Ive got a budget of $300, can someone tell me a good pair of open backs that are considered “fun”, primarily use for music listening? previously Ive tried the hd560s but didnt really like them because they felt too flat. so far Im thinking of getting the x2hr, what do you think?
I also already have a fiio k3 so power probably shouldnt be an issue.
Welcome to HFGF to help a little more what types/genres of music do you listen to?
variety, but mainly metal
I’d probably recommend a darker sounding open back a 4XX [now the HE-4] which is cheap $130, would be an excellent metal headphone to start it’s relatively comfy and fun as well overall good starting point.
My reasoning is that a darker headphone for those guitars is the way to go for sure. As guitars usually of course will add to the treble and a darker headphone would help make that more enjoyable. Also the 4XX is warm, VERY open. And really fun and a great planar. That easy really.
HarmonicDyne Zeus might be worth checking out
thanks, Ill be sure to check them out, do you know how the build quality and longevitiy on the 4xx are? Ive heard really bad things about hifiman regarding those
I would go for the HD58X’s over the X2HR’s. I had and compared both. The HD58X’s had more clarity and a cleaner bass. And pretty cheap at $170.00, although the X2HR’s were cheaper (I think $99.00 on Boxing Day).
To max out that budget, you could look at the Meze 99 Classic’s, or for less, the Noir’s. Light, comfortable, nice sound with some bass kick.
I’m gonna get flack for this…but the semi-open AudioQuest Nighthawk Carbon are very fun!
Agreed. These days they’ve really cleaned that up. But yes that certainly could be a factor but they’ve made an effort that their modern headphones have better Quality control
Oh no… Nighthawk gang… [I fully agree the nighthawks would be great]
are you stalking me? LoL! I bet you have a keyword notification setup so when someone says NHC or Nighthawk or Carbon you et a heads up of someone you can trol. LoL!
good ribbing man, good ribbing
I thought the 99s were closed back?
You’re right and I am an idiot!
I’m an idiot more often than not…
I just got lost in the dollar figures.
If you are suffering from flat sound it most likely means you need a tube amp. Tubes will be holographic euphonic. Senns sound best on tubes.
I agree some tubes would definitely help here.
note, that this is also very headphone dependent. many love tubes and just as many don’t.
from what I could see from DMS’s video of the HD560s with a tube it did react well.