[Ulfrinn]

I've been using IEMs exclusively for music and gaming over the past year, however, I've developed some issues that may indicate inner ear problems that could possibly be due to long term use of IEMs, so I've made the decision to switch back to using headphones. However, I am not in a quiet environment, and open-backs would be too distracting, I have to have closed.

My XLR interface's DAC can do good with 80ohms, Possibly 150 tops, and the 16ohm IEMs I use now still sound good through them as well, so quite the range. But I want to be clear, I am not a bass head. I do not want artificially boosted bass, I don't want a V shaped EQ. I want flat, accurate, and detailed.

The ATH-M40X are the first things that pop into mind. But I'm sure there are other options in the price range.

 

[Ulfrinn]

Should I spend more on DT770s?

 

[HipHopScribe]

If you can stretch your budget a little, or maybe consider buying used, the AKG k371 are well-regarded. Or the K361 if you really need to stick close to $100, but the K371 are worth the upgrade

 

[Ulfrinn]

The frequency response on the K371's looks very flat. How is the sound stage and imaging though because I hear for $150, and with the right pads you can get very good results from DT770s. I've just never liked big round earpads myself as I find they leave open areas behind the ears. I am willing to stretch the budget, if it's well worth it.

 

[HipHopScribe]

The frequency response on the K371's looks very flat. How is the sound stage and imaging though because I hear for $150, and with the right pads you can get very good results from DT770s. I've just never liked big round earpads myself as I find they leave open areas behind the ears. I am willing to stretch the budget, if it's well worth it.

I haven't compared them directly side-by-side, but by my memory imaging and sense of soundstage are better with the DT770. There is a trade-off there though, because the K371s sound much more balanced in terms of frequency response.

 

[Ulfrinn]

I am reading some K361 vs K371 comparisons. It seems comparable to the M40X vs M50X in the more expensive set being tuned more towards the bass end. I don't listen to a lot of bass heavy music though, more mids. The K361s, if those descriptions are accurate, may be better for the type of music I listen to.

 

[Ulfrinn]

Actually that could be wrong. Hmm. Now I am confused between the two, but either way it looks like the new AKG options are up there with the equivalently priced Audio Technica, Beyerdynamic, and Sennheiser options.

 

[HipHopScribe]

The K371 has a little bit more bass, especially subbass, but I don't think it's a basshead headphone by any means. I think you'd really be happy with either one, so I wouldn't stress over the choice too much. If keeping to your budget is important, the K361 is a good buy

 

[Ulfrinn]

Whatever I get, they'll be used primarily for gaming, and listening to metal.

 

[dstarr3]

If you're a metal-head, I really recommend the Beyer 770. Just fantastic for metal. Plus, it's a decades-old headphone, you won't have to work very hard to find a killer deal on the used market. $80 or less, easy.

 

[crewcut]

Yamaha hph mt5 might be worth checking out
Not talked about on headfi,but within your budget.

 

[Ulfrinn]

Why would the Yamahas not be talked about here?

 

[crewcut]

Don't really know.Not considered audiophile quality I suppose.If you can find a pair to try out I think you will be surprised.

 

[Ulfrinn]

I think I could increase my budget around the $150 price point to include headphones like the DT770, K371, maybe Fostex T40RP. I wish I didn't need closed backs to drown out some of the background noise here, or else I'd gladly buy some better open backs around the $200 price range. I was also considering a tiered approach. $100 closed backs for some of the time, more expensive open back headphones for the rest. But if there are closed backs at a higher price point that are good enough for my needs to not need to buy an additional set of opens later on to enjoy my music, then yeah, I'll spend more.

 

[Ulfrinn]

I own a good 3D printer. I also have a lot of experience working on electronics. So If there are any headphones that sound way better after modding, that'd interest me too.