Headphone Collection 2016

Gear Review

The Hunt for the Perfect Pair: Selecting My Next Headphones

*From specs to soundstage, the search for the ultimate audio upgrade*

$250

Budget

~7

Days Delivery

4

Candidates Evaluated

1

Final Winner

Table of Contents

• ①Candidate Evaluation
• ②Build Quality Considerations
• ③Update: 1/20/16 — Rethinking the Strategy
• ④Update: 1/23/16 — The Case for Open-Back
• ⑤Update: 1/26/16 — The Decision

Section I

Candidate Evaluation

Once I pass all my exams for the MCSA, I plan to reward myself with a nice pair of headphones. Currently, I own only the Audio Technica M50x, which have served me well, but I feel it's time to expand my growing collection. I’m willing to spend $250 and have begun evaluating several options.

 

• →ATH M70x — High-end candidate for potential upgrade.
• →MSR7 — Current frontrunner, though I am wary of relying solely on specifications.
• →Sony MDR-1A — A strong contender for my next set.

Before making a decision, I wanted to catalog my current collection and identify areas for expansion. Excluding the M50x and WM77, the rest of my assortment consists of basic headphones, which I may eventually retire as my collection improves. I would like to try each of these models and a few other brands before finalizing my decision.

Section II

Build Quality Considerations

One area I hope to improve upon is the overall build quality of my headphones.

I’m looking for metal hinges and components that experience the most tension when adjusted, as well as supple leather instead of pleather.

The M50x's pleather disintegrated after just one year of use, and only the earpads seem to be available for replacement. Additionally, the swivel hinge on my WM77 popped out, requiring me to hold it in place while listening. With these two build quality issues with my Audio Technica headphones, I’m questioning whether I should risk trying another set from the same brand.

Section III

Update: 1/20/16 — Rethinking the Strategy

After conducting further research, I’m now considering the AKG K240 paired with a Fiio E11 Amp. Since I primarily listen to music from my iPhone, I realize that higher-end headphones might be overkill and may not sound as great, effectively wasting money.

Item	Status	Estimated Cost
AKG K240	Researching	Budget-friendly
Fiio E11 Amp	Researching	Moderate
Sony V6	Future Consideration	Entry-level

Section IV

Update: 1/23/16 — The Case for Open-Back

Now, I’m thinking about the Grado SR80e, which are open-back headphones priced at around $99. Online reviews praise them as an excellent entry-level option for open-air reference headphones.

Open-back designs allow outside sound and airflow, unlike the closed-back M50x, potentially providing a sound quality that closed-back headphones at this price point cannot easily replicate. It’s a tough decision.

Section V

Update: 1/26/16 — The Decision

I've made my decision: the Grado SR80e is the winner, and I purchased them online for $99. They should arrive in about a week, roughly one day before my second MCSA exam. Yes, it feels premature, but I believe I've earned them by staying on track, studying, and successfully passing the first exam—an accomplishment in itself. I'm looking forward to trying out the Grado headphones.

The search for the perfect sound continues with a new addition to the collection.