[kimvictor]

Are there are any mid centric headphones under $300, and can be powered relatively easily?
Here are some requirements:
Open or Closed
Good Soundstage
Details
Mid-Upper or Lower
Comfort

I already have srh940, which I love, but I also want to test others.

Thanks!

 

[kstuart]

There was a similar thread two days ago and consensus was Sennheiser 598 and AKG K701/702.
Just from reading reviews - the Senn has better soundstage and comfort, the AKG has better detail.
What do you mean by "Mid-Upper or Lower" ??

 

[Kukuk]

While they don't have what most would consider to be a nice soundstage, the Sony MDR-CD900ST's have the absolute best mids I've heard in a headphone. At any price.
 
You have to import them, though. Buying them from audiocubes.com they cost about $250, last time I checked, though from time to time they come up on the FS board for $150.
 
They can be somewhat particular when it comes to amping, though. They really need an amp that isn't very colored. Something like a tube amp pairs rather poorly with them, even if it's considered a high end one. They still have fantastic mids, but the raise to a whole other level with a good solid state amp.

 

[HideousPride]

Hi Victor,
 
Think the Sennheiser HD 598 would be perfect for you. Open headphones, fantastic soundstage, among the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, and slightly forward mids that give it a unique sound signature I really enjoy. Just a great headphone that I still frequently reach for despite having much more expensive options beside it.

 

[MorbidToaster]

+1
 
Seriously the best choice under $400 or so for me. The 598 is fantastic.
 
Quote:

Hi Victor,
 
Think the Sennheiser HD 598 would be perfect for you. Open headphones, fantastic soundstage, among the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, and slightly forward mids that give it a unique sound signature I really enjoy. Just a great headphone that I still frequently reach for despite having much more expensive options beside it.

 

[Beagle]

I found the 598 mids rather laid back. HD558 has more forward mids.

 

[punks15]

Try K242HD too

 

[ostewart]

Soundmagic HP200 have slightly forward mids and great detail

 

[XxDobermanxX]

Quote:

Hi Victor,
 
Think the Sennheiser HD 598 would be perfect for you. Open headphones, fantastic soundstage, among the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn, and slightly forward mids that give it a unique sound signature I really enjoy. Just a great headphone that I still frequently reach for despite having much more expensive options beside it.

 
 
Quote:

+1
 
Seriously the best choice under $400 or so for me. The 598 is fantastic.
 

X5

 

[kimvictor]

There was a similar thread two days ago and consensus was Sennheiser 598 and AKG K701/702.
Just from reading reviews - the Senn has better soundstage and comfort, the AKG has better detail.
What do you mean by "Mid-Upper or Lower" ??

I meant just with great mids, both upper and lower mids. or male/female vocals.

 

[kimvictor]

Thank you all for the reply!
So I guess it's battle between soundMAGIC HP200 and HD598. How do these compare to se535 or srh940?

 

[vid]

Quote:

I meant just with great mids, both upper and lower mids. or male/female vocals.

 
Most likely any pair of headphones that measure flat between 100 Hz and 2 kHz or so; see InnerFidelity for graphs. EQ can then be used for personal preference (filling in the meaning of "great") to emphasize/downplay this or that part of the mids.

 

[kimvictor]

By the way, how much do these headphones leak? My AD700 leaks a lot.

 

[RPGWiZaRD]

I'm no expert on the AKG headphones but I know there exists several K2xx series headphones that are worthy conciderations and midcentric based with good soundstage too, I can only speak for K272 HD that I got to demo recently which I found spectacular in the mids and soundstage department for a closed headphone costing only 129 EUR. Ofc if you're into modding the Fostex TR50p offers among the best bang for the buck.

 

[vid]

Quote:

I can only speak for K272 HD that I got to demo recently which I found spectacular in the mids and soundstage department for a closed headphone costing only 129 EUR.

 
I had the K 271 (same drivers as the K 272), and can say that both the K 250, which are about 30 euros used, and the K 241, which are about 30 euros used as well, have better mids.