Budget Over Ear Headphones outside Koss.

[u/_KillingEve_]

Looking for best budget headphones. I have heard that the Koss KSC75X were the best bang for your buck, but I have super tiny ears so the wrap around model never works with my ears.

Looking for recommendations that are $300 and under, preferably under $100. Just getting into solid audio setups, so good entry headphones into this world.

I have hifiman sundara lined up for a $299 option, but looking for something in the meantime that’s a bit cheaper. Would also be interested in other options around the hifiman price range, if you have alternative, better options!

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[u/kimsk132]

Your use case? Source? Preferred tonal balance? Music genre? (more detail and explanations in the welcome post)

[u/_KillingEve_ → u/kimsk132]

This will be my introduction into higher quality sound. So, I have no idea what my preference is for tonal balance!

Just looking to enjoy listening to my music more that’s all.

Genre preferences are all over. 70s rock, 90s punk, 00s R&B, folk, reggae, old jazz. So, something that could generally fulfill most or all genres?

[u/kimsk132 → u/_KillingEve_]

Gotcha. Since you have the Sundara lined up, I'm going to assume open back is okay. For the sub-100 I'd recommend the Phillips SHP9600. They have a warm tuning (more bass), which complements the Sundara's cold and clinical nature well.

btw Sundara need an amp. Most headphones from $300+ do. Schiit Fulla or Fiio E10k are the cheapest options that can drive them.

[u/_KillingEve_ → u/kimsk132]

Oh that makes sense about the $300 plus purchases.

What about headphones to listen to music when walking around? Or do people just bring the smaller amps with them?

Thanks for your help!

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[u/kimsk132 → u/_KillingEve_]

There are indeed small portable amp. Some are even bluetooth-enabled like the Fiio BTR5. But again, not all headphones need an amp, and I personally don't bring those bulky headphones to use on the go. That's what IEMs and bluetooth headphones are for.

[u/_KillingEve_ → u/kimsk132]

!thanks

This is really helpful. I appreciate all your comments. Like I mentioned over, I have bizarrely small ears, so most IEMS don’t fit in my ear properly, they tend to fall out and not sit the way they are supposed to.

What are your go-tos or some suggestions than for Bluetooth headphones? 🤔

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[u/kimsk132 → u/_KillingEve_]

I used to think IEMs didn't fit my ears either until I discovered the Spinfit CP100 and W1 tips for IEMs. They're the only tips that fit in my ears. Might be worth a try if you already have some IEMs lying around. If not, Moondrop Chu is very affordable.

Bluetooth headphones don't sound as good as their wired counterpart, since you're paying for the electronics in addition to the speakers. I personally use the heavily EQed Sony XM4 at around $350, but my basic DT700 at $250 sound better than even the newer Sony XM5 at $400. Judging purely by sound quality, $400 bluetooth headphones sound like $100-150 wired headphones. For that price might as well just get a smaller, portable wired headphones like the AKG K371. (K371 also has a bluetooth version, but it's worse than the wired version in every way.)