$200 and under Headphones

Headphones under $200
Version 01.50

Note - I will start rewriting this. If you have any sugestions for headphones to be added talk to me in the /tech/ /hpg/. Should I add the Phillips Fidelio range?


This is a basic guide for headphones. If you are looking for IEMs, see the other guide linked in the /hpg/ OP.
There is an FAQ at the bottom of the guide, it's currently still in the process of being written.
If you are an owner of any these headphones and feel you have something helpful you would like to add, please bring it to my attention in the threads. Trolling bullshit will be ignored.
USD prices are taken from amazon.com
GBP prices are taken from amazon.co.uk or Thomann.de
EUR prices are taken from amazon.de or Thomann.de
JPY added to relevant Japanese models, prices taken from amazon.jp
I may add additional currencies if requested.

<$50 Poorfag and semi-disposable.
-- Sony MDR-ZX110
USD - 16.00     *on ear
GBP - 13.00     *closed back
EUR - 15.29     *light weight
                *clear sound
                *right angled jack
                *available in different colours
-- Koss KSC75
USD - 19.99     *great sound for the price
GBP - 15.00     *clip on design
EUR - 26.09     *non-isolating
                *good for walking/cycling/jogging
                *popular for modding
-- Sennheiser HD 202 II
USD - 23.00     *closed back
GBP - 25.00     *light weight
EUR - 29.99     *over ear but cups are small
                *bass heavy
                *removable ear cups
                *long cable
-- Tascam TH-02
USD - 24.99     *on-ear
GBP - --.--     *great sound for the price
EUR - --.--     *closed back
                *not very comfortable
                *available in white or black
-- Panasonic RP-HTF600E-S
USD - 30.00     *semi-open back
GBP - 40.00     *light weight
EUR - 43.54     *good sound stage
                *uses same pads as V6/M50/DT250
                *over ear
                *bass heavy
-- Monoprice 8323
USD - 35.99     *over ear
GBP - 35.00     *closed back
EUR - --.--     *detatchable cable
                *foldable
                *comfort issues
                *uses same pads as V6/M50/DT250
-- JVC HARX700-E
USD - 38.99     *closed back
GBP - 33.27     *over ear
EUR - 40.40     *bass heavy
                *large
-- Superlux HD-668 B
USD - 38.00     *semi-open
GBP - 37.99     *over ear
EUR - 29.00     *sharp treble, benefits from EQ
                *cheap build
-- Koss PortaPro
USD - 39.99     *great sound for the price
GBP - 28.00     *lifetime warranty
EUR - 34.97     *on-ear
                *non-isolating
                *available in different colours
                *popular for modding
-- Superlux HD-681 EVO
USD - 40.00     *semi open back
GBP - 40.00     *over ear
EUR - 27.90     *available in white or black
                *accessories included
                *cheap build
-- Sennheiser HD 419
USD - 47.00     *over ear
GBP - 39.99     *bass heavy
EUR - 42.90     *closed back



<$100 Great value for money.
-- Takstar Hi2050
USD - 56.00     *open back
GBP - 37.00     *over ear
EUR - 55.00     *uses the same drivers as the Pro80
                *accessories included
-- Sony MDR-V55
USD - 57.00     *v-shaped signature
GBP - 40.00     *closed back
EUR - 38.99     *on-ear
                *headband creaks
                *short cable
                *available in different colours
-- AKG K240
USD - 67.00     *not as good as they used to be
GBP - 69.00     *semi-open back
EUR - 89.00     *removable cable
                *cable uses proprietary AKG mini XLR connector
                *lacks sub bass
                *no longer made in Austria
                *MK II version is the same but has a more modern colour and more accessories in the box
-- AKG K271
USD - --.--     *available in Europe
GBP - 85.00     *closed version of the K240
EUR - 122.00    *removable cable
                *cable uses proprietary AKG mini XLR connector
                *no longer made in Austria
                *MK II version has more accessories in the box
-- Sony MDR-7506
USD - 69.00     *professional version of the MDR-V6
GBP - 63.99
EUR - 113.00
-- Takstar Pro80
USD - 74.00     *over ear
GBP - 51.00     *closed design
EUR - 136.87    *balanced sound
                *accessories included
-- Grado Prestige Series SR60e
USD - 79.00     *open back
GBP - 80.00     *on ear
EUR - 99.00     *bright
                *popular for modding
-- Sennheiser HD 518
USD - 79.00     *open back
GBP - 70.00     *over ear
EUR - 84.00     *balanced sound
                *removable cable
-- Sennheiser HD-280 PRO
USD - 79.99     *closed back
GBP - 75.00     *tight clamp
EUR - 120.13    *foldable
-- Senal SMH-1000
USD - 89.00     *MDR-V6 clone
GBP - --.--     *removable cable
EUR - --.--     *acessories included
-- AKG K142 HD
USD - 89.00     *new version of the K141
GBP - 64.00     *made in Austria
EUR - 88.00     *light weight
                *on ear
                *open back
                *not a lot of headphone for your money
-- Sony MDR-V6
USD - 99.00     *bright
GBP - --.--     *closed back
EUR - --.--     *good build quality
                *coiled cable
-- Grado Prestige Series SR80e
USD - 99.00     *open back
GBP - 90.00     *bright
EUR - 129.00    *popular for modding
-- Shure SRH440
USD - 99.00     *closed back
GBP - 70.00     *over ear
EUR - 85.00
-- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
USD - 99.00     *closed back
GBP - 75.00     *removable cable
EUR - 99.00     *folding
-- NVX Audio XPT100
USD - 99.00     *closed back
GBP - 75.00     *over ear
EUR - --.--     *balanced
                *good build quality
                *comfortable for long listening sessions
                *soft pillow like ear pads
                *removable cable
                *acessories included
                *these are available from other brands such as Brainwavz, others may available in your country
-- V-Moda Crossfade M-80
USD - 100.00    *closed back
GBP - 170.00    *on ear
EUR - --.--     *replacable cable
                *bass heavy
                *metal construction
                *case included
                *lots of accessories available


<$200 Start of deminishing returns.
-- Sennheiser HD 558
USD - 122.99    *open back
GBP - 119.99    *open soundstage
EUR - 129.00    *balanced sound
                *can be modded to sound more like the HD598
-- Audio-Technica ATH-M50
USD - $127.95   *closed back
GBP - 96.46     *x version has removable cable
EUR - 130.00    *bass heavy sound
                *folds for portable use
                *tough plastic construction
                *has a tight head clamp

-- Audio Technica ATH-A700X
USD - 130.00    *closed back
GBP - 73.00     *over ear
EUR - 87.00
JPY - 8,880
-- Beyerdynamic DT660
USD - 147.00    *closed back
GBP - 99.99     *over ear
EUR - 138.00    *folding
                *well built
                *comfortable
-- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X
USD - 149.95    *open back
GBP - 177.32    *wide soundstage
EUR - 146.00    *over ear
JPY - 11,502
-- Audio Technica ATH-A900X
USD - 165.00    *closed back
GBP - 111.63    *Japanese import
EUR - 118.00    *over ear
JPY - 13,300    *wide soundstage
-- AKG K272 HD
USD - 168.00    *closed back
GBP - 86.74     *new version of the K271
EUR - 114.00    *made in Austria
-- Beyerdynamic DT990
USD - 177.00    *semi-open back
GBP - 107.84    *v-shaped signature
EUR - 139.00    *available in different impedence ratings
                *available in Pro or Premium
-- Beyerdynamic DT770
USD - 180.00    *closed back
GBP - 107.84    *v-shaped signature
EUR - 139.00    *available in different impedence ratings
                *available in Pro or Premium
-- AKG K612
USD - 180.00    *open back
GBP - 100.81    *warmer than K7xx
EUR - 133.00    *benefits from an amp
-- Shure SRH840
USD - 180.00    *closed back
GBP - 121.12    *over ear
EUR - 155.00
-- Sennheiser HD 598
USD - 181.00    *open back
GBP - 149.00    *over ear
EUR - 163.00    *removable cable
                *open soundstage
                *balanced sound
                *looks like a Volvo interior
-- Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro
USD - 184.00    *closed back
GBP - 112.53    *adjustable bass slider
EUR - 145.00    *microphone available
-- Audio Technica ATH-AD900X
USD - 188.99    *open back
GBP - 124.65    *wide soundstage
EUR - 149.00    *over ear
JPY - 13,802
-- Beyerdynamic DT880
USD - 199.99    *semi-open back
GBP - 168.01    *v-shaped signature
EUR - 218.00    *available in different impedence ratings
                *available in Pro or Premium
-- AKG Q701
USD - 195.00    *open back
GBP - 171.00    *wide soundstage
EUR - 205.00    *analytical sound
                *cheaper than K701 in the US
                *needs an amp
                *available in different colours
                *headband bumps can cause comfort issues
-- Beyerdynamic DT250
USD - 199.99    *closed back
GBP - 112.53    *balanced sound
EUR - 145.00    *available in different impedence ratings

-- Sony MDR-CD900ST
USD - 200.00    *closed back
GBP - 129.00    *Japanese import
EUR - 163.25    *does not have foldable hinges like the V6
JPY - 16,163    *developed by Sony Music Entertainment
                *vocal monitoring headphone
                *used in the seiyuu industry
                *made in Japan
-- AKG K550
USD - 231.00    *included because they're cheaper in Europe
GBP - 99.00     *offer great value for Euros
EUR - 155.00    *closed back
                *easy to drive
                *balanced signature
                *good soundstage for a closed headphone
-- AKG K701
USD - 250.00    *included because they're cheaper in Europe
GBP - 144.57    *open back
EUR - 185.00    *wide soundstage
                *analytical sound
                *needs an amp
                *now made in China
                *headband bumps can cause comfort issues
-- AKG K702
USD - 218.99    *included because they're cheaper in Europe
GBP - 159.00    *open back
EUR - 205.00    *wide soundstage
                *analytical sound
                *needs an amp
                *now made in China
-- Sennheiser HD 25 ALUMINIUM
USD - 329.95    *included because they're cheaper in Europe
GBP - 144.57    *available in many different versions
EUR - 185.00    *popular with DJs
                *used in professional televion production
-- Focal Spirit Professional
USD - 349.99    *included because they are cheaper in Europe
GBP - 200.00    *over ear
EUR - 257.00    *closed back
                *foldable
                *small cups
                *balanced sound
                *removable cable
                *accessories included



FAQ
>why is there only information about some headphones?
This guide is still being written, it will probably never be finished as new headphones are always being released.

>I have a question, can I contact you?
I don't post on 4chan. However I can usually be found in the /tech/ headphone thread.

>Do you do reviews and paid shilling?
No. I prefer to remain objective. I feel that I were to receive an item for review without paying for it with my own money, it would distort my view of it unfairly. If you want to send me something for free without a review process, I'm open to suggestion.

>Will you be doing video reviews in the future?
Never.

>why do prices vary between countries so much?
Generally it's to do with the currency exchange rate aswell as the cost of exporting from the country the manufacturer is based in. If the currency of your home country is weak, expect to pay more for foreign brands.

>what is the difference between on ear and over ear?
On ear or supra aural means that the headphone pads will sit on your ears rather than around them. Some people may find this uncomfortable, others may prefer it because the headphone cups are smaller which is better in a portable headphone.
Over ear or circumaural means that headphone pads will enclose the entire ear. This usually creates a better seal and is more comfortable. The downside is that headphones of this type are larger and less portable.

>what do words like analytical, bass heavy, and v-shaped mean?
These are words used to describe sound signature. I will explain a few of them without going full PRaT.
Analytical - Generally lacking in the low end with an upper midrange emphasis, can sound tinny.
Bright - Emphasis on treble. It can make vocals sibilant, which is the hissing on "s" sounds, it can also cause percussion to become peircing. It's desirable on studio monitoring headphones as it reveals errors in recordings.
Bass heavy - Boosted bass. Just what it says. The majority of consumers enjoy bass but too much can over power the other frequencies, it can also induce headaches and cause listening fatigue.
Balanced - Evenness across all frequencies with no emphasis on a particular range.
Neutral - Flat frequency response.
V-shaped - Boosted bass and treble. Usually considered a fun signature. Vocals can feel distant. Depending on the degree of the v curve it can have the positives and negatives of both the bright and bass heavy signatures.
How a headphone sounds is subjective, there is no universally perfect sound signature. It's down to you're personal preference.

>what is soundstage?
Without getting too technical, it's a sense of audio spatial awareness. When listening to music through headphones with good soundstage you feel as though you are aware of where a particular sound or instrument in coming from and how far away it is. When listening to classical, for example, it can seem as though you are in a concert hall listening to the performance. It can be an immersive experience. Soundstage can be described as wide or narrow. Soundstage is subjective, some people even deny it exists. All I can really say is that you will know when you experience it.

>what is a driver?
A driver in headphone terminology is the speaker part of the headphone that creates sound. There are three main types, dynamic, planar-magnetic and electrostatic. All of the headphones listed in this guide are dynamic. For more information on this click the link to the wiki in the OP.

>what headphones should I use for gaming?
There are a few things you should look for. It is generally recommended on /hpg/ that you purchase headphones and a microphone separately rather than a headset. Avoid gimmicks such as built in surround sound and wireless headsets. Look for open headphones with a wide soundstage. This helps with positional accuracy in FPS where you will be able to tell the location of a certain sound effect, such as the footsteps of an enemy. If you feel you need surround sound, it can be done in software, such as Dolby Headphone. This is a very brief synopsis to point you in the right direction.

>what is impedence?
>do I need an amplifier

>will an amplifier improve sound quality?
No. It will make your headphones louder.

>do I need a DAC?
Your motherboard already has a DAC, so does your mobile phone or portable media player. DAC is an acronym of Digital to Analogue Converter. The real question is if it is worth spending money on an external DAC. If the headphone output from your computer is free of noise and you do not get inteference from using ports or peripherals then the answer is probably not. Getting a DAC isn't going to give you a mind blowing aural orgasm or change your life, no matter how big or expensive it is. The change is subtle.

>Do I need to burn in my headphones?
No. The best thing you can do after buying your new headphones is listen to them.

>what is the difference between a sound card and a DAC/amp setup?