Headphone Recommendation <$200 USD

[jeewon]

I recently have broken my current headphones, Philips Fidelio X2HRs. The picture pasted above shows what I broke sort of. I super-glued that plastic screw piece back onto the hole of the headphones. I can imagine that this would only be effective for a couple of months then just break again. So, I am asking for help on what type of headphones I should purchase.

I have purchased the following headphones in order: Philips SHP9500, Monoprice Retro, Hifiman Electronic Edition S, Philips Fidelio X2HR.

I am not the most knowledgable about audio and audio engineering, so bear with me about my gear. I use the following gear ↓

1. Amazonbasics 3.5mm Male-to-Male Stereo Cable
2. Behringer UM2. (I plug my headphones through this, so I am unsure if it is an pre-amp or amp).

For me, I am looking for headphones that: come with a removable cable, comfortable, have good build quality, are open or closed, offers a wide soundstage, and possibly neutral sounding.

This may not be too helpful, but I am generally looking for something that can pretty much excel the Philips Fidelio X2HR in many departments regarding sound.

“are open or closed,” - I understand that this might cause some issue with looking for headphones, but I am fine with either open or closed. I might lean more towards open because I heard before that most open cans have wider sound stages.

“possibly neutral sounding.” - Unsure with how this term is used or thrown around within the audiophile community, but I thought the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones sounded too boring after a while, but still great. I mostly listen to R&B, K-Pop, J-pop, City-pop, and classical music. I thought these headphones were great for classical music, but a bit lacking when it came to the vocals of old K-pop, Old J-pop, and City-pop. The vocals would be lacking and sort of hide the instruments that could be heard in the background I noticed in a couple of songs. I would really like the vocals to sound strong and to be able to hear the instruments too. (Not really sure what curve or type of sound signature this would be). All kinds of help are appreciated for this ! Thank you in advance!

[twinkboi]

Hmmmm maybe a 58x? Not wide sounding at all but checks off most boxes. It’s a beast of an all rounder with great vocals! I listen to tons of kpop and it sounded great for kpop with nice treble, bass and great mids! Vocals are Def not recessed nor convoluted which is what you might be experiencing with the x2hr. Honestly just a great headphone with amazing separation, tonality on point, forward vocals, decent bass, mids and treble. And should run off most amps unlike other options

The DT 770 also came to mind but the vocals were Def a bit recessed and would probably be too big a change in sound sig but is indeed wide sounding

[jeewon]

Thank you ! What you said really nailed the coffin in what I am essentially looking for as an upgrade. I do not really care about bass too much since I don’t really listen to any bass heavy songs nor am I a basshead. But, if what you say can be held true about the 58x then I definitely could buy it. Although, would my Behringer UM2 suffice since I am unsure as to whether or not it works as an amp source for the 58x.

Another question that I would like to ask is if I could buy different cables for the 58x. From the pictures I have seen, the cable looks to be a bit stiff or meh.

The DT 770 is definitely open for consideration if you could describe a bit more about the big change in sound signature.

Also, do you have an specific kpop songs that you used with those headphones that really shows its treble, bass, and mids.

[twinkboi]

@jeewon

Although, would my Behringer UM2 suffice since I am unsure as to whether or not it works as an amp source for the 58x.

I can’t say for sure but thr 58x is not that picky. So honestly it should sound good even of urs.

@jeewon

do not really care about bass too much since I don’t really listen to any bass heavy songs nor am I a basshead

Nice then, 58x has good bass but is more well rounded where it’s not the focus.

@jeewon

Another question that I would like to ask is if I could buy different cables for the 58x. From the pictures I have seen, the cable looks to be a bit stiff or meh

Most people don’t like it lol. I’m not auper picky about cables tho. I think in Amazon u could get a fantasía cable, I’ve had some and those r nice.

@jeewon

The DT 770 is definitely open for consideration if you could describe a bit more about the big change in sound signature.

So it’s Def brighter sounding with more fun sounding bass. Treble can hurt the head if ur treble sensetive, and pretty wide sounding but vocals and mids Def take the back seat. It’s not particularly impressive when it comes to detail imo. Basically the opposite of the 58x

@jeewon

Also, do you have an specific kpop songs that you used with those headphones that really shows its treble, bass, and mids

So at that time I listened to alot of (G) - Idle, Gfriend and other kpop stuff i remember being into the whole sound sig with the bass being pretty decent and fun with its slam, the mids really shined with great timbre and the treble surprised me! Because it actually sounded pretty detailed and fun! Also kpop isn’t usually too complicated so most headphones can play it well.

Specific songs tho, i remember La Ta Ta from (g) - idle and the rest of that album being great, also from gfriend 바람의 노래

[jeewon]

Yeah I am not really too picky when it comes to the cable, but I just generally want something that’s just flexible or not too intrusive when it comes to my daily activities. I might actually go with 58x very soon, if it goes on sale or something. Thank you very much ! I’ll buy it in a couple of days to see if anyone else will reply to this thread maybe.