discussion $250 Open back headphones

[SugarJ]

Due to a surprise tax return, I've got some fun money to spend on something I wouldn't normally upgrade. I currently use some Audio Technica ATH-AD700's but the kids have bashed them around pretty good and the beige and purple just ain't cutting it any more.

Open back because I can hear someone calling or the kids beating the daylights out of each other. I'll probably pick up an Antlion Modmic as well, don't include that in the budget.

I have an Asus ROG Phoebus sound card I use.

Suggestions?

 

[Vittra]

Sennheiser HD 598's go on sale fairly regularly for well below that price point, and are the most comfortable pair of headphones I've ever worn from the several I've had - various Grados (no surprise there), the mentioned ATH-AD700s, and ATH-M50. I personally do not like wearing headphones, so that was as huge point for me for a long stint where I had no computer speakers.

You aren't escaping the beige with that choice though, in fact you'll be embracing a hideous Noctua'd theme'd set of cans

If you're comfortable with the used market, I'd probably steer you towards the Beyerdynamic DT 880. They are essentially a better version of the HD 598, except, perhaps, in ergonomics. Your Phoebus should be able to handle either the 250 or 600 ohm versions, so I wouldn't focus too much on that.

 

[Nodscene]

I'm a huge fan of the Grado's but there is definitely a law of diminishing returns. I don't think I'd go much above the 325i's really. Canuck Audio Mart currently has 2 different pairs of the 325i's in your price range.

Grado sr325i For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart
Grado 325is For Sale - Canuck Audio Mart

You can probably get either of them for $200 or so.

 

[Vittra]

If those are uncomfortable, you could always do the HD 414 earpad mod for the Grados too.

Grado Pad Choices And Mods - Head-Fi.org Community

I had purchased the pads to do just that, but ended up getting rid of the headphones.

 

[SugarJ]

To be honest, I'd prefer to stay away from used cans. I've done a little digging, and due to my sub-retail pricing the ATH-AD900X are in my price range as are the DT990 Premium 250 ohm. Opinions?

 

[biff]

I'm signing up for this thread. I don't think I'm a headphone person but I have a requirement to use them for the next little bit anyway. I have a pair of Shure SRH840's that are meh. I recently bought my 11y.o. daughter a pair of Sony 7506's that I think are equally as good and may do a few things better at half the cost. I'm having a hard time getting her to give them up for me to play with them, and she's not interested in listening to trade talks! I'm, interested to maybe try a pair of Senheiser cans as I picked up a set of their in-ear CX 685's on a good sale and I was shocked how well they performed. Also the open back has my interest. Let me know what you get and how it works out!