$200-$300 headphone recommendation

[Old Grey]

I don't know a thing about headphones, but being an audio guy, a friend asked for a recommendation for a $200-$300 pair for his dad for Father's day.

I'm seeing quite a few threads on Sennheiser here on AA, would the HD 598's be the way to go or are their better ones for the $250 price?

Thanks!

[Volks]

AKG701's are always a good buy in that price range.....built in Austria and sound very good.

[Toobs]

Grado sr325i. Excellent cans

[ChrisAZ]

Some questions are in order - are these for home use with a stereo or for mobile use (ipod, on planes, et al). If for home use, are they use with a headphone amp or other suitable headphone out on a preamp, et al (if not, they might be disappointed with the cans). I like the suggestions already made for home use in that price range, and I'd consider something like the HiFiMan HE-400 planar magnetic headphones (currently on sale for $299 on Amazon), although they do need a headphone amp. I've got a pair of HE-500s that I like very much. Kind of like an Audeze but at a much lower price point.

[faberryman]

If they are for mobile use, I recommend the Etymotic ER-4PT in ear monitors. I have had a pair of ER-4S IEMs for going on 15 years and they are great, especially for travel. If available in your area, you'll want to get the custom ear molds too. Very comfortable.

[Picto]

One year ago I bought the Sennheiser Momentum Headphone, which you can find on Amazon for 270$. I made my choice between AKG, Shure and Sennheiser and went for the Momentum since it was an easy one to use outside.

Then I bought the Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear Headphone for my daughter. It is lighter, even more practical to use outside and cheaper. You can find it on Amazon for 180$.

For my taste the sound quality of the Momentum Headphone is very good with comfortable bass but not too much, accurate and fine medium, airy treble and a good isolation from the external noises. The soundstage is good as well.

As for the Momentum On-Ear Headphone, it doesn't offer the same sound quality than the Momentum Headphone, but still the sound remains pretty good if you don’t use it in a very noisy environment and if you are not found of very strong bass.

Bertrand

[jdandy]

Old Grey.......There are some good quality headphones in the $100.00 category. I can recommend the Sennheiser HD280 Pro. It is a comfortable closed headphone with a wide frequency range and good bass. They cost $99.00 almost everywhere but I have seen them as low as $84.00 at BHPhotovideo. I have five pairs for use in the recording studio. They seal out ambient noise very well and can be used with open microphones without feedback. They are well made and stand up to lots of use, too.

[427]

I like my B&W P5

[greekgod]

B&W are the only headphones that I am willing to recommend in that price range. They currently have a limited Maserati Edition of the P5 if you are willing to spend a little more. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with either the P3 or regular edition P5.

[HiFiGuy528]

Focal Spirit Professional are KING at your budget. Sounds like more money though.