thread on them
here on Head-Fi.

Lastly, let us know some of your preferences; albums and other music
that's dear to your heart. You'll get better recommendations that way.

And sorry for the length of this...was hoping to keep it shorter.
Anyway -

I listen to 95% rock, mostly classic rock. I'll be using my LG V30 as the source, which is pretty powerful for what it is. Doesn't sound like it will push planars to desirable listening levels though. My preference is something slightly mid forward, where rhythm guitars and vocals stand out, yet not way out in front of everything else. Kick drums are almost equally important. I do prefer a slightly elevated low end, but not over the top. I'm very sensitive to bright, harsh, fatiguing treble, but want it to be clear and relatively precise. Attack and decay are equally important to me, and I want both from a set of cans for rock n roll. I'm open to suggestions on closed backs as well, as long as they fit the bill of my description.