Reddit mentions of AKG Pro Audio K553 MKII Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones,Black

Yes. I've tried all kinds of "gamer" headphones and sets - Razer's junk, Kingston's junk, Skullcandy is laughable, Bose is overpriced and overfeatured, Beats is like two subwoofers on your ears and throwing everything else out the window. They are all $25 headphones made in a crappy chinese factory that have high failure rates and terrible balance. They tune a lot of them for bass, which is exactly what you don't need in competitive gaming instances - you need balance, clarity and accurate position reproduction. The only one I would recommend, if you're not going to bother with getting a nice set of headphones and a mod mic, is the Sennheiser PC360. I haven't tried any of their newer gaming line, but the Sennheiser PC360 is basically an HD598 with a 5 dollar mic attached that tacked on another $100.

For those looking for decent headphones on a budget you won't do better than these Superlux cans for $40. They rival my next pair of headphones that cost 4x as much: https://www.amazon.com/Superlux-HD668B-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B003JOETX8/

I use AKG K553 Pro's when in an office or noisy environment for about $150: https://www.amazon.com/AKG-3280H00100-K-553-Pro/dp/B00X3MT7F6/

When I've got the house to myself, with little background noise, on come the openback $500 AKG K702 65th Anniversary Editions: https://www.head-fi.org/f/showcase/akg-k702-65th-anniversary-edition.15885/ . Nothing comes close to rivaling these, that I have tried, for less than $1k.

All these are neutral sounding headphones, and I adjust the EQ based on what I'm listening to, whether its a movie, gaming, type of music, etc. Tuning in more bass when I want it is much easier than having to tune out shitty bassy headphones when its just too much to handle.

Open back:

• Philips SHP9500s (also head over to Amazon and buy a longer 3.5mm to 3.5mm cord)
  
  
• Sivga SV007
  
  
• Senneheiser HD579 or HD598 or HD599
  
  Semi open:
  
  
• Fidelio L2
  
  
• ATH-WS1100iS
  
  Closed back:
  
  
• BD C1Pro (or Custom Game, if you want add Beyer's own modular mic)
  
  
• B&O H6 (used-like new from the warehouse)
  
  
• AKG K553mk.II
  
  If you're not in a hurry, you might also consider checking r/AVexchange from time to time for a bargain on some Fidelio X2 's.
  

I'm found ya a couple options for ya.

Planar Magnetic Headphones aka "special driver headphones"

Monoprice M1060s Perfectly fine stock, maybe a change of earpads if you're looking for something a little "more" https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-116050-Monolith-Magnetic-Headphones/dp/B01N32N5DD

Modhouse Argon Mk3s These are specially modded headphones that give you an option for choice of headband material and earpad material (sheep leather is soft man) http://www.modhouseaudio.com/argon-mk3/zimu3wz0oyxlavnprki2jovso6c31v

Dynamic Open Headphones aka, "normal headphones"

AKG K712 Pros Very accurate, lots of soundstage, plenty of bass You may have to get a used pair as prices are on the rise https://www.amazon.com/AKG-Pro-Audio-Reference-Headphones/dp/B00DCXWXEI

Philips X2/27 Almost the same as the 712s, a little more narrow of a soundstage and "possibly" less accurate Debatably less comf (comparatively speaking) Again, you'll need to get them used but they're cheaper used than 712s https://www.amazon.com/Philips-X2-27-Fidelio-Headphone/dp/B00O2Y2MZG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522866842&sr=8-2&keywords=philips+x2

Audio Technica ATH AD series Very accurate, good soundstage, amazing treble, but definitely bass light. It's an entire series of headphones and each model up adds a slight bump in quality overall, used or otherwise https://www.amazon.com/Technica-Audiophile-ATH-AD1000X-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S330O8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522866903&sr=8-3&keywords=ATH+AD

Dynamic Closed Headphones

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Plenty of soundstage, treble is there, and BASS https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-770-PRO-Studio-Headphone/dp/B0006NL5SM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522866927&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt770&psc=1

AKG K553 Pros Accurate, excellent mids, lacks soundstage but remarkably good build https://www.amazon.com/AKG-3280H00100-K-553-Pro/dp/B00X3MT7F6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522866966&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=AKG+K550+Pros

Shure SRH840 Hesitant to put this on the list as this is basically how to perform studio monitoring Super Neutral, accurate as it gets almost, not a huge player in the soundstage game. You'll need new earpads for particularly long sessions of use https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH840-Professional-Monitoring-Headphones/dp/B002DP8IEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522867035&sr=8-1&keywords=Shure+SRH840

And finally the Koss KSC75s get a pair, no exceptions. They are not a replacement for ANY of the other options on this list as they're closer to earbuds than headphones, but the amount of sound quality you get for their 15 dollar price point you should already own a pair https://www.amazon.com/Koss-KSC75-Portable-Stereophone-Headphones/dp/B0006B486K/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1522867066&sr=8-1&keywords=koss+ksc+75

A few of these may be hard to drive on their own and may need a headphone amp or dac/amp combo to run properly and if you're not at ease with that right now there are always options.

Edit: removed accidental affiliate links that snuck in

• The Kings of comfort: Brainwavz HM5, fairly neutral with a slight warm tilt.
  
  
• The portable "Wunderwaffe". At this price point really a solid choice. Bass and treble are boosted though, may not be great for classical. Soundstage and comfort are average.
  
  
• And this would be my pick. Highly analytical with a gently boosted low end. Amazing soundstage for classical music.
  
  that's about it :D all headphones are fairly sensitive and have a low impedance, hence they can be used directly from the smartphone and don't require a headphone amplifier.
  
  *edit: warning about the K553 PRO! They are not a small headphone and the price used to be lower than this ;D

Would these be good for gaming and music?

> AKG K553 Pro are perfect for what you described but those are a massdrop exclusive and pop up only every now and then unless you are happy with second hand.

The K553s been on Amazon for quite a while... ~$140 right now.

• Budget - Not sure if sub $100 headphones would really require a DAC, but I've kinda sold myself on the FiiO E10K, so I would like to get that + sub $100, or if not required, max $180 but closer to the $150 range would be nice.
  
  
  
• Source - desktop pc only
  
  
  
• Would like to use these in my dorm room and forget where I am. Best isolation I can buy in this range please.
  
  
  
• Would like full sized over-ear
  
  
  
• I definitely appreciate good bass, but I'm fine with a more balanced or even possibly v-shaped sound
  
  
  
• Past headphones - JBL Synchros S300 for computer use, and iBeats for mobile use, and wasn't satisfied with either. Learned that I really really dislike on-ear headphones, and would like something comfortable for many hours at a time.
  
  
  
• I listen to a mixture of bass-heavy hip-hop, typical pop music, and classical piano. Not sure how helpful that is.
  
  
  
• Main requirements - isolation, good bass would be nice, but still usable for daily youtube video watching, ability to plug in a mic for occasional gaming purposes ( [this] (https://www.amazon.com/dreamGEAR-BoomChat-Detachable-Headphone-Convert-Headphones/dp/B01DBZJ77W/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493339031&sr=1-1&keywords=boomchat+dreamgear+mic) is the mic I have and currently cannot use because the S300 has no 3.5mm jack), and long-term comfort. I had looked previously at the [NVX Perfect 10] (https://www.amazon.com/Perfect10-Over-Ear-Headphones-ComfortMax%C2%AE-XPT100/dp/B0093PVTPS) and the [AKG 553 Pro] (https://www.amazon.com/AKG-3280H00100-K-553-Pro/dp/B00X3MT7F6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1493338874&sr=1-1&keywords=akg+553), but I'm very unsure about how decent they are, and also their ability to weild a non antlion modmic kind of mic

Hope someone answers my noobie question. I have the U-Turn Orbit Basic (the one without a built-in preamp) and I'm using the ART DJPRE II Phono Preamplifier. My speakers are the Audio Engine A2+ and the albums I play through them sound fantastic. However, when I try using this cable by connecting it to the phono preamp and then connecting my AKG K553 headphones through the aux end of it, the album I play never sounds right. Volume isn't the issue, it's just that it sounds a bit distant. It sounds very full when I play an album through the speakers, but not with the headphones.

Sorry for rambling. Hope someone can help.

Budget - <$220

Source - Desktop PC

Requirements for Isolation - None

Preferred Type of Headphone - Over-Ear

Preferred tonal balance - Not sure

Past headphones -Sony Mdr-xb950/b Extra Bass Headphone. Nice and comfortable, good bass.

Preferred Music - I watch a lot of movies and play a lot of video games. I listen to EDM/Rock/Big Band/Orchestral/pretty much all types. I cant pick a genre that I listen to the most

What would you like to improve on from your set-up - Not sure

I want a good pair of headphones where I can close my eyes and listen to nice orchestral pieces or big band pieces and be taken away, hearing all the individual instruments. But I also want it to have some kick when I listen to edm and play video games. I've done some research for my price range and i've looked at these two pairs of phones: AKG k 550 and HIFIMAN HE-400I

I'm having trouble because I feel like both of these headphones excel in different areas but I don't know which one i'd prefer.

Here are some examples of music: Haywyre, Dave Brubek, Orchestral, ODESZA

Hey guys. I'm looking for some new closed back headphones for around 200-300$ CDN. I want to be able to use them on the go.

Budget - 200-400
Source - My desktop, laptop and phone
Requirements for Isolation - I'm planning to use these on the go a lot, as well as at home, so isolation is pretty important to me.
Will you be using these Headphones in Public - Yep
Preferred Type of Headphone - I think full-sized? Something that goes around my ear.
Preferred tonal balance - Strong highs I think. I listen to all genres but having great quality in my Rock/Metal/Jazz songs are really important.
Past headphones - I currently have Sennheiser HD 558s. They're 4 years old. My main issue with them is the sound leak, lack of portability and occasionally muddy sound.
Preferred Music - I listen to all genres, but like I said earlier getting clear instruments in metal, rock and jazz are the most important thing to me.
What would you like to improve on from your set-up - I think I'm looking for stronger trebles and highs.

Location - I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This means that a lot of US Headphones are going to be a bitch to get past customs, and our conversion rate isn't so strong.

Despite this, I've been able to identify a few headphones that I might consider. I'm mostly looking towards the cheaper ones though.... and especially the AKG and Audio Technicas:

https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-99-classics-walnut-silver-wood-headphones (This one comes up to being waaaay out of my budget though, so only if it's truly the best)

https://www.amazon.ca/Over-ear-Passive-Headphones-travel-Black/dp/B00E1UVXHO

https://aiaiai.dk/headphones/tma-2

https://www.amazon.ca/Audio-Technica-ATH-MSR7-Gun-Metal-Resolution-Headphone/dp/B00OTADUJA

https://www.amazon.ca/AKG-3280H00100-K-553-Pro/dp/B00X3MT7F6

https://www.amazon.ca/Audio-Technica-ATH-M40x-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR54