Exceptional values in over-the-ear headphones?

[Bacchusoo7]

Hi,

I know there are great deals to be had in audio from the Chi-Fi (I hope that isn't an offensive term, if so, apologies) front in terms of headphone amps and DACs as well as IEMs. Are there any well performing and well priced over-the-ear headphones that I should know about? I'm looking for stuff for studio use. Ideally suitable for overdubbing (i.e. not drum tracking etc. isolation not paramount) and playback/mixing. At the moment I have two pairs of decent headphones (AKG K371 and Sennheiser/Drop HD-6XX) but am looking to add at least another pair.

Being old school, my first thought is a set of MDR-7506s but I then I remember time has moved on. I want something easy to drive so I'm thinking about another pair of K371s or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohms?) but am wondering if there are any great values out there I haven't considered.

 

[staticV3]

Take a look at the HD560S and Hi-X60. Both are easy to drive and great value IMO.

 

[Bacchusoo7]

Take a look at the HD560S and Hi-X60. Both are easy to drive and great value IMO.

Thanks for the suggestions. Are the HD560s similar to the 558? Because, as stupid as this makes me sound, your post reminded me that I have a pair of 558's as well. I find Sennheiser's modeling conventions confusing.

 

[eddantes]

I dunno, but for me

Hifiman HE400SE Review (Headphone)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Hifiman HE400SE open back planar magnetic headphone. It was sent to me by online seller, Linsoul and costs US $149. The HE400Se doesn't look fancy: It is however quite comfortable given its thick and large pads. Weight is a bit on the high...

www.audiosciencereview.com

and

AKG K371 Review (closed back headphone)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the AKG K371 closed-back headphone. I purchased this last summer and it currently costs US $149 on Amazon including shipping. Note: our company, Madrona Digital, carries various Harman brand products although not the AKG products. The K371 is made...

www.audiosciencereview.com

represent the best bargains.

And as you already have the k371... you have your answer re your next phones.

 

[staticV3]

Thanks for the suggestions. Are the HD560s similar to the 558? Because, as stupid as this makes me sound, your post reminded me that I have a pair of 558's as well. I find Sennheiser's modeling conventions confusing.

The treble is identical, but the 560S has more neutral bass and mids:

 

[Dunring]

Hifiman he5xx or he400se are terrific and can be a bargain on eBay. Just check channel balance with a decibel meter phone app and test tone generator. 7hz Zero:2 is a winner for IEMs. I have all three and use them often. As you mention, the AKG K371 wired is really good too. All of them can be powered with an Apple 3.5mm USB adapter.

 

[Bacchusoo7]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

[Demir958]

beyerdynamic dt770 pro x nasıl

 

[markanini]

Shure SRH440 non-A
(Truthear Red)

 

[Mr Swing King]

Open:
HD58X
HD560S
AR5000
DT900 Pro X
K245
HE400se
HD600/650/6XX

Closed:
K371
DT700 Pro X
SRH840a
NTH-100

 

[DVDdoug]

At the moment I have two pairs of decent headphones (AKG K371 and Sennheiser/Drop HD-6XX) but am looking to add at least another pair.

It depends on what kind of difference you're looking for... Most of the "sound characteristic" is frequency response and you can compare the curves here as long as the headphones you're considering have been reviewed here. (It's best to compare measurements from the same "lab".) Or of course you can EQ the frequency response, except that boosting the bass can sometimes push the headphones or headphone amp into distortion.

Or there are other factors, like maybe you prefer open or closed, or maybe you want a pair of both. And comfort is a personal thing. Of course you can consider appearance and "build quality". (The K371 seems to have a reputation of being fragile... I haven't broken mine yet, and they aren't super expensive so if they break I can replace them.)

 

[IXOYE]

AKG K371 are unbeatable for their price I think.

 

[Demir958]

Akg K371'in yalıtımının kötü olduğu söyleniyor

 

[Demir958]

Insulation for Akg K371 is said to be bad

AKG K371 are unbeatable for their price I think.

Insulation for Akg K371 is said to be bad