[1337h34dph0n00b]

Hi, I am looking for a pair of headphones for around $200. I know skullcandy is hated on these forums, but the mixmasters look really nice, and have a lot of features. Open to anything though. Maybe Senn. HD 25-I ii.

 

[Sekka]

Some things to consider:
 
Closed:
 
AKG K550
Audio Technica ATH-A900x
SoundMAGIC HP100
 
Open:
 
Sennheiser HD598
AKG Q701
Sony MA900
Beyerdynamic DT990
Audio Technica ATH-AD900x

 

[1337h34dph0n00b]

The Audio Technica's are in both categories? 
 
PS: I forgot to mention I like a lot of music, but I like somewhat punchy bass, and very clean, crisp sound.

 

[Sekka]

  The Audio Technica's are in both categories? 
 
PS: I forgot to mention I like a lot of music, but I like somewhat punchy bass, and very clean, crisp sound.

ATH A900x = Closed, ATH AD900x = Open
 
If you want something slightly warm but clean and spacious and don't care about isolation, I would go with the MA900 (HD598 secondary).  If you want a flat out bass emphasis, the DT990.  The other listed headphones are more analytical.

 

[ab initio]

  The Audio Technica's are in both categories? 
 
PS: I forgot to mention I like a lot of music, but I like somewhat punchy bass, and very clean, crisp sound.

 
I find  Senn HD280 fit this description very well for a ~$100 headphone (leaves some extra $ for an amp/dac/other headphone/etc...). My guess is that any of the closed-back professional audio headphones would make a good choice in the sub $200 arena. I think the Senn 280s beat my friends AD-900 (the non "x" version) for punchy bass (The AD-X00's i've heard are all pretty tame in the bass frequencies).
 
The frequency response plots on Innerfidelity suggest the HD-25's are probably pretty similar to the HD280s
 
Cheers

 

[BillsonChang007]

  Hi, I am looking for a pair of headphones for around $200. I know skullcandy is hated on these forums, but the mixmasters look really nice, and have a lot of features. Open to anything though. Maybe Senn. HD 25-I ii.

Hi,
 
What genre of music do you listen to? Outdoor or indoor? If you like the mixmasters SQ, I am guessing you like bass? I like the UE6000 for that

 

[1337h34dph0n00b]

What do you guys think of the ATH-m50

 

[Sekka]

What do you guys think of the ATH-m50

Nonexistant soundstage, somewhat boomy bass that is lacking in detail, recessed midrange, harsh highs, unremarkable fit and comfort.
 
It is overrated by those for which it was their first headphone.  My 3 examples, as well as the UE6000 mentioned earlier, all outclass it.
 
I assume you are more interested in closed headphones, then.

 

[1337h34dph0n00b]

Yes, definitely closed back. Will the K550s and the UE6000 need amps?

 

[KetchupNinja]

Yes, definitely closed back. Will the K550s and the UE6000 need amps?

 
I have both.  They don't really need one, but it doesn't hurt to use them.

 

[1337h34dph0n00b]

Right now it's between the UE6000 and the K550s. I can save about $100 if I get the UE. Would it be worth I to get a decent amp and the UE6000 over the K550s?

 

[BillsonChang007]

Yes, definitely closed back. Will the K550s and the UE6000 need amps?

I prefer warmer amping for the K550 as for the UE6000, there's no need

 

[1337h34dph0n00b]

Thank you probably be going with the UE6000s then.

 

[BillsonChang007]

Thank you probably be going with the UE6000s then.

Do report back on what you think about them!

Happy listening

 

[1337h34dph0n00b]

Just as I was decided, I found another pair that could be a possibility. Ugh. What do you guys think of the FA-003? They have glowing reviews, as with the UE6000.