[MichaelFranks]

Looking for everyones opinion on headphones that maximize value while minimizing wallet damage. Curious about the AT/Beyer lines, but please chime in with any opinions from any manufacturer. I would have made this a poll but I really haven't done enough research. My apologies in advance if this has been done before.

I will toss up the obvious:

Manufacturer: Sennheiser

Model: HD-580

Category: semi open

Price: 150-190 retail, ~120 (USD) used in excellent condition.

Pros: Relatively cheap, extremely comfortable, quite common so us FS/T nuts can get em used cheaper!

Cons: Cost (might be a bit much for some wallets), require an amp to realize their full potential, cable upgrades make them a bit more costly...

Comments: Sennheiser HD-580, what can I say but WOW! Really a sweet spot because the 600's are 80 more for essentially the same sound, albeit nicer construction materials.

edit: gratuitous formatting, poor use of punctuation

 

[Musicfan123]

I think my ideal sweet spot would be the Sennheiser Orpheus electrostatic. Of course that's the IDEAL world

In the real world, the HD580 or the HD600 is a pretty sweet

, and I ended up buying both of them

 

[cadobhuk]

Why are they semi-open and not just open?As far as I read,the amp that will make them sound nice costs like,4 times the price of the headphones and more,so in the end they are expansive,not cheap.

 

[sacd lover]

Grado sr-225. IMO, the best overall grado except for the rs-1; and a third (or less) the rs-1's cost. Especially tempting now that flat pads are available.

 

[blessingx]

KSC35 ($30)
SR60 ($70)
CD780 ($70)
SR225 ($170)
HD580 ($170)

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Blessingx has it pretty much spot on.

However, here is my contribution regarding closed headphones:

AKG K271 Studio - $179.00 (HeadRoom)
Beyerdynamic DT831 - $160.00 (Meier Audio)
Audio Technica ATH-A900 - $185.00 (AudioCubes2)
Ultrasone HFI-650 Trackmaster - $165.00 (Meier Audio)

 

[Tyson]

Considering their versatility (portable, home, office), I think the Ety 4P's are the best value out there. Throw in the fact that they are relatively easy to drive, and can be use w/the S converter cable if you have a dedicated amp, their versatility and sound quality are very impressive. I got mine for $220 delivered, and it was completly worth it.

 

[GlowWorm]

I think the SR-60's are the best bang-for-the-buck cans, but the HD580's are a close 2nd, thats taking into consideration that you MUST buy an amp for them. The SR-60's sound great straight out of a source, and thats why their the best BFTB cans for beginners.

 

[redshifter]

sony mdr-v6 @ ~us$70. with the right amp these will please the detail/basshead freak in you. plus they isolate, and many budget headphone shoppers are students who have dorm mates.

 

[MD1032]

I think the SR-60's and SR-80's especially are the ultimate bang-for-the-buck phones. They're quite affordable, and you get a lot from them.

 

[hempcamp]

Based on used prices, not street prices, I would say:

Affordable Portable: undecided

Less than $100: AKG K-501, SR-60 (depending on tastes)

$100-$200: SR-225 or 325

$200+: ER-4P w/ S adapter

--Chris

 

[pennylane]

Back when the HD-580s were $120 at newegg... that was bang for your buck. you could start an entry level setup for $200 (with a used cmoy or something). Heck, if it weren't for that deal, I probably wouldn't have bothered getting an amp, or cables, and I would have just been happy with my HD280s now that I think about it....
Damn you HD-580s!!!! They would definitely get my vote for "gateway" headphone...

 

[fractus2]

SR225s. I have only heard (and own) the 80s and 225s.


__________________

 

[Zanth]

Ety's...any of them, but particularly the 4P.

 

[Rizumu]

Quote:

Originally posted by Zanth Ety's...any of them, but particularly the 4P.

It's hard to think of Ety's as a "deal" until you own them, but once you do you realize you're not going to get better sound from a headphone unless you spend several times the price of the Ety's. Combine this with ultimate portability and isolation...and you've got a winning combination. I really feel no desire to upgrade my headphone after getting Ety's. Now that's not such a bad deal, $200 to end your upgraditis