Great Headphones Under US$ 200

I've been looking (and saving money) for a new headphone. I listen to dance music most of the time by streaming some EDM stations via TuneIn Radio on my iPhone and notebook, so my preference should be DJ headphone, closed-back, high on bass, and sweet looking design.

I've been using Sennheiser HD 205 DJ headphone and Logitech Ultimate Ears 200 and 700 in last couple of years, and satisfied with the three headphones. I recommend all three, but it's time to get a new one. I set my budget to US$ 200 max, so here are the nominees.


1. Shure SRH750DJ

This headphone is definitely my first choice. Shure is a synonym of quality in entertainment industry, especially for live performance. I've seen professional musician and entertainer use Shure microphone and headphone in clubs, cafes, even conferences.

The design is great and looks rigid. It has wide frequency range, 5 Hz - 30 kHz, much wider than say Beats Solo HD's 20 Hz - 20 kHz. The two 50 mm drivers able to deliver 106 dB/mW, so it's powerful enough for my liking (for comparison, Solo HD has 104 dB/mW).

Price: US$ 180




2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50

Along with Shure, Audio-Technica is also known for good quality headphone. I've tested some of Audio-Technica headphones and do agree with most people about its good sound quality (not so much with its design though). I've even tested the ATH-M50 and happy with its sound quality.

The thing is, unlike Shure SRH750DJ, it comes with non-detachable cable. The 3.5 m cable is somehow affecting my mood to get this headphone. Even though some part of the cable is coiled, but still 3.5 m will give us problem when we carry this headphone around, especially when travelling.

ATH-M50's frequency range 15 Hz - 28 kHz is good enough, but still second best to SRH750DJ's. Power wise, it's good enoughl; considering ATH-M50 is actually a studio monitor headphone.

Price: US$ 160

3. AKG Tiesto K67

AKG K67 is the lowest model of all three AKG Tiesto Series headphones; K167 and K267 are the higher models. All three share similar design and specs, with K67 is best in power compared to the other two (116 to 112 dB/mW). AKG promises what they say to as high quality sound at loud volume headphone, so I guess this Tiesto Series headphones would make a good DJ headphone.

Tiesto logo on cover of the drivers is a good touch of design. Tiesto is a brand itself. Tiesto makes quality dance set and his mixes do sound sophisticated and well-engineered. So, if it's Tiesto who give his audio engineering prowess to this headphones, it should sound good for dance tracks.

Price: US$ 140

There are some Sony DJ headphone model around the budget, but i didn't put them on the list because most of Sony's DJ headphone are getting bad reviews over the internet, so i shouldn't bother. Any feedback or recommendation? Just write it down on comment. See ya.