[Frequen C]

For my next audio equipment, I'm just looking for the best sound for under $300 total. I am not willing to buy used and I don't care if the headphones are open, closed, iem, etc.
 
Thanks for the help

 

[sumathias]

Hi,
 
Headphones + Amp < $300 is sort of a fallacy (i'll explain).
 
Not many cans under 300 need an amp except the K701s and the Senn HD600s and the Beyerdynamics. For those that need an amp, the cost of the cans ($200++) and a decent amp (minimum $200++ as well) will overshoot your budget.
 
I think that if you really want a can+amp you need to raise your budget quite a bit. If not, stick to cans that can do unamped.

 

[Digital-Pride]

Quote:

Hi,
 
Headphones + Amp < $300 is sort of a fallacy (i'll explain).
 
Not many cans under 300 need an amp except the K701s and the Senn HD600s and the Beyerdynamics. For those that need an amp, the cost of the cans ($200++) and a decent amp (minimum $200++ as well) will overshoot your budget.
 
I think that if you really want a can+amp you need to raise your budget quite a bit. If not, stick to cans that can do unamped.

I'm in disagreement here, many if not most headphones (especailly in the 100 and up range) benefit in some way or other from amplifiaction.  While it may not be REQUIRED in the OP price range, there are real tangible benefits from amplification.  Just to give a quick example, my Shure SRH440 are around 100 dollars and while they sound great unamped, I noticed some real improvements to the overall sound quality even with just the mild amplification Fiio's E5 provides. 
 
 
Now for some recommendations for the OP:
 
Amps:
 
Fiio E5 - 25.00 USD
 
Headroom Total Airhead - 99.99 USD
 
 
Heaophones:
 
AKG K 240S/MKII
 
Audio-Technica ATH-M50, AD700, A700
 
Beyerdynamic DT 440, DT 660, DT 860
 
Denon AH-D1100
 
Grado SR80I, SR150i
 
Sennheiser HD448, HD595
 
Shure SRH440, SRH750DJ
 
Ultrasone HFi 580, PRO 650
 
 
And there you have it, your complete(give or take a few) list of options.  Happy hunting!

 

[soundaddicted]

Quote:

For my next audio equipment, I'm just looking for the best sound for under $300 total. 

It also depends on what kind of music you listen, something important to know which sound signature you like. 

 

[bcg27]

Fiio E7 is another $100 amp. And it is also a DAC. I have not personally heard it but it gets a lot of love around here.