Latest recommendations in the USD 300-500 category? (Hifiman excluded)

[Reformist2002]

Hi!

I've gotten a whole lot of recommendations in the USD 300-500 category (Meze 99 classics, Hifiman Sundara and Edition XS) but those cans are all at least 2-3 years old. Which recent releases have been popular in this category, and which recommendation comes to mind for you at current date in this price bracket?

 

[dunring]

If you like Sennheiser, the Thieaudio Ghost sounds great and same build quality for a lot less. I've got two pairs and wouldn't shell out for an HD650 again after hearing them both side by side.
The latest one I really like is the Audio Technica ATH-R70x Refine. The waiting list wasn't too long since I signed up early. They take a lot of power for the bass region, but use the same cables as the original so they're easy to find.

 

[earmonger]

Reformist2002 is in Hungary, and the ATH-R70X Refine is USA-only and limited edition (though they still appear to be available).

Apos has said -- somewhere here on Head-Fi -- that the Refine is basically the classic ATH-R70X with gold grilles, a shorter cable, different earpads and a lower price; the driver is unchanged. (If Apos ever sells the new earpads separately, I'd be eager to give them a try.)

I haven't yet seen a comparison with the old ATH-R70X, which is probably easier to get in Hungary. (Try Thomann.de). But I do love my classic ATH-R70X. Some older designs got it right the first time.

 

[Skev]

I wouldn’t discount a headphone just because it was released a few years ago. In fact, particularly with Hifiman, you will get a good deal on older stock.

There’s a hell of a lot of headphones, even from the biggest & legacy companies that are still selling headphones that were released over a decade ago. They still sell because they’re still relevant.

Just saying, don’t do yourself a disservice by looking for the latest releases, you’ll get a great deal & a great sound on some tried and tested models

However, is you’re just looking to try something new and experiment go ahead, it’s all good!

 

[Reformist2002]

Reformist2002 is in Hungary, and the ATH-R70X Refine is USA-only and limited edition (though they still appear to be available).

Apos has said -- somewhere here on Head-Fi -- that the Refine is basically the classic ATH-R70X with gold grilles, a shorter cable, different earpads and a lower price; the driver is unchanged. (If Apos ever sells the new earpads separately, I'd be eager to give them a try.)

I haven't yet seen a comparison with the old ATH-R70X, which is probably easier to get in Hungary. (Try Thomann.de). But I do love my classic ATH-R70X. Some older designs got it right the first time.

There's been a few times I almost bought the ATH-R70X based on your recommendation. Do you still think it would be a no-go in an office environment? If it didn't have as much sound leakage, I would buy it without hesitation as it seems perfectly priced. Also, what do you think about the ATH-M70X, which is the closed-back alternative?

 

[Death_Block]

Ibasso SR3'S
About 18months old. Is that too old?

 

[Thomasr]

SASH Tres. Order it with both open and closed cups and have the best of both worlds.

 

[bagwell359]

It would help to know what you listen to and what your equipment is.

But assuming some decent juice (1.5 wpc @ 50 ohms) the HFM HE-6 SE which is being offered "open box" and refurbished in the $399-425 by HFM, there isn't anything I know better unless you want the closed back bass cannon sound.

 

[earmonger]

There's been a few times I almost bought the ATH-R70X based on your recommendation. Do you still think it would be a no-go in an office environment? If it didn't have as much sound leakage, I would buy it without hesitation as it seems perfectly priced. Also, what do you think about the ATH-M70X, which is the closed-back alternative?

ATH-R70X is wide open, definitely not for an office situation.

I haven't heard the M70X but it's a completely unrelated design -- more like Audio Technica's other studio headphones (M30X, M40X). I have heard the similar ATH-M40X and didn't like it at all, very congested, no soundstage. I think they are specifically for studio work where you want to hear your part up close.

When I was looking around other Audio-Technicas, I also saw that the M70X has a problem with a small plastic hinge part that breaks -- don't know if they have fixed that, but if you Google around, there were a lot of complaints.