Headphone alternatives similar in cost to HD560s and FT1

[xlinknz]

Hi

I'm after headphones and have been considering Sennheiser HD560s (as they are low cost and in the 80s I had Sennheiser HD540R)

They'll be mainly used on a Headphone DAC either a Topping DX5 II or Fiio K13 R2R or maybe a Apos Gremlin (which only has balanced). I'll be seated approx 4M from my HiFi

The downside of the HD560s is getting balanced cables is a significant extra cost (compared to the headphones), the Fiio FT1 is the same price here in NZ and comes with balanced cables and looks great!. I see the FT1 in the review requires EQ which I am inexperienced with and to be honest I'd rather have headphones that can be used without EQ e.g. the Gremlin

Are there similar priced alternatives I should consider?

I'd also be keen to hear of cabled audiophile ones that can also support BT

 

[Misguided]

Hi. You dont need balanced cables with the HD560 or the FT1 as they are both easy to drive also the HD560 only has one input for the headphone lead so balanced cant be used.

Fiio JT7 is in a similar price range as is the Hifiman HE400se. It's worth noting that Hifiman often have sales on and are likely to after Xmas so you may be able to get a bargain if you wait.

Not sure from your post if you already own the DACS above or are thinking of buying them but I wouldn't bother with one for the 560 or FT1, I have both and never use them with a DAC or Headphone Amp.

 

[staticV3]

the HD560 only has one input for the headphone lead so balanced cant be used.

sure can.

The earcup connector is 2.5mm TRRS, so balanced operation is possible out of the box, with the right headphone cable which Sennheiser also sell.

 

[xlinknz]

sure can.

The earcup connector is 2.5mm TRRS, so balanced operation is possible out of the box, with the right headphone cable which Sennheiser also sell.

They sure do but very expensive at 99 Euro (2/3 of the cost of the HD560s itself!) an alternative from Hart Audio Cables is US$80

A plus for Sennheiser is a 2 year warranty, they compare well to the Fiio FT1 Pro on rtings.com but Fiio have a 1 year warranty where I am but the Fiio FT Pro comes with a balanced cable inclusive, that said far less expensive balanced cables are available on aliexpress for the HD560s

 

[Segfault]

You don't really need a balanced cable or even a dedicated headphone amp for 560s because they are easy to drive.

NewPhantasia sells a balanced cable for 30ish with a 4.4mm connector on Amazon if you want it anyway. Hart Audio cable will have slightly better look and feel but they all sound the same as the stock cable.

 

[Misguided]

sure can.

The earcup connector is 2.5mm TRRS, so balanced operation is possible out of the box, with the right headphone cable which Sennheiser also sell.

My bad, apologies.