What are the best headphones for studio monitoring under $200?

Question

3

Options
Considered

33

User
Recs.

Jan 15, 2018

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

The Best 1 of 3 OptionsWhy?

Best headphones for studio monitoring under $200?	Price	Weight	Type
92 Sony MDR 7506	$100	230 g	Closed Back Dynamic
83 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	$149.99	285g	Closed Back Dynamic
-- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro	$179.02	290 g	Closed Back Dynamic

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2 Other Options Considered

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

Specs

Weight:285g

Type:Closed Back Dynamic

Frequency Response:15 - 28.000 Hz

Impedance:38 ohms

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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 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

Great passive noise 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

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

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Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro

Top Con

May require extra power/amplification for optimal sound

Depending on which model is purchased (16/80/250-ohm), your system may have trouble powering them to get a full sound and comfortable volume. 16/80-ohm should work fine in most systems. If not, you may need an external amplifier. See More

Top Pro

Good soundstage for closed back headphones

The DT770 Pro, when amped properly, creates an open feeling sound stage that is very impressive for a headphone with a closed design. See More

Specs

Weight:290 g

Type:Closed Back Dynamic

Frequency Response:5 - 35.000 Hz

Impedance:80 ohms

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Top Con

Headband may not fit those with larger head sizes

While the Sennheiser's have headbands which can be adjusted to easily fit a 'hatsize 62/63' head, the DT770 Pro and DT990 Pro headbands may need tweaking to make them work for larger heads. See More

Top Pro

Impressive isolation and minimal sound leakage

The headphones offer impressive sound isolation, keeping exterior noise out and your music in. See More

Top Pro

Great sound quality with deep and powerful bass

The bass is not overpowering. Instead, it is clean and controlled. The overall sound signature is focused on the bass but the mids and highs are in no way lacking either. See More

Top Pro

Sits well over your ears

The DT770s are very comfortable to wear with its deep and spacious ear pads. The velour material used on these are smooth and breathable, and the thick foam provides ample cushioning. These headphones can be worn for long periods of time with no issues. See More

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