# Help with finding a budget headphone to rule them all **URL:** \ **Category:** I need advice!\ **Created:** [March 21, 2020, 9:48pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828 "2020-03-21T21:48:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pwjazz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pwjazz/32/35458_2.png) [@pwjazz](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pwjazz)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/21 "2020-03-22T14:33:37Z")
> [@TylersEclectic](#): > > HD58X If you’re looking for a general purpose open back and have $150 to spend, and you like acoustic or vocal music, these are one of the best values in headphones. If you listen to a lot of electronic, hip hop and such, the K371 is probably better suited to those genres and still good as an all rounder. ---
**Author:** ![Dastorious](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dastorious/32/10200_2.png) [@Dastorious](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dastorious)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 6:51pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/22 "2020-03-22T18:51:11Z")
these look amazing! but say that i record something into a condenser microphone, i am scared that the open back will cause a problem of sound leakage into my recorded audio tracks thru the microphone, what do u think? ---
**Author:** ![adnan0819](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/adnan0819/32/8557_2.png) [@adnan0819](https://forum.headphones.com/u/adnan0819)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 7:31pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/23 "2020-03-22T19:31:40Z")
Good point. In case you do use a condenser mic, that might be an issue, but there is an excellent solution to plug onto some of the high end headphones (like the SHP9500 I linked to) along with Sennheiser 6XX line and that is the VModa mod mic. These are marriages made in audiophile heaven. I used this combo and nothing leaked into the mic. It’s a pretty well known combo for audiophile gamers really. Others might chime in too. > **[Amazon.com: V-MODA BoomPro Microphone for Gaming & Communication - Black:...](https://www.amazon.com/V-MODA-BoomPro-Microphone-Gaming-Communication/dp/B00BJ17WKK/?tag=headphoneforum-20)** > > Buy V-MODA BoomPro Microphone for Gaming & Communication - Black: Computer Microphones - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases ---
**Author:** ![tjg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tjg/32/39628_2.png) [@tjg](https://forum.headphones.com/u/tjg)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 9:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/24 "2020-03-22T21:22:38Z")
Careful, my friend! That $100 can quickly turn into thousands as you discover the great possibilities and advantages of different gear and amps, DACs, etc.! ---
**Author:** ![JWarren92](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ac8455/32.png) [@JWarren92](https://forum.headphones.com/u/JWarren92)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 9:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/25 "2020-03-22T21:32:52Z")
Couldn’t have put it better myself ---
**Author:** ![adnan0819](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/adnan0819/32/8557_2.png) [@adnan0819](https://forum.headphones.com/u/adnan0819)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 9:39pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/26 "2020-03-22T21:39:11Z")
This post should be pinned on top of every audiophile forum! Kudos. (Y) ---
**Author:** ![tjg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tjg/32/39628_2.png) [@tjg](https://forum.headphones.com/u/tjg)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 9:54pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/27 "2020-03-22T21:54:31Z")
It’s almost always money well spent, even if spouses and friends may not agree! ---
**Author:** ![adnan0819](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/adnan0819/32/8557_2.png) [@adnan0819](https://forum.headphones.com/u/adnan0819)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/28 "2020-03-22T22:31:08Z")
This is a REAL quote from a person on HeadFi Classifieds (… and my own life as well): “_… have already been told to stop buying things (not just audio products). My wife is about to take my CC from me._” ![1n9ks0wb43v21](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/2X/b/b743704f62eb14a53874ae3183c9bcc2e888f41e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![tjg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tjg/32/39628_2.png) [@tjg](https://forum.headphones.com/u/tjg)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/29 "2020-03-22T23:51:08Z")
Probably can’t, or shouldn’t, do that right now though. ---
**Author:** ![metal571](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/metal571/32/6816_2.png) [@metal571](https://forum.headphones.com/u/metal571)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 1:49pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/30 "2020-03-23T13:49:18Z")
I personally would never buy the M 40x over the K361. It’s also excellent if you don’t want to spring for the 371. Also the SHP9500 sounds like it costs, a $50 headphone and not a cent more. Don’t make it sound like it’s an HD 6XX because that is definitely not the case with the grain that thing puts out. ---
**Author:** ![pennstac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pennstac/32/381_2.png) [@pennstac](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pennstac)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 4:27pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/31 "2020-03-23T16:27:15Z")
If budget is the issue, then the Koss Porta Pros are contenders. Especially with YAXI pads. The Koss Porta Pro thread is here: > [@Koss Porta Pro-Unofficial Thread](https://forum.headphones.com/t/koss-porta-pro-unofficial-thread/4694): > > The Koss Porta Pro have been in production for over three decade, and are beloved by headphone enthusiasts across the world. This is the place to discuss all things Porta Pro. [image] ---
**Author:** ![Leemore5745](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecb155/32.png) [@Leemore5745](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Leemore5745)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 5:00pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/32 "2020-03-23T17:00:54Z")
Consider the Grado SR80 (e or i version) as perhaps the best all around headphone for you listening, editing/creating and gaming usage. They’re $99 and have been among the world’s highest rated and biggest selling headphones for decades. ---
**Author:** ![alhifi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/74df32/32.png) [@alhifi](https://forum.headphones.com/u/alhifi)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 5:59pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/33 "2020-03-23T17:59:11Z")
**Hey** There: Koss ‘Porta-Pro’ -amazing portable headphone that sounds great, comfortable, near bullet-proof and represents amazing value. A larger/more serious ‘Can’, the impressive Hifiman '400 **i** -another great headphone at an incredible price: $200-$300. ! pj ---
**Author:** ![pwjazz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pwjazz/32/35458_2.png) [@pwjazz](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pwjazz)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 6:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/34 "2020-03-23T18:22:34Z")
> [@alhifi](#): > > A larger/more serious ‘Can’, the impressive Hifiman '400 **i** -another great headphone at an incredible price: $200-$300. ! And you can get the very similar HE4XX for less at [drop.com](http://drop.com), sometimes as low as $130 though currently $145. ---
**Author:** ![pennstac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pennstac/32/381_2.png) [@pennstac](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pennstac)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 7:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/35 "2020-03-23T19:22:56Z")
I love Grados and they make me smile. Bought an SR60e to replace some broken Sennheiser PX-100 headphones (Another contender, PX-100 or PX-200) and was very happy with them. Now I also have the much more expensive RS1e. However, Grados can be a little strong on the high end of the frequency spectrum, and if someone has issues with that, the Grado is possibly not the right choice. I still like the SR60e, but have improved the sound by swapping out the stock S-pad foam for L-pads, and then done the “tape mod” which is simply wrapping the edge in black plastic electrical tape. (Or the color of your choice!). This has, without a doubt tamed some of the more piercing issues, and was found on Tyll’s site. I don’t think Grados are lacking bass so much as people are used to a more closed design. They are certainly worth consideration, but they seem to polarize people into love em or hate em, which is why I didn’t suggest the Grado. ---
**Author:** ![alhifi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/74df32/32.png) [@alhifi](https://forum.headphones.com/u/alhifi)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 7:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/36 "2020-03-23T19:33:40Z")
**Wow.** And you’d be right. Amazing ! pj ---
**Author:** ![ProfFalkin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/proffalkin/32/1399_2.png) [@ProfFalkin](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ProfFalkin)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 7:39pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/37 "2020-03-23T19:39:50Z")
> [@pwjazz](#): > > And you can get the very similar HE4XX for less at [drop.com](http://drop.com), sometimes as low as $130 though currently $145. > [@pennstac](#): > > Grados can be a little strong on the high end of the frequency spectrum, and if someone has issues with that, And that’s why I wouldn’t recommend either pair. I wouldn’t recommend Beyerdynamic headphones either. It’s ok to game on mastering/studio headphones where the FR is neutral or “reference” shaped, but I’d say it’s a big no no to master on gaming headphones that blow the FR way out of proportion in certain areas, or on any headphone that over emphasizes things like treble. ---
**Author:** ![pwjazz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pwjazz/32/35458_2.png) [@pwjazz](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pwjazz)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 8:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/38 "2020-03-23T20:22:03Z")
Yes, the HE4XX is a bit on the bright side and has a peak around 8-9KHz. On the spectrum of “great without EQ” to “intolerable without EQ”, I would put the HE4XX at “best with EQ”, which is to say I don’t require it but strongly prefer it. ---
**Author:** ![Leemore5745](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ecb155/32.png) [@Leemore5745](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Leemore5745)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 8:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/39 "2020-03-23T20:22:45Z")
Hi David, The Grado’s give a lot of bang for the buck but, as you say, their highs become too much for me pretty quick. I have the SR60 too. Also the 500i. And think I’ll try the “tape mod” you mentioned to tame the piercing highs. Where exactly do you put the electrical tape…on the wood frame, or the pad itself? Thanks…Lee ---
**Author:** ![pennstac](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pennstac/32/381_2.png) [@pennstac](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pennstac)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 8:48pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828/40 "2020-03-23T20:48:46Z")
The tape goes on the pad itself, around the outer edge. What it seems to do is to slightly compress the foam all around the edge. It also seems to create just a touch of isolation, and reinforces the base. If you look on Tyll’s website (I’m at work, don’t have the reference handy) you can see differences in the frequency response graph. It really does tame that treble peak. Remember to use the L pads, not the big dishes or the stock “comfy” S-pads I think that somewhere on the forum I have a picture showing it. Use the search. [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/help-with-finding-a-budget-headphone-to-rule-them-all/5828.md?page=3)