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Best Closed Headphones for under $100? Top 3?

S

SouljaAC

Member
Please post your TOP 3, or more, or less, and if you have the time, please post why they are in your list.

Thanks so much!

I'm gonna be using them mostly for FPS gaming, sometimes movies, and then a bit of music as well.
Gaming is top priority.

If you don't name exact models, please name some good famous quality brands. Thankx again.
 
sennheiser hd 270-v1 is what i'm leaning toward right now

what is the difference between open and closed headphones?
 
The ones that I've currently got are a closed-ear pair from AIWA ... model HP-X222

They fit comfortably (I have a very large head and it's hard to find good ones that fit), block a lot of outside noise (meaning you don't need to turn the volume up as high to hear), have a built-in mute button on the left headphone, a LONG cable, and deliver superb sound in all three levels (high, mid-range, and low). I picked them up in Best Buy for under $100 ... probably closer to $50 or so (can't remember exactly), and I'm very pleased with them.
 
If not using an amp then that makes it a short list.

When I was looking my preferences were:
-full-sized/closed back/around-the-ear (circumaural)
-accurate sound reproduction, not altered with bass etc.
-wide frequency response, 50mm drivers
-single cord, coiled, 1/8" (3.5mm) plug with screw-on 1/4" adapter, removeable
-solid construction but lightweight
-comfort for long use, true circumaural, cloth
-no amp required so can be used directly with portables and PC
-swivel/rotating cups
-under $75


The Beyerdynamic DT 250-80 are not under $100.

So another two to consider are the Sennheiser HD280PRO and Pioneer SE-MONITOR10R. Both are studio monitor headphones so reproduce the source accurately. That's good unless you don't want to hear all the detail 'cause the source is crappy (poor SNR, low quality MP3's etc). I have the Pioneer and am pleased with them. They have everything I was looking for except cloth pads, plus fold up small have excellent locking adjustment thumb screws (set and forget!)and sport an arguably cool retro look too (they kinda remind me of a flight set). The drawback of easy-fold-ability is the thin headband which, though dual is not as comfortable after a few hours as a thick pad ought to be -but the ear pads maintain their comfort as they are large. Padding could be added easily enough but it has not been an issue. The drivers did require breaking in before sounding best, as is often the case.

The Sony MDR-7506-V6 is another that might make it into a similar top 3 list but I ruled them out early as they are reportedly uncomfortable and not true circumaural. Denon AHD-550 came up in my research as worth considering also but I could not find them recommended often. Actually, neither were the Pioneer but then they were priced much higher than the Seinnheiser from specialty shops (I got mine for less than the Seinnheiser from letsgodigital).

Closed headphones isolate from ambient noise to provide a more immersive experience and prevent your audio from being heard by others. Open are the opposite but are generally considered to sound better in high-quality sets, everything else being equal under ideal conditions. I figger open should be considered only as a cheap alternative to a good set of stereo speakers because it is the nature of closed headphones that I want to use headphones in the first place.

head-fi and headwize forums are good for info and advice. I hope this helps 🙂
 
Originally posted by: TheInvincibleMustard
The ones that I've currently got are a closed-ear pair from AIWA ... model HP-X222

They fit comfortably (I have a very large head and it's hard to find good ones that fit), block a lot of outside noise (meaning you don't need to turn the volume up as high to hear), have a built-in mute button on the left headphone, a LONG cable, and deliver superb sound in all three levels (high, mid-range, and low). I picked them up in Best Buy for under $100 ... probably closer to $50 or so (can't remember exactly), and I'm very pleased with them.
Click to expand...

I agree with everything stated above. I also have a pair and absolutely love them! They are very loud, very powerful, and the range is excellent. I paid ~$30 for mine a few years ago actually. The day these die is the day I'm going to get a set of HD600s. 😉

Bottom line, great price, excellent quality, fit comfortably, block most outside noise.

 
The Sony MDR-7506-V6 is another that might make it into a similar top 3 list but I ruled them out early as they are reportedly uncomfortable and not true circumaural.
Click to expand...
Yeah, the stock pleather pads fatigue after about an hour but I can wear my V6's with the Beyerdynamic DT-250 velour earpads for as long as I wish. Even with the earpads, the total came to just under a c-note shipped, but Beyerdynamic might be charging more for the pads as they jacked it up from the time I read about the velour pads ($28) to when I ordered (about $32).
 
I've got Grado SR-80's

The sound is AMAZING. The headset itself may seem cheap, but it is all worth it for the amazing sound! I wouldn't trade this for anything but better grado's
 
Originally posted by: bigben
I've got Grado SR-80's

The sound is AMAZING. The headset itself may seem cheap, but it is all worth it for the amazing sound! I wouldn't trade this for anything but better grado's
Click to expand...

Not closed.

If you're wiilling to go for open headphones, this is what I would snag.
 
Sony MDR-7506s here, great imo. The band was a little tight fitting when new, but just bending them a bit to fit well made them very comfortable.
 
I had a similar delima before Quakecon last year. I decided on the Sony MDR-V6 . I have been satisifed with my choice 🙂
 
I like closed headphones. Having outside noise blocked makes me feel more immersed in games. In fact I like my headphones so much that I prefer them for listening to music and gaming, by a long shot. And I don't wake up my girlfriend listening to music or gaming late at night. Or bug her by filling the house with sounds of gunfire and explosions during the day.
I have the Sony MDR-CD570. They aren't made any more. Supposedly they sound similar to the Sony V6/7506. I like that they are very comfortable and have good base response, both of which are essential for gaming. And their positioning is very good so I can easily tell where the sound is coming from in a game. When I got these headphones music sounded so good that I had to go back through all my CDs and listen to everything.
 
Originally posted by: rhawk79
they're $82 shipped at Amazon.com. Amazing headphones🙂
Click to expand...

I'm glad to hear the Sony MDR-CD570 is still available. I looked at Amazon and had to search without the hyphon, like this: "MDRCD570" to find them.

FPS Gaming - This is my primary use for these headphones, in particular UT2003. The sound is very clear and crisp, so that when I pick up a weapon, for example, the sound is solid and satisfying, as if its really happening. And using the rail gun is a true pleasure. There is so much detail in the sound, its incredible. And the bass is really something else, truly awesome.
 
Sony MDR-V700's

Best headphones in the world.

These are DJ headphones, but they have the best output out of any headphones on the market, without spending hoards of money.
Ask any DJ what headphones they use...They will most likely tell you Sony MDR-V700's
 
Another vote for V700, for under $100 headphones. Pretty comfy and they block out the world. People have been talking to me and I can't hear. As long as you're not rough with them, you're fine. The little swivel joints have a tendency to crack if you start folding them a lot and throw them around.
 
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