In that $ range, I would have to go with the Sennhesier HD6XX or a pair of reburb HD600 off the Sennheiser Outlet Store. FYI: I'm a huge Sennheiser fan just to let you know. I would also have to include the very solid Fiio FT3 in that group. I'm not really a big fan of ribbons yet so I won't even try. I also own a older pair of ATH AD900x and while it's really detailed, it lacks sub bass than modern music needs to have and also can have sibilance on some recordings. If you have a bass boost option, that might not be a problem. I've never heard a pair of the R70x, but I have never seen a bad review on one. \*\*\* As always, headphones are all about personal preferrence, get a demo or a return policy if at all possible.
Go to the Sennheiser Outlet website and get a pair of refurbished HD600 for $229 or a pair of HD650 for $279 a pair. Both of those are great enough to be your very last headphone purchase.
The drop HD6xx are a crowd favourite for a reason and only $200. Which Audio Technica are you moving away from though? Been considering moving to the ATH-R70x
The HD6xx I think is the best value in the price range really enjoyable to listen too and very easy on the ears. The R70x, hifiman edition Xs, Sony MDR-MV1 could also be considered depending on what your preferences are and equipment.
I know this is heaaaaaps late but I daily between HD600 and HD660 S2's very similar sounding headphones with some slight differences. Both are excellent pairs of cans. I play various games, Rainbow 6 siege (which has notoriously terrible sound), Overwatch, Cyberpunk etc. Both pairs are incredible for gaming, I honestly wouldnt have it any other way! The sound staging for games is incredible when you hear a shot wizz past it can actually sound like a proper bullet or close to when the sound is mastered well in the game.
Personally, I would definitely recommend either pair or HD650's for gaming EASILY.
Edit: I also don't EQ my headphones, just can't be fucked, and I use a JDS Labs element 3.
Same when I got my HD6XX. I was switching from AKG K553 and strangely enough it felt like vocals were really muted on the 6XX. After a week of buyer's remorse the 6XX started sounding great and they've been my dailies since
Sennheiser HD598. I think I got them on offer for around £150 a good 15 years ago. They opened my eyes (ears) to how headphones could offer greater fidelity than HiFi speakers at a much much cheaper price point.
I've since upgraded to the 6XX which is a clear step up for music even if not quite as comfortable.
Seeing the 599SE on Amazon for £99 today makes me happy that a lot of people are going to be experiencing that same feeling for the first time.
1maxwedge426
