Openback headphone+ dac

[Dackzy]

I am looking for a pair of open back headphones and a good dac for under 175$

my "soundcard" right now is the onboard sound on my asus vi formula.

[EnsoZero]

My recommendation would be an HD558 with an SMSL SD-793II or Tarion TRD80 (cheaper 793 clone).

[Dackzy]

My recommendation would be an HD558 with an SMSL SD-793II or Tarion TRD80 (cheaper 793 clone).

i dont really like sennheiser and their sound 

[Dackzy]

My recommendation would be an HD558 with an SMSL SD-793II or Tarion TRD80 (cheaper 793 clone).

but i will get the smsl dac so thanks.

[EnsoZero]

i dont really like sennheiser and their sound 

 

The only other headphones in that range I could recommend would be the Philips SHP9500, other than that not a lot of great open headphones. The Audio-Technica AD500X/700X are also solid but the 9500's just do what they do better for less money. The problem is the sub $150 open headphone market is pretty slim pickings aside from Sennheiser, Philips or AT. If you could budget for AKG K7XX on Massdrop right now for $200 you'd have a killer headphone but if budget doesn't allow I'd understand.

[Dackzy]

The only other headphones in that range I could recommend would be the Philips SHP9500, other than that not a lot of great open headphones. The Audio-Technica AD500X/700X are also solid but the 9500's just do what they do better for less money. The problem is the sub $150 open headphone market is pretty slim pickings aside from Sennheiser, Philips or AT. If you could budget for AKG K7XX on Massdrop right now for $200 you'd have a killer headphone but if budget doesn't allow I'd understand.

i have been looking at the 500x. I am from Denmark so i cant really buy from massdrop

[EnsoZero]

i have been looking at the 500x. I am from Denmark so i cant really buy from massdrop

 

The SHP9500 is in my mind just a better version of the 500X as it actually has some amount of bass. And they're cheaper. And they don't have a suspension system (not a huge fan of the design on the AD series). 

[Guest]

Shouldn't be spending that much of a small budget on a DAC/amp.

[Dackzy]

i can afford 140$ headphones and under if i get the dac

[Dackzy]

Shouldn't be spending that much of a small budget on a DAC/amp.

would you say that i should use my onboard sound

[EnsoZero]

would you say that i should use my onboard sound

 

Depending on motherboard you should be fine. Only real pressing reason to get a DAC/amp is if you are using higher impedance headphones, but for something like the SHP9500 or 5/700X you would be fine without (unless you are getting crackling or noticeable noise from onboard). 

[Dackzy]

Depending on motherboard you should be fine. Only real pressing reason to get a DAC/amp is if you are using higher impedance headphones, but for something like the SHP9500 or 5/700X you would be fine without (unless you are getting crackling or noticeable noise from onboard). 

i am using asus vi formula

[EnsoZero]

Your onboard is fantastic, I wouldn't worry about a DAC/amp.

[Dackzy]

Your onboard is fantastic, I wouldn't worry about a DAC/amp.

then i just need to find a really good open headphones with a wide soundstage for 220$ or under

[Guest]

then i just need to find a really good open headphones with a wide soundstage for 220$ or under

 

AKG K702 or K7xx massdrop.

[Dackzy]

AKG K702 or K7xx massdrop.

i cant use masdrop and the k702 are over what i can give

[Guest]

i cant use masdrop and the k702 are over what i can give

 

Too bad.

[SleathX1]

i cant use masdrop and the k702 are over what i can give

AKG Q701, Audio Technica ATH-AD700X, or Sennheiser HD series is about all that's worth going for. Fidelos are just over your budget.

[Dackzy]

AKG Q701, Audio Technica ATH-AD700X, or Sennheiser HD series is about all that's worth going for. Fidelos are just over your budget.

i can get the x1

[SleathX1]

i can get the x1

REALLY? Because those might just be my favorites in the $150-200 price bracket. They're simply wonderful. I'd go for those, hands down.

[Dackzy]

REALLY? Because those might just be my favorites in the $150-200 price bracket. They're simply wonderful. I'd go for those, hands down.

i am going for the most open headphone i can get and the need to be good for music and gaming. The x1 dont seem that open to me.

[Guest]

i am going for the most open headphone i can get and the need to be good for music and gaming. The x1 dont seem that open to me.

 

Yeah, so all headphones are good for music and gaming on account of them MAKING SOUND. If you want the most open headphone possible, get the AD500x. Simple.

[Dackzy]

Yeah, so all headphones are good for music and gaming on account of them MAKING SOUND. If you want the most open headphone possible, get the AD500x. Simple.

i think i will step up to the 700x to get a bit more bass, but yeah i think i will get them

[EnsoZero]

Get the 900X or avoid the lower models of the air series. If you want something that is good for gaming I just can't recommend the 500X or 700X on account of their lack of bass. If you can get the Fidelio X1 get that, it's a great gaming headphone, and still good for music but it is bass-heavy. 

[Pomfinator]

i think i will step up to the 700x to get a bit more bass, but yeah i think i will get them

 

Get the 900X or avoid the lower models of the air series. If you want something that is good for gaming I just can't recommend the 500X or 700X on account of their lack of bass. If you can get the Fidelio X1 get that, it's a great gaming headphone, and still good for music but it is bass-heavy. 

While it is true that the 900x > 700x > 500x.  The higher you go in the 3-digits, the more refined the sound you will get.  Which is a great plus for AT's signature sound.  But bass...you aren't going to get jack even if you do get the 900x.

 

If you're on a budget, stick with the 500x or the 700x depending on the price.  In some markets the 700x has barely a markup from the 500x, while in others it's nearly $100+ more expensive.