What are the best sounding and most durable headphones for $200ish

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RepublicRevolt

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#254338 7-Aug-2019 15:43

Hi Guys

I have a dilemma. I am very good at breaking headphones, the headphones that have lasted me the longest were ATH MSR7's due to their detachable cable (they lasted me from the start of 2015 until mid 2018). Unfortunately the wiring in the headband broke (according to the repair place) and audio technica does not sell parts to repair it.

So i need some new headphones as i am currently stuck with my Huawei p10's in box earphones (yuck).

I really need some headphones that are suited to alternative and christian rock. Favorite bands i listen to at the moment are skillet, paramore, evanescence, red and Yonaka.

I have been looking at V-Moda LP2's ( have heard these are extremely durable and good warranty system) or maybe Audio technica ATH M50's. I was also considering some Sony WH-CH700NB but am a little cautious of the plastic as i had a some audiotechnicas made from similar feeling plastic and they fell apart on me.

Do you guys have any recommendations for headphones? they must have a detachable cable

Handsomedan

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#2291782 7-Aug-2019 16:21

What about true-wireless buds?

I have a pair of Powerbeats Pro's which suit that genre's sound signature perfectly.

Outside of your budget, but similar can be had in the range you're looking at (such as Bose Soundsport Free).

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Radiotron

180 posts

Master Geek

#2291905 7-Aug-2019 20:13

Sony MDR-7506. Two pairs, both well used. Metal hinges. Comfortable, good sound, a little bit fat in the bass, but everything is there. In another life they got a lot of use for audio diag and troubleshooting. Top end of your limit probably, however a good investment. Been in production since 1990 and still current if that gives you a hint :)

SpartanVXL

1317 posts

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#2291919 7-Aug-2019 20:52

Depends. Whats more important, them being made out of reinforced steel or their sound quality.

Sony’s as recommended above are fairly tanky. As is anything from Sennheiser, AT etc. with metal joints and detachable cable. M50’s do have a record of lasting a good while.

Still, you’re excluding yourself from a swathe of products by asking for something made to survive rather than do its primary function: play quality audio.

Another option is going down the IEM route. Wireless ones will get rid of the cord problem, just need to not lose them in the wash or somewhere.

Batman

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#2291953 7-Aug-2019 23:00

I have the ATH M50 (not S). the cup is a bit shallow for my elephant ears. the sound is very good. missing a bit of midrange but other than that you gain massive amount of deep low bass.

RepublicRevolt

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2293446 10-Aug-2019 11:10

thanks for the reply guys. I tried the sony MDR-7506 and i quite liked them, however the person at the shop told me they are really only for creating music and not so much for listening and he didn't recommend them for my purposes. Along with this they don't have a detachable cable so i think they would not last me that long

I have tried the ATH M50's but i did not like them as much, they felt fragile, did not sound as good as the sony's. On top of this my old MSR7s use to drive me nuts with their sibilance issue and harsh highs and i do not want to have to endure that again. I think ill go for something other than audio techinca as my last two headphones were by them.

I have some more options:

Marshall Headphones M-ACCS-00152 Monitor Headphones

V-moda Crossfade wireless headphones

AKG K240 Studio headphones

Grado SR80E's

gonna also head on over to head-fi and see what they think

prob

225 posts

Master Geek

#2293719 10-Aug-2019 21:23

Ath 50x are great. I have had mine so long all the leather has worn off the muffs leaving the soft white faux leather. Very comfy. Lots of replacement parts including new muffs on aliexpress. Sound is neutral and muffs don't leak too much sound. I am hard on my toys but these babies keep on going. I use 3rd party cable that is thinner than official cable as it's more practical and includes mike and buttons. Come in white and red if you look.

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#2293761 10-Aug-2019 21:34

prob: Ath 50x are great. I have had mine so long all the leather has worn off the muffs leaving the soft white faux leather. Very comfy. Lots of replacement parts including new muffs on aliexpress. Sound is neutral and muffs don't leak too much sound. I am hard on my toys but these babies keep on going. I use 3rd party cable that is thinner than official cable as it's more practical and includes mike and buttons. Come in white and red if you look.

hey good to know, i have a m50 (no x no s) and the muffs are torn. still sounds amazing though. incredibly happy with it.