Flat response for less than $100?

[nikkojames15]

I have a SoundMAGIC PL-30 IEM, and I was wondering if there was a full-size headphone within $100 or less that has the same mid-range detail and flat response of the PL-30. It doesn't matter if it's open or closed, although a portability could be useful. Bass should be just right, not boomy, but with more quantity than the PL-30. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: I upped my budget to $150, seeing as it's quite hard to find what I need at that price point.

UPDATE: I'm currently considering the Sennheiser HD280 Pro, HD518, KRK KNS-6400 and Brainwavz HM5. Will update as I audition each headphone.

 

[TMRaven]

Are you against using EQ?

 

[ostewart]

Shure SRH440 are your friend, stick some SRH840 pads on for extra comfort

 

[NA Blur]

You may want to look at the Sony MDR-ZX700:
 
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/sony-mdr-zx700.php
 
The same goes for the Sony MDR-V6:
 
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/sony-mdr-v6.php
 
The Shure SRH440 is also very mid-centric.
 
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/shure-srh440.php

 

[MalVeauX]

Quote:

I have a SoundMAGIC PL-30 IEM, and I was wondering if there was a full-size headphone within $100 or less that has the same mid-range detail and flat response of the PL-30. It doesn't matter if it's open or closed, although a portability could be useful. Bass should be just right, not boomy, but with more quantity than the PL-30. Thanks in advance!

 
Heya,
 
AKG K240 for $80
 
Very best,

 

[Hente]

Sony MDR-V6.

 

[tdockweiler]

I think the only headphone i've seen that measures flat for under $100 is the KRK KNS-6400.
I'll leave it up to you to decide if it really sounds that way

 
Sorry, but the V6 sounds rather V-shaped to me. Sounds like it has some mid-bass hump, a dip in the lower mids somewhere and then extra treble.
 
I like the K240 Studio suggestion, but it does have a slight mid-bass hump. I actually think it's probably more balanced sounding than the V6.
 
There's also the M30..

 

[formula1]

Quote:

I think the only headphone i've seen that measures flat for under $100 is the KRK KNS-6400.
I'll leave it up to you to decide if it really sounds that way

 
Seconded. 
Its an impressive studio headphone for under $100. 

 

[streetdragon]

Quote:

Shure SRH440 are your friend, stick some SRH840 pads on for extra comfort

i agree on this one, very detailed set of cans too
though im not don't know about the srh840 pads

 

[SoundFreaq]

The Sony V-6 is your classic. Can't go wrong there. It should be on your short list. Haven't heard the others mentioned here. 

 

[machoboy]

The V6 sounds very good for the price (I paid $70) with honest mids and treble but they are not flat down low at all, as the OP requested. The sub bass is very enhanced and can be "boomy" on tracks that reach down low enough.

 

[TMRaven]

If you get the V6, you're going to want to EQ the upper mids, lower treble down some.  It's a bright headphone, deviating from neutral.

 

[nikkojames15]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Currently I'm looking at the Shure and the MDR-V6.. Not sure if I could find a local dealer of the KRK though. I hate buying online..
 

 

[nikkojames15]

Quote:

Are you against using EQ?

Not really, I just like the flat sound signature, and I currently suck at parametric EQing..

 

[TMRaven]

I asked because it will be near impossible get very neutral sound for such low price, but if you get something that's very balanced to begin with, you can always fine-tweak it using EQ.