[Budget Headphones] Open-back Audio Technica ATH-PDG1 for listening to music.

• 

  jasswolf on 05/03/2020 - 01:20

  So you're looking for a quality bass-capable open back on a sub-$200 budget?

  Takstar HF-580: uses the same planar driver as the Sendy Aiva and the Blon B20, amongst other similar headphones. Differs from those by using a plastic enclosure (versus wood). Needs an earpad change at least to clean up the mids a tad (there are also simple enclosure mods you can do to stop mild resonance issues and open up the sound a tad) but should come in at a total of around $170-$200 after cashbacks if you wait for the typical AliE sales at the end of this month.

  Methodology:

  • USD $150-$160 USD sticker price during sale
  • USD $20-$30 off with site coupons (may be additional store coupons, these will show up on the page)
  • Delivery fees (should be free premium AliE shipping)
  • 15-20% cashback on pre-tax price (will be paid out 90 days after)
  • 10% GST added at checkout

  Drawbacks to this:

  1. 550g headphones; heavy boys, but not unusual for planar drivers.
  2. Slight v-shape to them, but that seems to be your target, and you're not really going to get better anywhere near this price range for an open back (HiFiMAN Sundara is the next step, and you can at least test that locally).
  3. Fixed cable, but you can mod this in time.
  4. You have 15 days to figure out to test and confirm the condition of the headphones, then you're basically on your own in terms of repair (or it may be prohibitively expensive to ship back, though AliE seem to have improved that process, at least in terms of cost).

  Earpad options in order of success claims:

  1st - https://shop.musicteck.com/collections/sendyaudio/products/s… (shipping makes these not worth buying, but this option may become more widely available in time)
  =2nd - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000322381714.html (several vendors offer this if you want to price/deal compare)
  =2nd - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000279980956.html (95mm, round, but apparently fit well enough and offer an angled option; again, multiple options)

  Here's the relevant Head-fi post for getting the most out of it in an affordable and clever way

  If you're looking to spend closer to $100 still, your options IMO are:

  Grado SR60e and SR80e: you can demo these locally, both are picky, but both are different and have their own strengths and weaknesses

  OKCSC ZX-1: this can be a little picky too, but it has beautiful bass and a deceptively good soundstage, with a slight treble roll off and lovely mids (though a dip around 1khz); ask for extra pads at sale, can also be picked up cheaper ($70 after cashback) at the right times

  Philips SHP9500S: misses a little on the very low end, but otherwise a solid option if you want bass and open back, probably more neutral than the ZX-1, save for that low/sub bass loss

  Takstar Pro 82: closed back, but they have a solid soundstage and fantastic detail (maybe a shade artificial, but for music it's beautiful), plus you can flip the bass switches down one if the track calls for it; another that can be had for $70 at the right time of year

  And then the super budget pick if you want to buy 2 pairs and sell/gift one: Koss/Drop KSC75X, then the Parts Express headband, which is best done as a new Drop user (USD $20 off Studio purchases over $30), and when Amazon have the headband under $15, making it a very good (and very light) headphone for $30 a pair.

  Just unclip the KSC75 housings from their earclips, and clip them into the headphones, resolving their issues with pressure versus potential discomfort. They have a bright treble the rolls off gently, and the bass improves due to the additional pressure from the headband, while removing the weight from your ear.

  • 

    thebadmachine on 05/03/2020 - 15:27

    +1

    Thanks for the very thorough comment. I am sure others who happen to stop by will also benefit from a read.

    Currently I am looking for a Open-back over-ear around the $100 mark for listening indoors only (previously passed & posted a deal on the Cooler Master MH751 since they were closed).

    Also I am trying to purchase local, so if anything goes wrong I can easily return or replace.
    And interested in being able to try the options before buying (was definitely going to try the ATH-PDG1 before buying, just had to do my ozb homework before entering a store).

    Among your $100 suggestions the SHP9500 seems to be the most ideal candidate (currently $108 and returnable via Amazon Change of mind). The pads on he SHP9500 look thinner than the ATH-PDG1, so that must attribute to better sub-bass, but possibly less sound-stage.
    I am aware sub-bass is lacking (rolling off quickly) with the ATH-PDG1’s, but I listen to very little content with sub-bass (edm etc) so I am willing to sacrifice sub-bass for more sound-stage.
    Going by FR the SHP9500 is more neutral, while ATH-PDG1 looks like more fun.
    I recently discovered that the ATH-PDG1 dropped to $99 ($70 off) once at JB HiFi, hopefully they can match that price.

    The Grado’s I have heard of having elevated (piercing) treble, which seems a bit extreme to me in the FR I just looked up.
    Also they are described as on-ear (should have specified I am after over-ear).

    Thanks for your write-up, I will likely try both and see which is better. If I hear a hole in the midrange with the ATH-PDG1 it’s an obvious win for the SHP9500.

    • 

      jasswolf on 05/03/2020 - 22:36

      Don't get me wrong here, they will absolutely cover you if the workman ship is faulty, or you can clearly demonstrate driver failure, driver matching issues and phasing issues, things like this. There's even free returns options these days for change of mind.

      My only issue is that there technically isn't any warranty.

    • 

      jasswolf on 07/03/2020 - 11:43

      Just some further notes on the Grados: yes they are bright and do seek to create a pinnae interaction in the higher frequencies to enhance soundstage, but they are well regarded for live and orchestral music, as well as studio recorded music that isn't EDM-heavy and perceptually flat.

      In regards to how they measure, on ear configurations tend to mess with measurement equipment due to fitment issues and driver distance (in this case, a dummy head). They're worth auditioning if you have a local seller.

      With regard to the SHP9500/SHP9500S, they do have some artificial boosting in the mid-to-high treble also (before a roll off), so there may be mild sibilance in the pursuit of a more airy/detailed sound.

      • 

        thebadmachine on 07/03/2020 - 15:50

        With regard to the SHP9500/SHP9500S, they do have some artificial boosting in the mid-to-high treble also (before a roll off)

        Yes I saw that in the FR, thanks for clarifying.

• 

  Jabberwocky on 05/03/2020 - 07:20

  Why not just purchase ATH M50X ? Goes sub $200
  Good vocals, nice controlled bass

  • 

    thebadmachine on 05/03/2020 - 15:31

    I should have specified, looking for open-back over-ear around the $100 mark.
    Initially was interested in the Fidelio X2HR, then interested when they announced the Fidelio X3, but prices are too high.

    Thanks for the suggestion on the M50x’s.
    If the Fidelio X3’s were to come in sub $200, that would be nice.

    • 

      Jabberwocky on 05/03/2020 - 22:38

      Philips - SHP9500
      It's got kinda Cult following !!!
      Best at that price.

• 

  thebadmachine on 11/03/2020 - 19:31

  This was a great deal (even though it lasted only minutes) on the Open-back AKG K245’s (basically half-price).