Headphone suggestions at around $500.00

[grammefriday]

Looking to spend around $500 on headphones for a birthday gift and hoping for some suggestions. I personally use Grado's but thought there may be something more suitable for a 50/50 usage split across TV/Streaming viewing and CD/Internet Radio listening. Thank you

[Neo]

Why not visit Minidisc in Chatswood and try for yourself, they have a massive selection on display with plenty of gear to listen on. 
Neo

[mwhouston]

I have these in 32 and 250ohm. The 250ohm sounds better. Cheap as. 
 

 

[Cope]

Sennheiser HD550 - $479.95

If you believe the measurements, these are in the ballpark of the old HD580 Precision, which is a very nice thing. Rave reviews. I've yet to try a pair myself, but I own enough Sennheisers to be pretty confident it's a winner.

https://www.minidisc.com.au/sennheiser-hd-550-audiophile-open-headphone

 

Hifiman Sundara something-or-other-new-verson-that's-basically-the-same-as-always - $549

Unlike the above, these are planars, and at 32 ohms 94dB they should run off anything. Build quality is hit and miss with Hifiman, but even so these are  consistently recommended.

https://www.minidisc.com.au/hifiman-sundara-2022-neo-supernano-magnetic-planar-headphones

 

On 29/03/2025 at 11:08 PM, mwhouston said:

I have these in 32 and 250ohm. The 250ohm sounds better. Cheap as. 
 

 

 

I agree that these are great value if you don't need to blow the whole $500. I have the 80 ohm and the 250 ohm, and the 80 is a bit mellower, although both are a V-shaped tuning with an odd sibilance shelf in the treble in the 5-8k range. That said, they're fun if you're treble tolerant, near indestructible, and if you did manage to break them somehow, you can rebuild them from parts you can buy individually from the supplier. The 250ohm has a curly cable that is great at a desk, and terrible everywhere else. If you need it to run off a phone, the 250 ohm might not be the best choice.

 

If the DT770 tuning sounds not your cup of tea, and you can live with a semi open back, the DT880 is more neutral with less bass a little less sibilance.

 

If you want to lose the Beyer sibilance altogether but keep the bass bump of the DT770 and the bomb-proof construction, consider this guy:

 

https://www.minidisc.com.au/beyerdynamic-tygr-300-r-gaming-headphones

[aussievintage]

Every time I go listening to headphones, Sennheiser always seems to be the brand I like most.  Even the cheap ones - I have a pair of HD558s that I use often.

 

[mwhouston]

I have to have closed back because I use them on a plane with one of my DIY compact CMoy style HP amps. Mine have been to 20 countries and dragged out in 35 major cities and show no signs of wear. And this is not counting all the times they have been on the road and used when we stay out. I do look after them though. 
 

https://retro-thermionic.blogspot.com/2020/04/blue-wave-cmoy-style-portable-hp-amp.html

 

[Cope]

1 hour ago, aussievintage said:

Every time I go listening to headphones, Sennheiser always seems to be the brand I like most.  Even the cheap ones - I have a pair of HD558s that I use often.

 

 

They're certainly a reliable brand. You can also get the HD600 for $599 which a lot of people say is all you ever need, although I find the newer 'silver screen' version has a bit too much ear gain for me, and the lack of sound stage is something I find unnerving. That said, I have 2 pairs, so they are still a fine thing.

 

My favourite 'never sounds bad, can wear it all day' open back headphone is actually an Audio-Technica ATH-R70X, which fixes most of my problems with the HD600 sound, and would be in the budget for this list, but it was recently discontinued. It was replaced with the R70XA, which seems to be a little more, lively, maybe not in a good way. That one may still be worth a look, but both versions are 470ohm, so an amp is a must. The only other noteworthy issue is that some people find the earpads on the small side.

 

Other suggestions that come to mind, but for closed back: 

 

Sennheiser HD620S - $349 on sale

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/sennheiser-hd620s-closed-back-headphones

 

which seem to be on sale because they have been completely overshadowed by

 

Fiio FT1 -$269

The were some early build quality issues with this to do with screws in the gimbal assembly, but they're supposedly fine now.

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/fiio-ft1-over-ear-closed-back-headphones

Edited March 31 by Cope

[Kaynin]

For me these closed backs won me over.  I use them for my PC or ipad and out walking using my iphone.  Right in the ballpark for budget, beautiful to look at too -

 

https://www.apollohifi.com.au/meze-audio-99-classics.html

 

 

[fjs]

15 minutes ago, Cope said:

 

They're certainly a reliable brand. You can also get the HD600 for $599 which a lot of people say is all you ever need, although I find the newer 'silver screen' version has a bit too much ear gain for me, and the lack of sound stage is something I find unnerving. That said, I have 2 pairs, so they are still a fine thing.

 

My favourite 'never sounds bad, can wear it all day' open back headphone is actually an Audio-Technica ATH-R70X, which fixes most of my problems with the HD600 sound, and would be in the budget for this list, but it was recently discontinued. It was replaced with the R70XA, which seems to be a little more, lively, maybe not in a good way. That one may still be worth a look, but both versions are 470ohm, so an amp is a must. The only other noteworthy issue is that some people find the earpads on the small side.

 

Other suggestions that come to mind, but for closed back: 

 

Sennheiser HD620S - $349 on sale

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/sennheiser-hd620s-closed-back-headphones

 

which seem to be on sale because they have been completely overshadowed by

 

Fiio FT1 -$269

The were some early build quality issues with this to do with screws in the gimbal assembly, but they're supposedly fine now.

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/fiio-ft1-over-ear-closed-back-headphones

I have quite a number of headphones ranging up to $1500 and the most comfortable, most enjoyable for all kinds of music is my ath r70x. I have read reviews that many people don’t like the winged headband but for my head they are the best design. They appear flimsy but are well made. I ended up buying a pair of balanced cables for them only because I wanted 1.5 cable as the stock cable is pretty horrible although to its advantage there is no left or right input. I also like my grado rs2 which I find very comfortable but many don’t.

[Kaynin]

9 hours ago, Cope said:

Build quality is hit and miss with Hifiman, 

 

I got sick and tired of the leather on my Edition X's flaking like dandruff, so scraped the top layer off.  This was on both the support band and earpads.  It came off so easily it was like a hot knife through butter, all I used was my thumb nail!  They're about 8 years old.  I'm now waiting on the arrival of new earpads and headband, but this is really poor quality.  The leather on the earpads on my LCD3's have perished (about same age), but cracking perished not simply scrape off the top layer perish, but the headband leather is still in great nick.  I always viewed the Audeze build quality as a bit sub-standard for my expectations, but Hifi-man is certainly worse.

[fjs]

1 minute ago, Kaynin said:

 

I got sick and tired of the leather on my Edition X's flaking like dandruff, so scraped the top layer off.  This was on both the support band and earpads.  It came off so easily it was like a hot knife through butter, all I used was my thumb nail!  They're about 8 years old.  I'm now waiting on the arrival of new earpads and headband, but this is really poor quality.  The leather on the earpads on my LCD3's have perished (about same age), but cracking perished not simply scrape off the top layer perish, but the headband leather is still in great nick.  I always viewed the Audeze build quality as a bit sub-standard for my expectations, but Hifi-man is certainly worse.

Flakey earpads were a problem also on my oppo pm3. In just over one year with little use they cracked and flaked. Like you with your Audeze I just scraped it off with fingernails and the cloth base underneath is extremely comfortable perhaps not as hygienic but I’m the only user. In general I have found the build quality of many headphones to be terrible especially the earpads even on very expensive headphones. Not quite sure why we put up with it.

[aussievintage]

37 minutes ago, fjs said:

Flakey earpads were a problem also on my oppo pm3. In just over one year with little use they cracked and flaked. Like you with your Audeze I just scraped it off with fingernails and the cloth base underneath is extremely comfortable perhaps not as hygienic but I’m the only user. In general I have found the build quality of many headphones to be terrible especially the earpads even on very expensive headphones. Not quite sure why we put up with it.

 

The "frog" leather on my cheap JBLs also flaked off.  I bought new replacements (3rd party) so we'll see how they go, but I am kinda off leather now I think.

[Almaz]

47 minutes ago, fjs said:

In general I have found the build quality of many headphones to be terrible especially the earpads even on very expensive headphones. Not quite sure why we put up with it.

Couldn’t agree more. You would think for the money there’re charging they could at the very least use real leather. Quality is something that is sadly overlooked these days due to replacement this and replacement that, cables, headphone pads. I’m sure it a way to gain extra dollars after the sale. Just make it once and make it right!

[Cope]

38 minutes ago, fjs said:

I have quite a number of headphones ranging up to $1500 and the most comfortable, most enjoyable for all kinds of music is my ath r70x. I have read reviews that many people don’t like the winged headband but for my head they are the best design. They appear flimsy but are well made. I ended up buying a pair of balanced cables for them only because I wanted 1.5 cable as the stock cable is pretty horrible although to its advantage there is no left or right input. I also like my grado rs2 which I find very comfortable but many don’t.

 

R70X had a mixed review reception, with 2 major reviewers being firmly in the camp of 'why buy anything like an HD600 when the HD600 exists'? While Crinacle gave it a great review, and Zeos said it was nearly identical to HD650 and either one was a valid choice, both Resolve and Super Review gave reviews that played out like a job interview where they'd already given the position to someone else. The main critique boiled down to 'but the HD600 is cheaper, and the HD6XX is cheaper still', but those things are only really true in the US market, and the argument also assumes the viewer has no problems with the HD600. Either way, those reviews killed a lot of the interest IMO.

 

My only complaint is that Audio-Technica just don't supply replacement pads. At all.

 

1 hour ago, fjs said:

Flakey earpads were a problem also on my oppo pm3. In just over one year with little use they cracked and flaked. Like you with your Audeze I just scraped it off with fingernails and the cloth base underneath is extremely comfortable perhaps not as hygienic but I’m the only user. In general I have found the build quality of many headphones to be terrible especially the earpads even on very expensive headphones. Not quite sure why we put up with it.

 

This is mainly a cheap faux leather thing, which is annoying because good synthetic leather products exist (Alcantara for example), but I guess that's too expensive or something.

 

I'm most sad about my Fostex TH-X00, which are starting to peel despite much care. If I wore glasses the Fostex pads would be completely destroyed.

 

So, to bring it back to the topic, if you wear glasses and you're shopping for headphones, something with velour pads are going to be a better pick.

[fjs]

1 hour ago, Cope said:

 

R70X had a mixed review reception, with 2 major reviewers being firmly in the camp of 'why buy anything like an HD600 when the HD600 exists'? While Crinacle gave it a great review, and Zeos said it was nearly identical to HD650 and either one was a valid choice, both Resolve and Super Review gave reviews that played out like a job interview where they'd already given the position to someone else. The main critique boiled down to 'but the HD600 is cheaper, and the HD6XX is cheaper still', but those things are only really true in the US market, and the argument also assumes the viewer has no problems with the HD600. Either way, those reviews killed a lot of the interest IMO.

 

My only complaint is that Audio-Technica just don't supply replacement pads. At all.

 

 

This is mainly a cheap faux leather thing, which is annoying because good synthetic leather products exist (Alcantara for example), but I guess that's too expensive or something.

 

I'm most sad about my Fostex TH-X00, which are starting to peel despite much care. If I wore glasses the Fostex pads would be completely destroyed.

 

So, to bring it back to the topic, if you wear glasses and you're shopping for headphones, something with velour pads are going to be a better pick.

Your comments re sennheiser and ath I find interesting. I’ve also read many reviews and came to the same conclusion as you. I own the ath and the only sennheiser I own is the drop hd58x jubilee. Everything I’ve read about the 58x says it is the equal of any of the 600 series or so close but with better bass and wider soundstage. If I wanted a ‘better’ sounding sennheiser I would need to go to the 800 series. I don’t know if that is true or not. Anyway, I just compared both headphones and my observations are that the ath has a much wider soundstage and the detail and neutrality to me are spot on. The sennheiser whilst equally pleasant to listen to are a little warmer which seems to muffle some detail but that’s very subjective. I’ve wanted to buy another pair of sennheiser a step up from the 58x and thinking that the hd490pro may be the one but again everything I read says that they are all so close in sound signature to every headphone in the 600 series. Several reviews that I have read have rated the hd series from best to worst overall as 58x, 600, 600s, 650 and lastly 600s2. I have no idea if this is right but it would annoy me severely if I pay $600 for say the hd600 only to hear that they are so close to the 58x and a waste of money.

[Kaynin]

2 hours ago, aussievintage said:

 

The "frog" leather on my cheap JBLs also flaked off.  I bought new replacements (3rd party) so we'll see how they go, but I am kinda off leather now I think.

 

I actually have more faith in regards to longevity of the 3rd party products than from the OEM.

[075Congo]

Try a pair of SHURE SRH 840 headphones at $319......excellent comfort and performance.

 

[Cacofonix]

On 29/03/2025 at 5:15 PM, grammefriday said:

Looking to spend around $500 on headphones for a birthday gift and hoping for some suggestions. I personally use Grado's but thought there may be something more suitable for a 50/50 usage split across TV/Streaming viewing and CD/Internet Radio listening. Thank you

I've gone all in with Grados. 

In the <$500 bracket I've owned both Sundaras and extensively demoed Edition XS but it was the SR325x that grabbed me by the stereocilia and I've since added 3 more Grado models.

They say Grado is a love/hate proposition. So where does that leave you for choices if you absolutely love Grado?

I used to own HD650, then I bought an SR80i and the previously enjoyable, universally acclaimed Senn suddenly sounded like mud.

I don't envy you your task, GF. And apologies for being of no help whatsoever.

 

[aussievintage]

27 minutes ago, Cacofonix said:

I've gone all in with Grados. 

In the <$500 bracket I've owned both Sundaras and extensively demoed Edition XS but it was the SR325x that grabbed me by the stereocilia and I've since added 3 more Grado models.

They say Grado is a love/hate proposition. So where does that leave you for choices if you absolutely love Grado?

I used to own HD650, then I bought an SR80i and the previously enjoyable, universally acclaimed Senn suddenly sounded like mud.

I don't envy you your task, GF. And apologies for being of no help whatsoever.

 

 

Yep, it's love/hate for sure.  The Grado sound hurts my ears, too piercing in the mids.  I prefer the less peaky, nice blanket of sound from the Sennheisers   

[grammefriday]

3 hours ago, Cacofonix said:

I've gone all in with Grados. 

In the <$500 bracket I've owned both Sundaras and extensively demoed Edition XS but it was the SR325x that grabbed me by the stereocilia and I've since added 3 more Grado models.

They say Grado is a love/hate proposition. So where does that leave you for choices if you absolutely love Grado?

I used to own HD650, then I bought an SR80i and the previously enjoyable, universally acclaimed Senn suddenly sounded like mud.

I don't envy you your task, GF. And apologies for being of no help whatsoever.

 

 

Thanks anyway. I personally use the Grado's and have done for a few years but this is for a birthday present so I am looking at something a little more 'mainstream'

 

 

[Cope]

8 hours ago, fjs said:

Your comments re sennheiser and ath I find interesting. I’ve also read many reviews and came to the same conclusion as you. I own the ath and the only sennheiser I own is the drop hd58x jubilee. Everything I’ve read about the 58x says it is the equal of any of the 600 series or so close but with better bass and wider soundstage. If I wanted a ‘better’ sounding sennheiser I would need to go to the 800 series. I don’t know if that is true or not. Anyway, I just compared both headphones and my observations are that the ath has a much wider soundstage and the detail and neutrality to me are spot on. The sennheiser whilst equally pleasant to listen to are a little warmer which seems to muffle some detail but that’s very subjective. I’ve wanted to buy another pair of sennheiser a step up from the 58x and thinking that the hd490pro may be the one but again everything I read says that they are all so close in sound signature to every headphone in the 600 series. Several reviews that I have read have rated the hd series from best to worst overall as 58x, 600, 600s, 650 and lastly 600s2. I have no idea if this is right but it would annoy me severely if I pay $600 for say the hd600 only to hear that they are so close to the 58x and a waste of money.

 

Not to completely derail the thread, but, take a look at this:

 

https://graph.hangout.audio/headphones/?share=Harman_AE_OE_2015_Target,HD58X,HD580_(Black_silk),HD600_S3_(2020)_(fresh_pads),HD650_S2_(2020)_(fresh_pads),R70x,HD800S

 

I've loaded up measurements of the HD58X, the original HD580 (silk baffle variant), HD600, HD650, R70X, and HD800S. You can show and hide each squiggle with the eye icon next to the names down the bottom, and the gray line is the 2015 Harman preference curve which is useful as a frame of reference.

 

You'll see that they all have similarities, but the HD58X actually uses a cheaper driver than the rest of the HDs and while the bass is very similar to the R70X, the upper midrange and treble is comparatively muted. Every one of the other HD6X0 headphones, including the original HD580 Precision, will sound clearer. Other things you can see are that the R70X has a fuller midbass than the Senns, less energy at just below 3KHz, and a saddle between 4 and 6KHz that may give it space. Note that the HD800S, known for soundstage, has the same saddle except it's elevated 7dB, whereas the HD600, known for having no soundstage at all, has no dip there. Not that I know that's a legitimate thing, just spitballing based on measurements. That's the way they should be used, IMO - not to tell people what to like, but to help people understand what they like.

 

Back on topic, I reckon the mainstream vibes from the suggestions shake out like this:

 

Listens to pop, electronica, rap = Hifiman (or Fiio or Meze if they want a closed back).

 

Is a gamer and wants to hear a pin drop, or is rough with their things = Beyers.

 

Listens to a lot of vocals, appreciates refinement = go for a Sennheiser of some kind, with the Audio-Technica as a backup option.

[grammefriday]

Listened to several candidates at Minidisc in Chatswood this morning and went with the Beyerdynamics DT900 Pro X headphones. Compared to others they seemed to have more clarity, detail and depth not to mention good online reviews for that price category. Thanks to all for your feedback and comments as they gave me a good base from which to start researching from

[fjs]

44 minutes ago, grammefriday said:

Listened to several candidates at Minidisc in Chatswood this morning and went with the Beyerdynamics DT900 Pro X headphones. Compared to others they seemed to have more clarity, detail and depth not to mention good online reviews for that price category. Thanks to all for your feedback and comments as they gave me a good base from which to start researching from

I think that is a good choice, I myself have a pair of beyer t90 which are quite old but very enjoyable. I have many headphones and after following this forum I decided to listen to them all this morning playing just one song. To be honest they are all good, some are a bit warmer than others but if you asked me to pick one that stood out I couldn’t do it because they are all good just slightly different. What I did notice is that some are very comfortable and well built whilst others are not so comfortable or well built. I’m slowly coming to the conclusion that after a certain price point comfort and build quality is as equally important as sound quality. I have a pair of hifiman ananda that I don’t use very often and already the faux leather on the side of the earpads is cracking and flaking off. To me this is inexcusable. 

[Cope]

1 hour ago, grammefriday said:

Listened to several candidates at Minidisc in Chatswood this morning and went with the Beyerdynamics DT900 Pro X headphones. Compared to others they seemed to have more clarity, detail and depth not to mention good online reviews for that price category. Thanks to all for your feedback and comments as they gave me a good base from which to start researching from

 

Neat! I didn't know much about this one, but now I've looked it up I'm actually pretty keen to try it. You get Beyer build, Senn-like sound but with added bass, and a detachable cable that isn't a proprietary connector. Not bad at all - I think the recipient will be stoked.

Edited April 2 by Cope