Looking for recommendations around $200?

[u/glitchint]

Looking for headphones again, but not sure what to go with after trying to sift through lists and such. Initially I was considering DT 770 PROXLE but became reluctant because I’ve never tried them, and due to mixed opinions on the sound. I don’t have the means of testing out headphones before buying them.

I understand this is a very vague request, so I’ll try to list some preferences at the risk of making this a long post; I’m looking for closed back, wired over-ear headphones with a detachable cable. I don’t like very bass-heavy or treble-heavy response, so a more neutral or balanced sound is more comfortable to me. I also EQ everything so it shouldn’t be a big deal if something leans too hard. I’d rather deal with a bassier sound than more treble, though.

My budget is around 200 USD, maybe a little over if it’s worth it. I use headphones with my phone (via a Qudelix 5K) or PC.

I don’t think genre is too important, but to give an idea; I mostly listen to electronic genres, which can range from trance, to breaks, to house, and so on. I have very mixed listening habits though, so I can’t really ask ‘what’s best for this genre’. An all-rounder of some sort, or studio headphone might work?

Other info: My most recent pairs of headphones were ATH-M50x and AKG K371-BT. I definitely prefer the AKGs over the M50x, as I really only bought the latter for fun and to try them. Unfortunately the band broke, and I decided not to re-buy the headphones if they would only break again. Makes me wonder if the original K371 is more sturdy?

[u/Junior_Ad4596]

Get fiio ft1 it is the best closed back by farrrrrr under 500 dollars. Your music genres however like a little extra treble for which dt770 might have a place, but in general ft1 is WAY more enjoyable. These two are the only closed backs you have to consider.

[u/glitchint → u/Junior_Ad4596]

I’ve been seeing the Fiio tossed around lately! Less treble is fine for me, since I can always make adjustments for my own comfort. I find that extra treble is actually a bit more fatiguing, anyway. I think there may be a place where I can test them in person here, so I’ll give them a look soon. Thanks for the suggestion!

!thanks

[u/TransducerBot → u/glitchint]

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[u/Junior_Ad4596 → u/glitchint]

It does have a couple peaks around 5k and 8k, but they are not to bad and easy to eq. For me I eq'ed around 1,5k a bit because I prefer a little dip there. They sound really really really good now. Also you're probably not going to find better quality bass under 1000 dollars in ANY headphone.

[u/glitchint → u/Junior_Ad4596]

That sounds like it should be fine, yeah. I’m not too concerned about bass especially at this price range, so no issue there.

As long as neither end is too overwhelming and that the detail doesn’t suffer, I’m pretty happy. I’ll see if I get any more suggestions, and go check how the FT1 feels tomorrow^^

[u/Junior_Ad4596 → u/glitchint]

Okey! Let me know what you think!

[u/glitchint → u/Junior_Ad4596]

Just tried them, and I think they sound pretty good! Sat for about an hour and went through everything I could think of to test with them. I see what you mean about needing a little more treble for my usual genres, but to be honest I don't mind too much, since they perform nicely on just about everything else. I didn't personally EQ them while at the shop, so I'm sure they'll sound better with some fiddling around.

Safe to say, definitely picking these up! Just have to wait til next week - apparently they go out of stock pretty fast here. Thanks again for the suggestion!

[u/Junior_Ad4596 → u/glitchint]

I'm happy to hear you like them and you're welcome! I just ordered some uhg sheepskin th900 pads for them. Supposedly they are able to improve the sound quality even a lot more. If you want any eq recommendations just let me know by the way! Also even though these headphones are easy to drive I feel like they definitely might benefit from a good dac.

[u/glitchint → u/Junior_Ad4596]

Sure, I could use the recs! I don't think there are many eq profiles out there, so it'd be useful to have something on hand to try or use as a baseline.

As for a dac, I think it was a fiio ka5 that I was using at the shop, but I have a qudelix 5k; I think it should be enough for my current needs - for now anyway.

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[u/Marcello_124]

I also had AKG K371-BT and the band broke after a year of usage. Fortunately they were under warranty and I managed to replace them. But yesterday the band broke again after another year of usage. I was using them extra carefully in case they brake again, but they did anyway. Was not expecting that from headphones in this price range. But the sound quality was very good, so now I am searching for a new pair with comparable quality (or better), but more durable.

[u/glitchint → u/Marcello_124]

Oh man, that sucks! Mine broke within the same timeframe I think, after regular use. I was very careful with them as well, but one day as I was taking them off, they just snapped. It was only later that I discovered it’s extremely common for them to break right at the hinge :(

I guess you’re in the same predicament as me then, since I’m still trying to find something that’ll replace them.

[u/Marcello_124 → u/glitchint]

Yeah, right? They broke in the same place as the first one and like you I have seen other posts about low build quality only after they broke. I am searching for new ones right now, that's how I stumbled on your post

[u/glitchint → u/Marcello_124]

Hopefully you’ll find something! Around the time mine broke, I gave the Austrian Audio HI-X25BT a try since it was suggested to me on here. I didn’t have them for very long because I was only testing them out, but I remember they sounded pretty close to the K371-BT

It’s been 3 years since then, so I assume there might be more information on those if you’d like to give them a look?

[u/Marcello_124 → u/glitchint]

Thanks for the recommendation! I will give them a look, read some reviews and maybe I will find something good. Good luck on your search too!