[biggbenn74]

So, I have not seen a "Giant Killer" thread in a little bit. This is just a thread where you can post ANY headphones/ earbuds (preferably sub-50 dollar US range) But anything is acceptable! I want to hear everyone's voice here. For me, my giant killers are the Monoprice 8323. They have sound quality and bass to rival headphones 5x their price ($25) And my earbuds are the Monoprice 8320. Same exact deal as the 8323. Looking forward to any responses.

 

[valerianaoff]

Superlux HD 661 ($48) - comparable to a  minimum of  $100 can - could be higher but i am not sure of that...

 

[biggbenn74]

Quote:

Superlux HD 661 ($48) - comparable to a  minimum of  $100 can - could be higher but i am not sure of that...

Yes, I have been wondering about these for some time now. Look like some old AKG's got a new paint job. What do they sound like?

 

[soundstige]

KRK KNS 6400, around $75 new. Sounds similar to and 95% the quality of Shure SRH-840 which are around $150 new.
 
Fostex T20RP, around $80 used. Beats all other headphones I've ever tried under $150 when modded properly. Older version sounds better; newer version is the same as T50RP.
 
Harman Kardon 720, around $80 NOS. Uses the same drivers and similar damping/structure as the Etymotic ER4. Sounds at least 90% the same.
 
These are my three favorites, by far.

 

[DJ McFinnigan]

Sennheiser CX 281. I don't buy iem often since I use them only for working out and walking, however, I paid $18 new for these and at that price I'd be hard pressed to find something better in a low price bracket.

 

[GL1TCH3D]

Well it might be considered a giant itself but at the used market price of $150-200, the AKG Q701 is an amazingly detailed and clear pair.

 

[DJ McFinnigan]

Quote:

Well it might be considered a giant itself but at the used market price of $150-200, the AKG Q701 is an amazingly detailed and clear pair.

 


Same with the DT880 600 ohm. Pretty much have to go with the T1 or HD800 after those.

 

[GL1TCH3D]

Same with the DT880 600 ohm. Pretty much have to go with the T1 or HD800 after those.

Well, that's where I'm at now.
I have an ODAC + O2 coming in and I'll be getting my hands on the HD800 very soon too though between the Q701 and HD800 gap there really isn't much... Maybe the HD700 but meh, at that point I'd probably just stick to the Q701.

 

[biggbenn74]

Quote:

KRK KNS 6400, around $75 new. Sounds similar to and 95% the quality of Shure SRH-840 which are around $150 new.
 
Fostex T20RP, around $80 used. Beats all other headphones I've ever tried under $150 when modded properly. Older version sounds better; newer version is the same as T50RP.
 
Harman Kardon 720, around $80 NOS. Uses the same drivers and similar damping/structure as the Etymotic ER4. Sounds at least 90% the same.
 
These are my three favorites, by far.

Hmm, haven't seen the Fostex before... Interesting.

 

[DJ McFinnigan]

Quote:

Well, that's where I'm at now.
I have an ODAC + O2 coming in and I'll be getting my hands on the HD800 very soon too though between the Q701 and HD800 gap there really isn't much... Maybe the HD700 but meh, at that point I'd probably just stick to the Q701.

Diminishing return strikes again! If only every time we bought a pair of cans we could get that mystical feeling of "WOW" l You know, that time before we were audiophiles

 

[biggbenn74]

Quote:

Sennheiser CX 281. I don't buy iem often since I use them only for working out and walking, however, I paid $18 new for these and at that price I'd be hard pressed to find something better in a low price bracket.

$18? For real? Where?

 

[biggbenn74]

Quote:

Well it might be considered a giant itself but at the used market price of $150-200, the AKG Q701 is an amazingly detailed and clear pair.

Agreed. Completely agreed.

 

[roma101]

KRK KNS-8400 - comparable with cans twice the price
CAL! - comparable with cans $150-$200
K181DJ - right up there with the HD25s, M-80s, and I also know of another user who preferred them over the DT 1350 (musicality/tonality wise - I still have to try a 1350 myself)
 
IMHO of course.

 

[biggbenn74]

Quote:

KRK KNS-8400 - comparable with cans twice the price
CAL! - comparable with cans $150-$200
K181DJ - right up there with the HD25s, M-80s, and I also know of another user who preferred them over the DT 1350 (musicality/tonality wise - I still have to try a 1350 myself)
 
IMHO of course.

The Creative Aurvanas have been on my mind for some time. Are they more bass heavy, or neutral?

 

[DJ McFinnigan]

Quote:

$18? For real? Where?

 
I got them on slickdeals awhile back. They say they're "designed for women" which I find to be nonsense marketing. There about $23.99 on amazon right now.