Good open-back headphones

[General_Led]

So currently I am using the CHC Silverados as my primary headphones and while they are really good for the price I got them at I am looking for open-back. I saw the AKG K7XX on massdrop and while I would totally drop $200 on them if I had the money I simply don't at this time. So what would be a good pair of open-back for less than $200?

[Lays]

HD518 / HD598 on sale / DT990, maybe fidelio x1 / x2 if you find em used or on sale

[NannerBeans]

Phillips SHP9500 is pretty much the only open back headphones I recommend these days. 

[DigitalHermit]

If you can find a Superlux HD330...

 

I have one, it's superb for most of the stuff that I'm listening to... it's a bit bass-heavy though...

 

I got mine for around 40USD, regular price...

[ShearMe]

I personally liked the Pioneer SE-A1000, though it has slowly been creeping up in price I think. Other people who have gotten it off my recommendation have reported it to be good as well.

 

The Takstar HI2050 gets good reviews.

[pas008]

Phillips SHP9500 is pretty much the only open back headphones I recommend these days. 

I am very impressed with them

actually its all I can recommend now too

[General_Led]

Would anyone recommend buying used off of ebay?

[Guest]

Would anyone recommend buying used off of ebay?

 

Some do, some don't. Personally I would not buy a used headphone since it is a worn item. Just because you can replace the pads doesn't mean there aren't deeper problems afoot.

 

[General_Led]

HD518 / HD598 on sale / DT990, maybe fidelio x1 / x2 if you find em used or on sale

I've heard the HD558 are pretty similar to the HD598. Is the difference worth $35? 

[Lays]

I've heard the HD558 are pretty similar to the HD598. Is the difference worth $35? 

 

 

The 558/518/598 all sound basically the same, with tiny changes, I believe the 598 sounds a bit more 'open' and trebly from what I've heard.

 

About buying used, I've bought nearly all my headphones used and never had a single issue.  Purchased HD800 used, purchased my AKG k712 used, and my He-500 were open box, as well as my LCD-2.

 

I'd only recommend buying higher end stuff used though, people seem to take better care of things the more it costs. (most of the time atleast)

Also the prices of used high end stuff is usually a lot less than the new price.

 

With lower end stuff, the new price is usually not much more than the used price.