Best Headphones For Under $100? - Update

[WDRacing]

I'm in the market for a new set of headphones, but I don't really want to spend more than $100. Unless there is a substantial reason for spending a bit more coin. I have a decent set of ear buds already, so please exclude ear buds from your selection/opinion.

Thanks.

[Kompresshun]

Personally I prefer something bluetooth, but that's because I use my phone or tablet for 99% of my media needs. I have a set of cheap Dell bluetooth headphones that lasted about 4 years and only set me back $20 at the time. I haven't bought a normal set of headphones in quite some time though, because I prefer the sound of a good set of ear buds over a bulky set of headphones. I have a couple of sets of ear buds that i'd put up against most full size headphones for quality, bass, and overall sound.

Obviously Beats stuff is highly overpriced. I think Skull Candy makes some decent ones, but other than that, I don't really even know anymore.

[WDRacing]

I have a sweet set of ear buds as well, I just get tired of having something in my ear at times. I had a really nice set of headphones, but the cord got f*** up.

I'm not opposed to BT headphones, all my devices are BT capable.

[Kompresshun]

I don't think they offer those Dell headphones anymore, but these are VERY similar to them. I really did like these a lot and they were comfortable for wear for long periods of time. I don't like any headphones that have to go over my head either.

http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-BTH220-Blu ... HEADPHONES

These also seem nice:

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-S305-Blu ... HEADPHONES

Both get good reviews it seems and another thing I love is that they have music controls right on them too. Really nice when you don't want to keep the device right in front of you to navigate music and adjust the volume.

[frapjap]

I have a sweet set of ear buds as well, I just get tired of having something in my ear at times. I had a really nice set of headphones, but the cord got f***ed up.

Cords piss me off, so I bought a set of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS-130 ... ser+rs-170



Reasons for my purchase:
Sennheiser is the s***. Even since using an amplified version of headphones that my dad used to have from his 20's, nothing has sounded better to me (generally speaking on the consumer market) than Sennheiser. Cordless was a huge plus for me. I can take these bad boys about 40-50 yards away from the house while doing yard work without an issue. However, if your room is RIGHT next to a transformer (and I mean RIGHT next to it, like you can reach out and touch it) the signal will get fuzzy. Occasionally you'll get a pop or a hum from time to time (typical with wireless headphones) but its not even close to objectionable. They've got a great battery life, and in the 5-6 hours I used to spend studying every day, they never missed a beat (pun intended). Weight is minimal, you'll never get tired of having them on your head and they're very well padded- they wont crush your skull, but will still provide a very good over the ear seal without wear and tear on the material over time; I've had mine for 7-ish years. Also, they go around the ear, not on the ear, which is very comfy.The sound quality is outstanding and the headphones are still top of the line, as is anything ever made by Senn. However, I notice that they have not depreciated a lot, so here is a link to their less expensive (though still fully capable) cousin that is right in your price range. I promise that they will not disappoint.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-RS120- ... ser+rs-170

[WDRacing]

I don't think those will work for me Ray. I want them for gaming and streaming Pandora. Their Bluetooth models are pricey! I don't doubt they're excellent, but they're a bit more than I want to spend.

Since I don't mind wired, I might take a look at the Sennheiser HD 518's. They seem to get pretty good reviews.

I'm familiar with their products btw, Senn has been around a long time.

[krash]

I cant stand bad audio, but at the same time, I dont need the sound of the heavenly choir in my ear every time I want to listen to music. I just grab some $20 skull candy headphones until they disintegrate (which usually takes about a year). For over-ear headphones, I just have some $50 studio headphones I got from Guitar Center.

[Jesda]

Anything from Grado Labs except the "iGrado". Grados tend to have a glistening, sparkling sound. Imagine the stars at night in rural Montana. Every small detail suddenly becomes discernible and clear. Some say the bass is a bit subdued but that's how I prefer home listening.


Sony's MDRV6 series, used by Quincy Jones himself. Popular for a good reason. Avoid the MDRzx100 which are throwaway cheapos.


Koss Pro DJ series. Bass can be a little on the boomy side but everything sounds punchy, lively, and powerful.


Audio Technica ATHM35 and M50 (okay, those are a LOT more than $100 but theyre awesome).


A lot of people like Sennheiser but aside from the wireless pair I happen to own, I'm not a fan. I find the mids to be too forward and lacking in smoothness.

[skydragoness]

Sony's MDRV6 series, used by Quincy Jones himself. Popular for a good reason. Avoid the MDRzx100 which are throwaway cheapos.

This.

I own a pair, bought them off of Amazon.com, great sound clarity. They make my Logitech 5.1 surround speakers on my computer sound like s*** when I unplug the headphones.

[szh]

Sony's MDRV6 series, used by Quincy Jones himself. Popular for a good reason. Avoid the MDRzx100 which are throwaway cheapos.

This.

I own a pair, bought them off of Amazon.com, great sound clarity. They make my Logitech 5.1 surround speakers on my computer sound like s*** when I unplug the headphones.

Also agreed. I owned a pair of Sony MDR-V6 for years and liked them a lot ... for the price. Am considering get them again as a backup pair.

Grado SR-60i is also very good, better than the Sony for music. The Audio Technica ATH-M50 is comparable to both the Sony and Grado, although more expensive than the Sony MDR-V6, of course.

If you are willing to spend some more money though, then the AKG Q701 is the one I would recommend the most. About $240 from Amazon and stellar sound for that price.

The Sennheiser's can be quite good, but not the cheaper ones ... the HD650 is excellent, but a bit pricey, and not necessarily worth it compared to the AKG Q701.

If you are planning to use these for home, then avoid "noise-cancelling" units - they will compromise the sound quality, although are indispensable for airplane travel!

Also avoid the Beats Pro (or anything by that manufacturer) unless you like inaccurate, over-emphasized bass.

Z

[Jesda]

Also avoid the Beats Pro (or anything by that manufacturer) unless you like inaccurate, over-emphasized bass.

Z

Agreed. And overpriced!