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Open-back recommendations at $350 or less

pk500

Active Member
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Jan 9, 2020
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Hi all:

Like George and Louise Jefferson (sorry for 1970s TV reference), I'm movin' on up when it comes to open-back headphones. I have owned Philips SHP9500's, but I want to move into upper low-end or low mid-range open-back, wired cans.

Here are my music preferences. I like indie rock, classic rock, alt-country, Americana, progressive house EDM and a touch of classic jazz.

Here is my preferred sound signature: Adequate bass. Detailed mids and treble, but I cannot stand harsh or sibilant treble. I have pretty serious tinnitus, so I'm REALLY sensitive to sharp or grainy treble. So, I guess my preferred sound signature can be described as fairly neutral, detailed warmth, if that's not an oxymoron?

I don't have an amp but am planning to buy one. These will be driven wired from laptops and an iPhone playing Spotify at 320 kbps and eventually its hi-fi service -- no DAP here.

My budget is $350 or less. I'm open to planar or dynamic. A bit curious about planar, as I've never owned any.

So, what are good choices within those parameters? Thanks!
 

Robin L

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Sep 2, 2019
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The Drop 6XX have an unusually smooth top. Need EQ for adequate bass. $220. A little power hungry.
 

Craig Cushing

New Member
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Jun 26, 2020
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I own Philips SHP9500s, AKG 702s, Sennheiser HD 650s, and Audio Technica R70xs. For me the ATs are the best of the four without equalization. I continue to be surprised how little love they get. Crinacle's
headphone reviews are startling for the ATs which appear sandwiched among phones ranked in the four figure price range; Their $350 price appears like a misprint, but it's not. I suspect you'd like them very much with any genre of music you choose to play. Along with the exceptional sound is exceptional comfort; even after six hours they remain feather-light and cool. The only problem I have is the price, which doesn't appear to be discounted anywhere.
 

Juanrdp

Member
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Mar 22, 2021
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In mi humble opinion, my order of preference would be:
1st - Monolith m1060 (planar, slightly over 200€)
2nd - Hifiman HE400se (planar, close to 150€)
3rd - Akg 712pro (close to 200€) or Akg 702 (close to 150€)

The Akg are the most portable and comfortable (due the weight mainly), Monolith and Hifiman are both planar (a plus is you like the particular sound signature)
 
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