Best of the seriously cheap headphones

[mixyguy2]

For the sake of argument let's say $75 or less new....anything worthwhile for tracking and/or mixing others have found?

Edit: should have mentioned initially that tracking and mixing are two separate categories for me. For tracking, great isolation is the primary concern (so closed back only). Sound quality should be at least decent, but doesn't have to be amazing. For mixing/mastering, I'd want semi-open or open, and it seems those are even harder to find good enough equality at this price point as isolation doesn't matter but sound quality does...

[Fannon]

I was probably lucky with that, but for that price I got very good condition, but used Beyerdynamic DT 770. They still last to the day, just had to replace earpads and recently the headband after I weared them down.

So if buying used is an option, you may get a better device there. And the good headphones do not wear out easily.

[Cavey Arrgh]

Phillips SHP9500, very underrated IMO. Very comfortable also.

[FranklyFlawless]

For the sake of argument let's say $75 or less new....anything worthwhile for tracking and/or mixing others have found?

The Audio Technica ATH-M20x would be my primary recommendation within that budget range.

[BertKoor]

I've read reports that Superlux HD-668 B cans are ridiculously cheap for the (audio) quality you get.

[stoopicus]

For the sake of argument let's say $75 or less new....anything worthwhile for tracking and/or mixing others have found?

The Audio Technica ATH-M20x would be my primary recommendation within that budget range.

These are actually quite good. Another typical recommendation is the AKG K240.

Personally I would spend a little more and go for either a Beyerdynamic DT-990Pro or one of the newer models of the Sony MDR-V6 (discontinued), like the 7506 or CD900.

[chk071]

I've read reports that Superlux HD-668 B cans are ridiculously cheap for the (audio) quality you get.

I can confirm those reports.

[donkey tugger]

Yes, the Superlux are good headphones. Bit brighter at the top end I found compared to some (not unpleasantly so), but you soon get used to it.

[mixyguy2]

Appreciate the replies. Edited my OP for more info...are those suggested great as isolation? That's my main concern (and so any semi-open or open back are out).

[alienmachine]

I love the Sony MDR-7506, even though they're slightly above $75. They're worth every penny. I've tried many headphones for daily use, including the ones mentioned here, but the Sony stands out. The hype is definitely justified. I use them for tracking, mixing, and reference, and they provide decent isolation. They're also comfortable for long-term use.

[donkey tugger]

Appreciate the replies. Edited my OP for more info...are those suggested great as isolation? That's my main concern (and so any semi-open or open back are out).

I didn't do a lot of recording using the Superlux headphones as they were ones I bought to leave at my Mum's house when I was staying there during the pandemic. From the bits I did manage to get done I don't recall them being any worse for bleed etc than my KRK ones. The fit of them was quite good too. Unfortunately haven't got them now to compare as managed to break them; no reflection on build quality - more my chronic clumsy idiocy.

[mixyguy2]

I love the Sony MDR-7506, even though they're slightly above $75. They're worth every penny. I've tried many headphones for daily use, including the ones mentioned here, but the Sony stands out. The hype is definitely justified. I use them for tracking, mixing, and reference, and they provide decent isolation. They're also comfortable for long-term use.

Hmmm...thanks but I need more than "decent." It needs to be very good so there's no bleed when I'm recording.

[Tiles]

The budget is difficult. It sits at the border between good and crap. So i personally would save a few more bucks, and get some decent ones. Audiotechnica ATH MX 50 for example. Or the already mentioned Beyerdynamics dt770. Both proven studio headphones. Or whatever the current leader in the budget range up to 200 bucks is. You don't need to pay the regular price. At least Beyerdynamics also sells B ware. Stores sometimes have sales. Or look at Amazon or Ebay for used ones.

[Fannon]

I've read reports that Superlux HD-668 B cans are ridiculously cheap for the (audio) quality you get.

I can confirm those reports.

I've got cheap Superlux too at some point. I think from sound quality they are really decent for that price. But they are also very plastic-y and their overall haptics and physical quality is cheap to average at best. Once I got used to the Beyerdynamics, I didn't want to go back to the Superlux. After a few years they don't look so good anymore, but they still work and are now used by my daughter. But for 29€ you really can't expect much better.

[stoopicus]

I love the Sony MDR-7506, even though they're slightly above $75. They're worth every penny. I've tried many headphones for daily use, including the ones mentioned here, but the Sony stands out. The hype is definitely justified. I use them for tracking, mixing, and reference, and they provide decent isolation. They're also comfortable for long-term use.

Hmmm...thanks but I need more than "decent." It needs to be very good so there's no bleed when I'm recording.

They (well, at least the MDR-V6) are among the most commonly used studio monitor headphones in history, and the 7506 is the current prosumer version of them. I think you are covered.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_MDR-V6

Good enough for many pro artists to use while recording; equipboard has pics of many using them while recording if you want proof. Here's David Gilmour as a random example (first pic I found):

David-Gilmour-recording-Louder-Than-Words-for-The-Endless-River-Album.jpg