[almo2001]

Hi!
 
I love the flat-response sound of Grado SR-125 and Etymotic Research ER-4P headphones. I need to get something less expensive for use at work, since the employer is paying for it. I'm looking for over-ear headphones, open-air preferable (but not necessary) as I like to know what's going on around me. My 15-year-old SR-80s are starting to rattle a little, and it drives me nuts.
 
Here's the tough part:
Can someone recommend me something with a similar style of sound, at $50 (CAD) or less, avaliable at Amazon.ca? I don't think the purchasing department will want to work with a random small retailer. I'm aware that in this price range what I get will not sound as awesome.
 

 

[stevenswall]

Well, they don't sound like Etymotics , but the Koss PortaPro seems to be your best bet at that price range. It had plenty of bass, but still decent sparkle in the treble. I've had mine for a few years, and have yet to find another open headphone under $100 to beat them. Other than that, a more expensive but slightly more comfortable alternative can be had in the Sennheiser HD238, but it is even more bass heavy to my ears.

 

[Aizura]

I'd check your Grados for hairs first. It's a common problem with Grados, search for "Grattle".
No $50 headphone will come close to the SR125, it would be a shame if you throw them away because of a little hair on the diaphragm.

 

[Blue Boat]

Sony MDR V6? They're $65ish though. 

 

[KimChee]

How about a Shure 440?  Sorry didn't look to see if they were available on ca

 

[almo2001]

They're not 125s I need to replace, it's an old set of 80s. But still, if it's hair, you're right about that being a bad reason to get rid of them. I'll check into that first.
 
Other folks: thanks for the recommendations, they will come in handy if this turns out not to be a hair-in-the-driver issue.