I have a pair of k7xx headphones which have quit working. I would like to find a replacement for these preferably under the 200 dollar range.
What I like about the K7xx
-Sound stage
-Bass (it sounds very clean to me)
-Imaging
-Comfort (my room can get hot from my computer, i never once thought my headphones were uncomfortable)
-Semi-open (The semi-open design seemed to be the perfect mix of allowing that open headphone feel and dampening noise from my computer)
I currently am trying the Sennheiser 280 pro’s that I found for 80 dollars and I like the accurate sound, and the bass seems to be very clean to me. The problem I am having with them is I feel these headphones are lacking a lot of sound stage and imaging that my K7xx’s had which I really miss. Also I wear glasses and the 280 pro’s are a bit uncomfortable and hot for my liking. Side note before buying the k7xx from a friend, I purchased the AD 700x and they gave me headaches, so I think I am treble sensitive. Uses for this pair of headphones will include music mainly, but I do casually play games on PC and PS4, like CS:GO, Valorant, and Warzone. I have an external mic but a suggestion with a mic is welcomed but not needed. For amplification I own an SMSL ad18 for my desktop, and an older Dennon receiver for my TV/PS4.
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Not semi open, but the m40x with a pad swap is pretty good. Nice bass, decent soundstage, and comfy. There might be a better option, but this is one I’ve tried.
If you are searching for an identical soundstage to the k7 series in under the $200 range you may as well give that one up. The soundstage to the k7 series is massive and has imaging inaccuracies. The closest you will get is Philips FidelioX2HR(muddy bass) or Philips SHP9500(though you are treble sensitive so this is a bad choice, Alternative would probably be Tygr 300r(bassier than the k7xx but similar in signature).
Nowhere near the same soundstage here. Closed back, can get hot, and is a V signature.
Sennheisers have either a medium or a very small soundstage depending on the series you go with. You won’t find that staging there. You said you cannot use the audio technica AD series so thats out. Only thing I can see left in this budget is philips and beyerdynamic or just go with another akg k7xx. K7xx sound signature is dialed back bass, mids and highs forward while being relatively neutral, a HUGE soundstage, with imaging inaccuracies
<$200 you might as well search the used market. Add $50 and ive seen k712 and sundaras for that price
Potentially not the best… sundaras are definitely bright and he mentioned not even being able to handle ad700x. K712 is also somewhat bright as well which makes me concerned. K7xx was a special exception in the treble.
If you liked the kxx, the k712 isnt too far off from that, kxx maybe a little warmer, there is a slight treble peak at times on the k712 but it really isn’t bad. A bright headphone like the as700x is brighter than the k712 so i think you would be ok. bass is solid and you get that awesome soundstage and comfort. Extend your budget a bit and you can find one on sale or used. Also if you miss the kxx, you could search for a used pair too
Thank you all for the responses. @Falenkor would the Sennheiser HD 58x’s have a medium soundstage I find them to be the most enticing for my budget. From reading reviews it seems they would be similar to the accuracy of the 280 pro’s with more sound stage. Would this be an accurate interpretation? Also beyerdynamic does interest me but from what I have seen they can be bright as well.
Yep, if you are okay with a more medium soundstage than 58x is fine. It sounds good and well arounded.
haven’t sat down with 280 pro can’t speak for certain there since they have that newer revision out of it as well.
They are bright headphones. Which is why I mentioned the Tygr as it’s not bright in particular
I would consider the soundstage of the 58x to be more narrow than medium, but it’s a great headphone.
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Eh, comparing it to the 600 series though? To me personally it sounds bigger is why I say relatively medium it’s not real small but its decent enough.
But going from something like the K7xx, it may feel claustrophobic, as it’s one of the most intimate soundstages I’ve heard. Not saying it’s a bad way to go, as long as you know what you’re getting and have the right expectations.
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I can agree with that sentiment… I brought up the tygr to him because it has what sounds to me as practically the same size in staging, more bass, with some same tonality in the mids and highs. Other than that the only one I can think of in this particular price range is the Fidelios and Shp’s
I’ve decided to try out the 58x to see how they sound, the 300r tygr is very enticing to me, but they are currently out of stock and more expensive. If I end up not liking the sound of the 58x, I will make use of the drop return policy and go for the tygr’s. One thing I just considered is if i really need a wide soundstage I can listen to my my def tech studio 350’s with a sub. They suffice enough for me as far as sound stage and quality. Thank you for the feedback!
It will be very different to what you are using now. It’s good and may prove to help you find exactly what kind of sound signature you prefer. Sound signature is a hell of a lot smaller than the k7xx. Sounds good though. hope it works out