Is there a headphone more neutral than HD560s under $300 ?

[Sound Foundation]

Is there a headphone more neutral than HD560s under $300 ?

I recently tried to buy new headphones. I have been out of the marketplace for many years. I purchased a Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X LE and found it to be so accentuated on instruments like cymbals, tambourines, and the upper registers of violins that it actually gave me physical headaches. Even dialing down the treble on my AVR, it was still very uncomfortable and the rest of the high end was completely flat.

My original search was for closed headphones with a detachable cable. Trying to find ones that don't have accentuation in the high end seems very difficult. I received recommendations for Yamaha HPH- MT8 and SRH840A. BUT I am now open to considering open headphones that have a detachable cable if they are more neutral at the high end. Reading threads in this forum and other websites I see a lot of good frequency response graphs for the HD 560s. I am wondering if in the under $300 range of cost whether there is something even more neutral than the HD 560s? Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr Swing King]

If we’re talking Harman Target as being neutral, you’re probably better off with an AKG K371. It does not have the best build quality in the world, but it sounds fantastic.
It also has a bit of sparkle up top but so does the HD560S…none of them are anywhere near the absolute mountain of a peak as found in the DT770 Pro X LE though. Another fairly cheap closedback that hugs the Harman Target pretty well is the new Fiio FT1. I do believe there can be a bit of waiting time as the headphone has turned out to be quite sought after, and most retailers at the moment seem to be out of stock.
If by neutral you’re more in the IEF neutral camp, I’d swing for the HD600.
Best of luck going forth.

 

[Dazerdoreal]

Good answer. I also think that the AKG 371 sounds great.

I want to stress that the DT770 Pro X LE is a very colored (non-neutral) headphone. So if you dont like it, is does not necessarily mean that you are a fan of a particularly neutral sound.

 

[olieb]

Did you have a look at the HD 620s?

Sennheiser HD 620S Headphone Review

This is a review, detailed measurements, listening tests and Equalization of Sennheiser HD 620S closed back headphone. It was kindly drop shipped by a member and costs US $300. The headphone feels robust and "tight." It clamps rather heavily on my head causing mild discomfort. So be sure to...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Sound Foundation]

Thank you, everyone, for the info.

I had not read about the HD 620s.

 

[davmol]

Thank you, everyone, for the info.

I had not read about the HD 620s.

Also don't forget about EQ, there are some really great options to tweak frequency response if you can't get on with the headphones straight out of the box.

For example if listening from a computer, there is Equaliser APO and Peace app. If streaming you could look at a Wiim mini (has built in 10 band PEQ). There are many ready made profiles, from people like Oratory1990, and EQ guidance is also usually given in the headphone reviews here on ASR, so it's just another option to consider. Good luck in your search!

 

[staticV3]

The Austrian Hi-X60 is also worth a look ($330 on Reverb)

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...austrian-audio-hi-x60-headphone-review.54406/

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a8xz....pdf?rlkey=klyaocc09cdsq2dbombysw2f6&e=1&dl=0

 

[Timcognito]

1More Sonoflow NC Headphone Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ an detailed measurements of 1More Sonoflow Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $99 although goes on sale for $79. The look and feel of the unit belies its low cost. The plastic seems stout and good quality...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Sound Foundation]

Also don't forget about EQ, there are some really great options to tweak frequency response if you can't get on with the headphones straight out of the box.

For example if listening from a computer, there is Equaliser APO and Peace app. If streaming you could look at a Wiim mini (has built in 10 band PEQ). There are many ready made profiles, from people like Oratory1990, and EQ guidance is also usually given in the headphone reviews here on ASR, so it's just another option to consider. Good luck in your search!

Thank you. I do have both Equalizer and Peace, but I do most of my listening from a Denon AVR-S900W. So I am trying to find something neutral out if the box. I am gaining a lot of knowledge from all of these responses.

 

[Sound Foundation]

The Austrian Hi-X60 is also worth a look ($330 on Reverb)

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...austrian-audio-hi-x60-headphone-review.54406/

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a8xz....pdf?rlkey=klyaocc09cdsq2dbombysw2f6&e=1&dl=0

Thank you, I will look into this also.

 

[Sound Foundation]

1More Sonoflow NC Headphone Review

This is a review, listening tests, EQ an detailed measurements of 1More Sonoflow Noise Cancelling Bluetooth headphones. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $99 although goes on sale for $79. The look and feel of the unit belies its low cost. The plastic seems stout and good quality...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thank you for this info. I am trying to stay with wired units with a detachable cable. I respect that some folks are comfortable with using Bluetooth for prolonged periods, but I am old school and try to keep UHF transmitters only in contact for brief periods of time. I use ferrites on my cell headset and try to only have the phone against my head briefly. I do know of people who developed neuromas on the auditory nerve. But it was not conclusive what the cause was. So I am just being cautious. I know Bluetooth is many magnitudes less ERP than a cell that is on a call. But again, thank you for the info.

 

[Timcognito]

If you look in the review index above and search Headphones > Sony Sennheiser, all of HD 6-- got recommended by Amir. here are a pair $100 under your top budget

Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX | Top Rated Open-Back Headphones | Drop

Our all-time best selling open-back audiophile headphones, the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX is a replacement to the original HD 650 with a refreshed aesthetic & improved utility.

drop.com

 

[Roland68]

Is there a headphone more neutral than HD560s under $300 ?

I recently tried to buy new headphones. I have been out of the marketplace for many years. I purchased a Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X LE and found it to be so accentuated on instruments like cymbals, tambourines, and the upper registers of violins that it actually gave me physical headaches. Even dialing down the treble on my AVR, it was still very uncomfortable and the rest of the high end was completely flat.

My original search was for closed headphones with a detachable cable. Trying to find ones that don't have accentuation in the high end seems very difficult. I received recommendations for Yamaha HPH- MT8 and SRH840A. BUT I am now open to considering open headphones that have a detachable cable if they are more neutral at the high end. Reading threads in this forum and other websites I see a lot of good frequency response graphs for the HD 560s. I am wondering if in the under $300 range of cost whether there is something even more neutral than the HD 560s? Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Based on what you write about the DT770 Pro X LE and what you are looking for, I would recommend you take a look at the Fostex T60RP.