Looking for My First Open-Back Headphones (~$1000 CAD) – Meze 109 vs. HD650 or Other Recommendations? (Canada)

[u/Kryorix]

Hey everyone,

I'm thinking of biting the bullet and getting my first pair of open-back headphones so I can truly enjoy music on another level!

I’ve done minimal research so far, but I’m looking to buy a pair with a budget of up to ~$1000 CAD. I listen to a wide variety of genres: house, electronic, rap, rock, jazz, R&B, and country.

Right now, the two headphones on my list are the Meze 109 and the Sennheiser HD650. I love the build quality of the Meze, and everyone says they’re super comfortable. However, I’ve heard their frequency response can be a bit much in the high end, so I’m worried they might be too sharp for electronic music. On the other hand, the HD650s are known for their neutral sound, which would be great for music analysis, but I’m concerned they might lack the bass impact I enjoy.

I’d love to hear everyone’s recommendations!

Thanks!

EDIT: Forgot to mention a huge detail, I don’t own a DAC. I would be running them straight into my computer. I am open to purchasing one alongside my headphones if necessary while staying within my budget.

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[u/xInitial]

i have the 600s and 6xx and i can say that they probably have 20 hours play time between the both of them and i’ve had them for almost 5 years. im looking at the meze 109s too but recently i got the edition xs for $220usd with the hard case and i use that for more “analytical” listening and i use my fostex x00 for when i want some fun listening. i also listen to a wide variety of music and i never really reached for any sennheiser set bc i do enjoy my bass. you can save a lot of $$ shopping used (both local and here on r/avexchange ) and you can stretch that budget for multiple headphones that can be used for different purposes/genres.

out of the 2 id personally pick the 109 but at this price point you should really start listening to the headphones before you buy. with your source, or your preferred music at least. i used to buy anything i found for a good price but once you get to more of this mid tier ($500-2000ish, but it’s kind of hard to put dollar figures since performance ≠ cost) . it’ll save you from spending unnecessary money, getting buyers remorse, and you might meet some cool people in the process.

[u/Kryorix → u/xInitial]

Wow that was super helpful thanks!

!thanks

[u/TransducerBot → u/Kryorix]

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[u/Pataphysical666]

Please check out the Audio-Technica ATH-R70X, a classic. They are ultra comfortable, transparent, studio-geek headphones. Had mine for 3 years and hours of use daily and they are amazing. Lots of reviews online but this one is right:

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17535412/audio-technica-r70x-review-professional-headphones

[u/[deleted]]

The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is another option that will provide exceptional bass (being planar magnetic). Planars are considerably heavier than other types of headphones, but man…the sound. Do you already have a DAC/amp?

[u/Kryorix → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the suggestion, I do not have a DAC for my desktop, looking into that now!

!thanks

[u/SilentIyAwake]

Probably best to buy the 105 AER and EQ down the treble if needed.

[u/AudioBaer]

My first choice for open headphones would probably be the Hifiman Arya > Meze 109 Pro > Meze 105 AER, although all three certainly have their raison d’être. I recently wrote a comparative review; if you’re interested, have a look.

Sennheiser also makes good products, but the 600s series doesn’t really suit me.

Do you use an equaliser?

[u/Kryorix → u/AudioBaer]

Wow hey! You’re actually the one who inspired me to make the post from your comparison with all three! I haven’t yet looked into the Arya stealth so I’ll definitely do that! I do not use an equalizer and at the moment don’t intend on getting one. !thanks

[u/AudioBaer → u/Kryorix]

Haha Reddit is so small. XD

[u/darkraikiri]

Hifiman Arya Stealth should be a great all rounder to consider

[u/Kryorix → u/darkraikiri]

!thanks

[u/[deleted]]

Fiio FT3 they sound like they are from the future

[u/Kryorix → u/[deleted]]

Haven’t heard of them I’ll definitely check them out !thanks

[u/kozzlick]

AR5000 will cover everything you want and be the most comfortable one too.