[witchdoctor]

I have never really used headphones since my walkman/cassette days. I am shopping for headphones with a budget of $250 or less. I will use them for listening to hirez files via an Onkyo DPX1, for listening to my HT at night, and for phone calls via a PC voip connection.

My blueray player is a sony which has a propietary bluetooth connection that they claim is better than a regular connection.
The Onkyo DAP is capable of a balanced connection.
Right now I am considering JBL E55BT Quincy Edition or Sony WH1000XM3. Noise cancellation is not important to me.

Should I choose a balanced type? Any make and models that you can suggest? Thanks

[adydula]

There are several nice reviews of this unit and they tried several different headphones:

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/onkyo-dp-x1-portable-music-player/?page=2

These would work well and are in your budget, Audio-Technica ATH-M50.

Alex

[witchdoctor]

Good call, I'll check them out, thanks

[dB Cooper]

Massdrop (now Drop) has a lot of options in your price range, including planars. You have to create an account to see the deals. The use for VOIP may affect your options if you require an inline mic.

[witchdoctor]

Thanks DB, I'll check them out

[PMAT]

 I may get flamed for this but I have a suggestion. A high-quality earbud with the right connection features would be incredibly versatile.  To all your stated uses they would work while also enabling many other uses including travel, exercise and falling asleep with them on.  You can use any portable device as well as your stationary devices to supply music. The sound quality can be incredible and they are so light they are a pleasure to wear for many hours. Three years ago I bought some basic three armature One More earbuds for air travel and going to the gym.  I have dropped them over and over, slept on them many times, abused them, stepped on them,  and they just keep working.  I am surprised at how great they sound and mine were third tier in quality. Here is a link. http://https://usa.1more.com/collections/headphones/products/1more-quad-driver-in-ear-headphones

[guest61169]

I like the Beyerdynamic DT250-250ohm.  Made in Germany and parts are replaceable. 

[witchdoctor]

Thanks for the tips PMAT and Noway.
BTW, I checked out the audio technica, they seem great but I didn't see a microphone.

[adydula]

Correct they dont have an integrated mic...I use them in gaming but use an external USB mic.....

The main reason I dont have a set of cans with a mic is most of them are well 'not as good for audio"....you get what you pay for...

No there is only one low cost set of headphones that has a mic in the cable and its a Koss KPH30I

https://www.koss.com/headphones/on-ear-headphones/kph30i

I bought one a few months back and I use it for watching youtube and netflix, but sonucally its really nice....open back like the old
Senn HD414's...

Alex

[witchdoctor]

Thanks to everyone for your help, I ended up getting 2 pair on black friday deals. I scored the JBL 650 Live NC BT for $100.
https://www.eisa.eu/awards/jbl-live-650btnc/

I also wanted a set of balanced headphones that have extended high frequency range for critical listening of hires files to use with my Onkyo DP X1 balanced 2.5 mm connection. I ended up choosing the Sony MDR1AM2, also for around 50% off.

https://majorhifi.com/sony-mdr-1am2-review/

I'll post reviews ASAP. THANKS

[adydula]

Kool,

Enjoy!

Alex