The History Kid Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 Sadly it seems my Klipsch Status headphones are on their way out the door. They've served me well over the years, but I can't justify repairing them with the wear on the ear cups and the slight irritation they had brought with wearing them. These days, Klipsch doesn't seem to make headphones anymore. What I had liked about the Status and Reference One's was their ability to cover the spectrum pretty well. What are some good headphones under $500 right now that fit that bill? Wired preferred. The only other brand I've considered for any kind of critical listening is Sennheiser, but I've been so out of headphones late I don't know if they've changed their quality too. Ideas, Klipsch fam? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 headphones or earbuds? Headphones - Focal Earbuds - Campfire neither are under 500 new... maybe on the used market 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiva Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 I like Sennheisers myself. Lots of comparison reviews on youtube, to help become more familiar with whats out there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 I am pretty happy with my Hifiman HE400se, they run around $125.00. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 The last time I did a write up on IEM’s and headphones, the thread got deleted without explanation. Never mind that I own three sets of x20i’s and a set original x10’s. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 Something to consider when buying over ears is that a lot of the good sounding hard to drive models/topologies NEED external amplification to be driven and achieve good results. Both campfire in ears and focal over ears are VERY efficient... like Klipsch, and I like that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 BeyerDynamics 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjptkd Posted September 12, 2022 Share Posted September 12, 2022 1 hour ago, deang said: the thread got deleted without explanations. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Threads and posts get deleted around here?? Are you sure you're talking about this place? 🙃 My interest has been peaked as well on quality IEM's I tried looking up those x20's seems they're no longer made seems Klipsch only has one model now the T5 wireless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted September 13, 2022 Author Share Posted September 13, 2022 I've currently put an order in on a pair of HD 569 S's, just to see if I like the general sound of the Senny's. I'm familiar enough with the brand, just kind of out of it on how they translate to the Klipsch. If not, Focal might be where I go. I can't bring myself to buy used on headphones for a variety of reasons. If I don't like the 569's I'll just use them at work since I need new ones there too. Meanwhile, I think what I enjoyed about the Status was the powerful sound they put out, but I'm not opposed to trading off a bit of that power for clarity. These headphones will always be running off of the Parasound preamp, which did wonders for virtually every headphone I've been able to get my hands on. Will keep all of these suggestions and others in mind as I unravel all this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1291 Posted September 13, 2022 Share Posted September 13, 2022 I've got an old pair of Marantz Electrostatic's and they sound fantastic. Either those of a pair of 650 Sennheiser. Don't really need either but at times I used them just for giggles. Great excuse for not answering the door 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parlophone1 Posted September 13, 2022 Share Posted September 13, 2022 Cheap and relatively good and no need for a headphone amp are Sennheisers HD559. All of the cans in this lineup until 600 have the same sound signature. You will not be sorry for buying yours, but if after that you want more...there are lots of other stuff. Good thing here you can order separate pair of ear cushions when you need them. They are all relatively sturdy for a plastic cans, but if something broken, you wont loose much money and can get another pair. I have Beyers Pro, they are more sturdier, but at 250 ohm they need a separate amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilbert Posted September 13, 2022 Share Posted September 13, 2022 Noticed you were partial at one time to Sennheiser's, which are my favorite. They died after 8 years and now trying Sony, WH-1000's. Sound quality is IMHO very good, but not excellent.... I have the RF's not hardwired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicroMara Posted September 13, 2022 Share Posted September 13, 2022 Grado SR 325 E ( open system ) with ear pads from the Grado 1000 and a Meze 99 Classic ( closed system ) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikld Posted September 14, 2022 Share Posted September 14, 2022 @The History Kid I just picked up a used pair of shure kse1500 electrostatic IEM's off eBay for $1200 (got lucky, retail ~$3000), coming off a pair of Audeze iSine20's i've been using for ~7years, that i'm ready to part with if you're interested? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YK Thom Posted September 17, 2022 Share Posted September 17, 2022 I have been using a pair of the Meze 99 Classic for a couple years.Very nice and one of the best in the sub 500 market. They punch well above their weight. The nicest headphones I've ever owned. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted September 17, 2022 Author Share Posted September 17, 2022 Looks like a no go for the 569, will try the 599's. While a minor detail, for the sake of storage and reducing the risk of damage, the attached cable was kind of a downer for me. Live and learn I suppose. haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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