Most detailed and clean headphones around $400-$500 USD

@Sherm137 Thanks for the suggestion, but they run for roughly 1000$ USD where I am from, unfortunately way out of my league :smile:

@formerviking I’ve only tried the balanced pads, as they were the only ones available at the event. Even if they were to be a tad more detailed, it’d still not justify “upgrading” from Amiron Homes to 1990 Pros. They are almost identical minus the warmth in the low frequencies.

Check the ollo audio options https://www.olloaudio.com/studio-headphones

I’ve the closed back and I like them.

Well heard! Here’s a measurement plot of the Amirons that agrees with you:


Ignore everything but two things: the black line – which is the Amiron’s raw frequency response from bass to treble – and the blue line which is one version of what a flat frequency response should be. (Everything else cluttering things up is related to EQ.)

Notice how the black line dips down in the middle of the graph (from left to right) just where the blue line is rising. The human voice lives in this middle area. So the Amiron is unnaturally quiet/recessed in just the area in which female vocals are sounding. This is a common problem and almost unavoidable when dealing with headphones that have a significant built-in bass boost.

So what about the Senn HD 660 S?


It’s indeed much better in the female vocal portion of the mids. But the deeper, basso and baritone male vocal portion of the mids is still a bit bloated. However, like all the HD 6** series it’s primary weakness is roll-off in the sub-bass and to some extent in the treble. Many find these easy omissions to live with.

Given your sensitivity to this area, you might want to do a reality check on the actual measurements of any headphone you consider buying if you can’t hear it in person.

Those graphs are terrible, they have a lot of wide lines and are confusing.

Amen to that! Only Amiron Home graph I’m aware of. And at least the measurements are not compensated using some obscure compensation curve. Plus the Harman curve acts as a useful comparator in the mids.

As has been mentioned, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and Sennheiser HD 660 S are good choices here. The DT 1990 Pro goes for $600 MSRP, but you should be able to find it for $500-ish.

Thanks to all of you guys, it’s really highly appreciated!!

I guess I’ll order both the 1990 Pro’s and the 660s and give them a test listen at home and send one of them (or both) back if I don’t like them.

One more question: How’s the Hifiman Sundara doing in terms of detail and clearness?

Thanks again! :v:t2:

Apparently, Sendy Aivas and Hifiman Sundaras are detail monsters. :slight_smile:
(And basically everything at 1000$+)

@Riya where are you located? They are $500 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Technica-Audiophile-ATH-AD2000X-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S32ZPI

I recently got the Sundara, and they are very detailed for the $350 price. Do you own the HE-4XX? They sound pretty similar.

Within Europe right now. Can’t seem to find them new (seem to be discontinued). Only a few resellers on Amazon selling them for 899€ (1k$ USD+)

Senheisser 660S are a great option at that price point

Ahhh dang that stinks.

Thought I’d report back: I found an awesome deal for brand new Sundara’s at a local music store for 200€ (roughly 225$ USD) and what can I say, I’m absolutely blown away. Seriously blown away. The veil around the mids I had noticed with my Amiron Homes is just completely gone. The detail retrieval is unreal and the overall sound is incredibly clean. I couldn’t be any happier with them, especially at that price point.

Thanks again to anyone who’s helped me!

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What?! :open_mouth: Wow!

The store unfortunately had to close down :frowning_face: The owner of it was the only one running it and business just wasn’t as high as anticipated he told me.

He’s now trying to sell as much stuff as possible. Sad to see high end audio stores close down because of lack of business. I guess the majority just buys online nowadays :confused:

Oh I see. :confused:
Still, congrats, that’s a great find.

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I am ashamed to say that I’m part of that problem- I shop online almost exclusively these days. Retail is getting hammered in the US. When I am shopping in a brick and mortar store, I often see other people checking the price Amazon and order the same product right there.

Me too, but I think we’re guilty all the same. It’s just too damn convenient.

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I will say a prayer to the headphone gods that you got a quality pair. I FUCKING LOVE the sound of Hifiman but their quality control is shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

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