I read, read, and read more reviews, opionions, threads etc. about under $100 headphones and FINALLY decided to go with PX100s.

My "reference" home headphones are AKG K 340 and for normal computer use I've been using JVC HA-D590.

I tried using some really cheap closed Sony headphones and they were absolute garbage compared to the JVCs so I just threw those away. I don't have any complains with the AKGs other than being hard to drive.

I've got a wife and kid and wanted non-closed headphones to use at home so I can hear them without them having to scream loudly. I'm also recently on a low budget so it seemed like there were a few or so good choices: PX100, Porta Pros, etc...

After listening to the PX100s for a while I thought they're lovely for most classical music, clear pleasant highs, nice bass you can feel... But with rock? music, particularly male vocals like say Billy Joel, I felt like it was really lacking in that range, almost as if the singer had been moved back behind the rest of the band or such.

Then when I got home and tried the PX100s with some games like Quake 3 then OMG they were GARBAGE the bass is rumbly distorted, almost like I'm listening through my nose instead of my ears it's so bad. I'm confused why it could be so terrible after reading so many glowing recomendations for these.

They were plugged into the amplified headphone output on my polkaudio PC speakers. I haven't tried the AKG K 340s on that output yet, I guess I should get a 1/8th to 1/4 stero plug adaptor so I can compare, but the JVCs sound just fine (not inspiring, just OK) there.

If it wasn't for the terrible sound when used with the game I like to play a lot, the PX100s would be acceptable for what I want to use them for, and actually quite pleasant with some music. I wonder if any inexpensive open headphones sound good with a game like Quake 3?

And I have to say, I was expecting a lot more inspiring sound from these when used for listening to .mp3s...

I really love my Senn HD-280 Pros. The fact that they're closed cut out so much sound, they feel blessedly clean. And powerful.

How do they sound when you connect them directly to your soundcard? I think the speakerset might be the cause of your problem.

I have the PX100! They are only good for listening music! Pretty nice phone for the money. I think the AKG K24P/K26P are not bad but I will recommend Audio-Technica ATH-T44 Headphones. I bought this phone from warehouse123.com, and all I can say is "wow". I can't believe these headphones cost under $50.

I have the PX100s too. I am very happy with them. But what do I know? I bought a pair of Shure E2Cs and I hated them! They probably didn't fit my ears or I dunno what was wrong, but they sounded worse then some junk, nameless $10 earphones! Seriously - for me, the PX100s are better.

I actually use PX100 for my traveling needs and I am quite happy with them (folding design is quite nice and handy).

They replaced ageing traveling Sony Streetstyle MDR-G72's which I used for 6 years (few pieces) - they seem to be much better than Sony ones (but it is a different price range, too)

Inhouse, I am still happy with good ole' HD590s

I can't say I loved the PX100 for music (good portable, though) but it more than sufficed for games--upgrading to Grados barely effected my Quake 4 romping at all, especially compared to getting an EAX compatible soundcard.

The Koss KSC-35 and KSC-75 (both clip-on style) are very well liked and recommended on head-fi.org.

I have a pair of KSC-35's, and they sound great. Though the 35's only seem to be available from the Creative Labs store on ebay (maybe elsewhere also), because they're no longer made. And, for this reason, they are only $10. No, I'm not crazy; check some other opinions.

Anyway, reading head-fi is extremely helpful for anything related to headphones, portables, cables, amplification, etc.

...But you weren't asking about portable headphones. That's just what comes to mind when I see "PX-100".

Sennheiser HD-580's are down to $150. I got mine from J&R. And many people love Grados, available at many price points.

I also own the PX 100's and I agree with your critique fully. It has bloated bass, excessively emphasized mids and next to no heights. I've tried it with different sources (headphone amps, direct connection to portable cd players and the Ipod Shuffle) and it doesn't sound good in either of those.

Maybe a newbie to the audiophile arena may be impressed by the 100's, but it pales in comparison to the Grado SR-60's (which seems to be its closest competitor). Now, don't run out and buy those either. Although they have better articulation of the highs and the bass is better controlled, the highs are very shrill. And I mean shrill to the point where they are almost unbearble at times. But it seems that that is a quality that absolves itself with enough hours of burn in.

If you're really looking for good recommendations on headphones, head over to head-fi.org and do a search or a new post. Someone will be able to help you out. Also, shopping at headphone.com would be a great idea too, since they have a 30-day return policy.

As for myself, I'm thinking about getting me a pair of the AKG 240S, which might fall into the category of what you're looking for.

Peace.

Maybe the problem stems from Quake3? I never quite liked the sound of Quake3. I just tried with my PX100s and it doesn't sound too pleasant (not as bad as you describe though, but that's subjectivity for you). I think they overdid it in the bass department, maybe to compensate for crappy speakers, which were more common in "those days". When I play over my speakers it shakes down the house.

When I'm on the go, I love these phones.

edit: pleasent -> pleasant %-)

Well, it was because of a bunch of posts I read on those forums that I got these PX100s in the first place. I can't stand harsh highs, so thanks for pointing out that about the Grado 60s, which I might have gotten except I was hoping to spend less than $50 as see no need for anything better than the old AKG K 340s I have, I just wanted an inexpensive OPEN alternative so I can hear wife/kid if they need me for something. I might also use them for portable use, but that would be secondary.

Hmm ~ thanks for the tip about the 240s, I just read a little about them and will read some more.

Here's a pair (new) for $89 shipped: ebay item # 7383226923 I want to buy it, but can't spend $90 right now doh!


Oh good, some confirmation... Well if I play Quake 3 with my AKG K 340s it sounds great, maybe bass heavy, but not muddy and muffled like with the PX100s.

I bet if you listened to my PX100s hooked up to my PC playing the Quake 3 mod that I play (Urban Terror) you would prob. say they sound like crap/garbage or something along those lines.

Two of my headphones sound great/fine with Quake 3, but they're both full size and both closed.

Maybe inexpensive (under $50) open headphones that sound good - great with Quake 3 simply don't exist?

Sony MDR-CD580. A pretty *nuetral headphone overall. Will sound pretty good on most things. Nothing spectacular; but excellent for the price bracket. Construction quality is average for this price bracket=cheaply made. Open back, if I remember correctly. The price is a little over your stated limit. It's about $90. But I think it this headphone would not do you wrong. You'll have to look around for it; it's discontinued, but still available at some [1]places. You might have to go with a classified ad or ebay if you want the lowest price.

*My reference of nuetral is the MDR-7506, which I have compared A/B with live sound sources for midrange/treble tonality accuracy, using two omnipolar linear response measurment microphones placed about 4-5' apart, standing between the two microphones, comparing the live feed and live sound that is being picked up to each other. In this circumstance, the MDR-7506 sounds almost exactly like the live sources, in midrange and treble tonality.

-Chris

[1] http://www.hometheaterplus.com/sony-mdr-cd580.html

Forgive my ignorance on this subject, but are the PX100 related to Sennheiser's PMX 100? Code numbers are hard to follow when they are this similar.

PMX-100 have a different design but I guess both PMX-100 and PX100 share the same drive units.

How comfortable are PMX-type headphones? I mean, headphones that go behind the back of your head, instead classic desing over the head. I have never tried these kind. Are they suitable for people that wear glasses?

I wear glasses, so they suit me fine.

The only unconfortable moment I had so far was when I tried to lie down my head on a pillow, so that I could rest a bit with a few soft tunes in the "background"; didn't work.

Also, I don't find my PMX-100 disappointing. Quite the contrary; they have been the best headphone set I've ever tried. They sound natural, clean, and awesome. Although, keep in mind I've never tested anything else above the 40€ line.

Edit: Sorry for the late reply. I didn't even notice the date.