(1) Denotes amp is not required and the headphone will probably not see any change with one.
(2) Denotes amp is not required, but one is recommended.
(3) Denotes amp is required. Using these without an amp will leave much to be desired.
Any headphone with a B next to the number, IE:
(2-B) indicates that it's a bass heavy headphone.
Any headphone with an S next to the number, IE:
(2-S) indicates that they are made for studio monitoring, though may also be good for listening.
Budget Headphones: $0-$75
Looking for a pair of headphones for travel, something cheap to throw around? Or perhaps you can't justify spending much on a pair of headphones but want something of decent value? Look here!
Budget Headphones
IEMs
(1) Meelectronic M6, $20-$25. Somewhat bloated bass, slightly recessed mids, slightly bright highs that have minor sibilance. Rather energetic sound. Good build quality.
(1) Brainwavz Beta, $20-$30. Punchy bass, lively mids, slightly grainy highs. Excellent sound imaging. One of the best deals around.
These IEMs are highly regarded for budget IEMs.
(1) DUNU Trident, $35-$40. Good price/quality ratio. Warm pleasing sound with decent balance.
(1) SoundMagic E30, $40. Rather balanced clean sound. Strong bass in impact and quantity, clear mids, treble has nice extension and clarity.
(1) Maximo iMetal iM590, $40-$50. Rather balanced sound, rather clear throughout, slightly analytical. Well controlled bass with good impact, treble is a bit bright.
(1) Meelectronic A151, $45-$60. Full warm sound. Full bass, clean smooth mids, clean highs. Build quality is great, no microphonics.
(1) Dunu Ares, $70-$85. Decent overall balanced sound, leans slightly to the warm sound. Bass is decent, mids and highs are lush, but slightly grainy. Excellent build quality and packaging.
Open Headphones
(1) Koss KSC75, $10-$20. Bloated bass, decent mids, clear highs.
*These are clip-ons*. Good for portable use.
(1) Superlux HD681, $30-$40. Good Bass, mids, and highs.
(1-
S) Superlux HD668b, $30-$50. Neutral, slight emphasis on treble. Removable cable.
(1-
B) Koss PortaPro, $30-$40. Strong, slightly, muddy, bass, recessed mids, slightly rolled off.
Good for portable use.
(1) Samson SR850, $40-$60. Good punchy/slightly deep bass, slightly recessed clear mids, detailed and clear highs.
Closed Headphones
(1) Panasonic RP-HTF600-S, $30-$40. Deep punchy lows, slightly recessed mids, bright highs.
(1) JVC HARX700, $30-$40. "A poor mans A700." Thumpy/muddy bass, decent mids, decent highs.
(1-
B) Sony MDR XB500, $50. Comfortable. Strong bass, recessed mids, decent highs.
Good for portable use.
(1) JVC HARX900, $50-$60. "A poor mans A900." Decent soundstage. Tight/deep bass, recessed mids, bright/fatiguing highs.
(1-
S) Sony MDR-V6, $60-$70. Clear sound with a rather flat response.