At this point I think the Porta Pro could be on there, probably alongside the KPH30i. At least in the US, the Porta Pro has dropped to $35 for months now. At $50 it’s not really “too good for the price” since the KPP30i exists, but for $5 more, it’s a bit of a wash imo. Unfortunately it still seems to be around $50 on Amazon for those outside the US.
Got mine for $20 on prime day, and I found it tonally similar to the KPH30i with different pros/cons in the physical design. I’d argue the PP is slightly sturdier. I noticed the KPH30i is a bit weak around the headband adjustment point. Seen/hear about several people breaking their KPH30i there.
while for the sound they provide I dont consider them too good for the price but the build quality they offer , comfort. and when they do go on sale they are quite some of the best value you can find the akg k52,72 , and 92 should be something for us to start considering.
Love the look of the K92, I’m a sucker for open-back AKGs. These are often new/ob in seconday market for quite cheap, but I’ve still neve snagged a set.
I have a pair of k52’s I have laying around I cannibalized their pads for my k240 and basically made the most comfortable pair of headphones I have ever used
The amount of fun you can have for “cheap” is so impressive, seriously. For damn sure the Monoprice M650s are not “great” beryllium driver headphones (they’re the cheapest I found), Fostex T50RPs are not “great” planars (compared to hifimans, audezes, etc. – it’s a one inch by one inch planar square, these are full-sized planars), the FX Audio Tube-03 tube pre and 6J1P-EV tubes are not “great” tubes, and the SMSL sAp-1 is not a “great” class A amp… but… for ~100$ each, I guarantee you I can hear what the technology can do and enjoy it 100%.
Oh, and since then, I also have the SMSL Sanskrit 10th, and yes, it’s good. AKM chipset smoothness, bass has “authority” I never felt coming from my old AVR AKM dac. My review is also in the official thread. SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII
Adam T5V: excellent small active speakers. Find a cheap dac with a volume control and you’ve got a great system for ~£400. Not dirt cheap but not crazily expensive either. (also Z is raving about the Swan D1090s so maybe they’re worth a look if they’re ever actually on sale).
I’ve always liked the look, particularly blinging gold K92.
However, I remember seeing some recent measurements that were a bit… crazy.
I know, I know - we don’t hear measurements some will say. But FR should matter to all.
the measurements make it more crazy than it seems. its nice bass forward not muddy sound with acceptable treble and detail. its actually pretty smooth as well and darker sounding than what the measurements say but treble is somewhat hard to measure
Betron HD800X Wired/Bluetooth over-ear headphones. Not sure if people will be aware of this UK company, don’t know if they sell Stateside, but these are unquestionably the best bang-for-your-buck I’ve come across. I have bought them for as little as £19.99 (new) in Amazon lightning sales, and never more than £31.99. When they arrive they are good, but when run in they are great. I have put many friends on to these as a starter pair (after listening to mine). They really do have to be heard to appreciate them. The Bluetooth is excellent, and they are even better wired.
You could buy 134 pairs of the HD800X’s for that money. I wear these every day, they are my cycling cans, guaranteed Bluetooth connectivity, great sound, and warm ears. They appear cheaply made but are robust, comfy, and dependable. Would recommend a pair to anyone. Betron is a well-kept secret on this side of the pond.
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII
