Reasonable headphones for £30?

[scottjoplin]

Hi

My sister has asked me if I can recommend some headphones for £30, I can't so I'm asking here 🙂

She will use them on her chromebook to listen to iPlayer etc

Fire away please 😀

 

[wcwc]

Any specific style?

 

[tomchr]

Sennheiser over-the-ear. Etymotic ER-series IEM.

Tom

 

[djoffe]

GRADO SR-60E's are very nice, but they cost a bit more than your stated budget. In the US, they're typically sold for about $79.

 

[randytsuch]

I'd look at the Koss portapros in that price range, for something headphonish.

 

[NealJ]

Soundmagic E10 (IEM) £30

 

[xrk971]

KZ ZS-6 IEMs.

 

[Bonsai]

I'd look at the Koss portapros in that price range, for something headphonish.

I’ve had two pairs of these and for the money they are fantastic. There was a review done a few years ago by a serious audio mag and these were put in as confounders and punched way, way above their weight.

 

[Pano]

The Headphone enthusiasts over on Facebook always speak kindly of the Koss Portapro.
Not sure of the UK price, tho.

 

[scottjoplin]

It's around £30 🙂 Thanks randytsuch, and everyone else for the suggestions so far.....

 

[Galu]

I have a pair of these. Sound great for the price. Comfortable to wear - self adjusting and velour earcups.

Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Open Back Headphones: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

 

[scottjoplin]

Any specific style?

No, I can't advise her on differences between in ear or conventional headphones having never used in ear ones. Any thoughts?

 

[adason]

Koss porta pro junior are good ones...

 

[Galu]

They're now £29!

 

[Galu]

Another pair at £29. Closed back and What Hi-Fi? recommended.

AKG K52 Closed-Back Headphones: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

AKG K52 review | What Hi-Fi?

 

[sgrossklass]

The double digit AKGs have always been kinda crappy though... not great build and extreme "AKG house sound". See e.g. some K92 measurements.

Possibly some of the best value would have to be some Superlux HD681s with AKG K240 velour pads. I think the aforementioned Samsons are from the same stable. Nothing wrong with the good ol' PortaPro either.

That said, in the past my "bargain" cans have generelly ended up in the pile eventually, while the ones I'm using all the time are upper midrange classics like HD590 and HD580, now approaching 2 decades of age.

 

[Yatsushiro]

Another vote for the Superlux HD681s; in my case I bought the EVO:

Superlux HD-681 Evo BK – Thomann UK

Never had a pair of phones before, can't see my self wanting to buy another pair, the Superlux are superb.

 

[VictoriaGuy]

For me, the headphone type is the first consideration.
If she likes 'over the ear' cup-type phones, earbuds or Grados won't be a good substitute.

 

[Galu]

I see that the 'double digit' AKG K72 are also available at £29. I'm under no illusion that they will measure up to more expensive headphones though! 😉

AKG K72 Closed-Back Studio Headphones: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

If we can stretch the budget by £10, these Audio Technica 'phones appear worthy of consideration.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Headphones - Black: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

P.S. Could it be that this thread is simply a bit of seasonal fun, and that sis's expensive designer headphones are already aboard Santa's sleigh?!

 

[phase]

I highly recommend the Koss Pro DJ100, would be £38 on eBay, as they are out of production.

Same as the newer 200 model but with a fixed cord.

Have been using mine daily for over 5 years, find them to have an amazing balance, work great with the pads from ATH40 also, when that time comes.