Looking for good, Semi-open headphones for ~$40

Communities Audio Hardware & Music
1

I am in the market for some nice Semi-open headphones for up to and around $40. I would prefer Velour (foam) padding over Leather. Decent quality is preferred. Here is a list of the genres of music I listen to as well as the Games I play.

  • DnB
  • Metal (Dream Theater, Metallica, etc)
  • Dubstep
  • Classical
  • Jazz/Swing/Bigband
  • Trance

Games:

  • Arma 3 (primary game)
  • Company of Heroes series
  • BF
  • other assorted Steam games like MMOs

I am open to Leather padded headphones as long as there are replacement pads to make them not leather.
I have considered the Superlux brand but am unsure. I plan to pick these up before I leave for Cali on the 22nd.

2

Philips SHP9500 or

1 Like
3

I picked these up recently, they're pretty alright I suppose, I'm not an audiophile at all, I've yet to test them in CS:GO, They're around 50 dollars though

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003JOETX8/ref=sr_1_1_olp?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1436402114&sr=1-1&keywords=Superlux+668b&condition=new

4

Check this video out for some ideas.

He's entertaining and has videos on a wide range of audio related stuff.

1 Like
5

2050's dont have bass.He listens heavy bass genres.

6

that is true, but I also listen to classical to 'reset' my hearing. Jazz too as I used to be a jazz percussionist.

It is kinda a toss up right now between the two Superluxes. Especially if I can get the fabric padding. Leather makes my ears sweat and heat up.

7

With EVO's you get the velour pads in box.

8

Nothing beats the Samson SR850's with replaced earcups

9

I would suggest different cans for different genres, but on a budget I can understand that not being a solution. I use earphones for more bass heavy music.

10

For gaming i choose sound stage over anything else. In games like arma dayz hereos and generals bf4 etc you need accurate sound staging to map where sounds are coming from. With a nice set of open over ear headphones you can pinpoint gun shots and foot steps with ease. It is definitely the best gaming accessory other than you pc. Even more than a mouse in my opinion.

get these they are a little short on bass but excellent for accuracy and gaming. Trust me I listen to aphex twin ,reggae, jazz, house, hip hop etc and I think the bass is fine but i do not like super bassy headphones i like balance between the spectrum. For jazz/classical/electronic these things shine! They are amazingly comfortable and do not get too hot on the ear. There are so good in game it feels like cheating pair them up with a mod mic and you got yourself a top shelf set of cups!

They do not need an amp but I do use a hifiman mini DAC with them they open the staging a little more and its like $30 bucks.

Jump on this ebay deal you may get lucky!!

Sennheiser HD 595s 1 bid 4 days left $0.99 GOOD LUCK!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sennheiser-HD-595-Headband-Headphones-/111713950891?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1a02ab9cab

I own this exact pair retail for over $200 they are almost as good as hd650s which cost over $400

11

BUILD QUALITY?

My last pair of cans was the JVC HARX 700 and they were great. The problem was they broke at the headband slider/joint. I superglued them . they broke again, I tried to fix them with fiberglassing.......to no avail. Once that joint went, I was screwed. So, the headband and joints need to be sturdy too.

12

I have had mine for 4 years use them every day drop them pull on them accidentally they still look brand new. There is literally no sign of wear at all other than one small scratch. The cans foam head foam look brand new no cracking or splitting.