3 best alternatives to Sennheiser HD 380 PRO as of 2018 - Slant

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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Top Pro

Fairly neutral sound signature

Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans. See More

Top Con

Incompatible with cables from other brands

Only Audio Technica cables can be used with these headphones. See More

Top Pro

These have a high quality and durable feel

The M40xs feel solid and are known to be quite durable. The plastics used in the build do not easily flex or make creaks, giving the impression that these can last quite a long time. See More

Top Pro

Can be used in noisy environments

The over-ear, closed back design along with the thick pleather ear pads can block out quite a lot of ambient noise, and will help users to focus in on the music. These make the headphones great for travel or for mixing/monitoring use. See More

Top Pro

Comes with two detachable cables

The headphones come with a straight cable and a coiled cable, making them useful in the studio or while walking. See More

Specs

Weight:240 g ( Without Cable )

Type:Over-ear / Closed-back

Frequency Response:15 Hz - 24,000 Hz

Impedance:35 Ohms

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Sony MDR 7506

Top Pro

Clean and balanced sound with smooth bass and detailed highs

The bass is just right. It may not have the deep sub-bass extension that bass heads crave for, but what is there is fast, tight and punchy. The mids are clear with a hint of warmth, which make vocals and guitars sound very clear and you can easily hear their sonic nuances . The reproduction of highs is the part that these headphones really shine. They are crystal clear and highly detailed without adding hiss or harshness to the overall sound. Cymbal crashes and pings, for example, are very close to what you would hear if they were played right in front of you. See More

Top Con

Can be very picky with audio sources

Due to how accurate sounding these are, you will be able to hear minute details from the sound, including hiss, distortion, and the like. To get the most out of these headphones for music enjoyment, you will want to have a great audio source. See More

Top Pro

Easy to repair

Many of the parts on these headphones are easy to repair or be replaced. The included manual goes in depth on how to replace each part. See More

Top Con

Cable is quite long and non-removable

The headphone cable is coiled and is about 10 feet long. This is great for studios, however walking around in public with these headphones on can be awkward. The cable cannot be removed and has no remote or mic. See More

Top Pro

Reliable headphones due to solid build quality

The MDR 7506 is built outstandingly well, with high quality materials and with little to no creaks and unnecessary flex. These headphones have been around since 1991, which has given Sony a lot of time to refine the manufacturing process of these cans. See More

Top Pro

Comes with multiple adapters

These headphones come with the standard 3.5mm plug and a screw on 1/4" adapter for professional use. See More

Specs

Warranty:1 year

Impedance:63 Ohms

Sensitivity:106dB

Cord Length:9.8 feet

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Top Pro

Good value for your money as these headphones are feature packed for the price

You get a lot from what you pay for with these headphones. Aside from the great sound, they are also well built and come with a lot of accessories. See More

Top Con

Ear cups may be too small

The ear cups on the M50x are smaller than those on something like the 380HD or the DT 770 Pro. Your ears could end up touching the the inside of the headphones which can be uncomfortable for some. See More

Top Pro

Generally neutral sounding but with an added kick to the low end

The ATH-M50x are great sounding headphones with a sound that may fall in the neutral category, but with very slight boosts to the bass and highs; a slightly V-shaped sound. The bass is full and has a lot of power. The sub bass has a hint of elevation though, which can make the bass sound a bit loose on hip-hop or EDM tracks. The mids are fairly neutral with no elevation. The highs are also slightly elevated, which does not add harshness but instead gives the sound a shimmery and detailed feel. This sound signature of the M50x makes it versatile. It is neutral enough for monitoring use, yet also has just the right qualities to make it a great choice for enjoying music. See More

Top Con

Only passive noise cancellation

If you're looking for a headphone to keep you isolated on long plane rides, the M50x is probably not the right headphone for you. These headphones do not electronically limit exterior noises, it only blocks noise with its physical design. See More

Top Pro

Stellar build quality

The ATH M50x is made from high quality matte plastics which are quite resistant to damage without being too heavy. The hinges move smoothly and do not have unnecessary creaks. See More

Top Pro

Lively sounding bass

The bass of these headphones sound full with a slight boost. This makes the bass quite punchy without drowning the mids or highs. See More

Top Pro

Detachable cables

Audio-Technica finally updated the M50's built in cable to a detachable cable. The M50x even comes with three cables, a 1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, and a 1.2 m straight cable. None of the cables have in-line controls though. See More

Top Pro

Good passive isolation

The ear cups and pads are able to keep the sound in and block outside noise. These are suitable for a noisy office as even low volume music is enough to drown out those noisy office mates. See More

Top Pro

Can collapse to a more compact size

The ear cups can be folded into the headband, reducing its footprint. Combined with the carrying pouch and detachable cables, you can easily chuck these headphones into your bag when going out. See More

Top Pro

Great for tracking guitar

Specs

Type:Closed Back Dynamic

Frequency Response:15 - 28.000 Hz

Cable:Detachable. 1.2m - 3.0m coiled & 3.0m straight & 1.2 m straight

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