Fostex T50RP* since they typically go for $170 now. Can sometimes be found for around $90-$130.

*They definitely need mods to sound good, so that’s about $5-$30 depending where you source your modding material. Then another $10-$80 for the ear pads. And another $100-$200 for an amp/DAC since they actually require one, especially after the mods.

If done correctly, they can have a similar midrange conpared to the 6x0 line with actual subbass, extended treble, more soundstage, instrument separation, and better imaging.

But I’ve heard that Planars and tube amps don’t mix.

Yes, that is typically the case with output transformerless (OTL) tube amps and harder to drive planars. Then there’s exceptions like the Valhalla 2 being able to drive some planars just fine.

If you really want to use a tube amp with planars, you should get a transformer coupled tube amp. Doesn’t matter if it’s balanced or single ended as long as it has enough wattage. 1W into 50 ohms, which is roughly what the Magni 3 outputs, should be plenty for most planars.

Here’s an example of the Hifiman HE6se V2 being used with an Elekit TU-8200DX. One of the most power hungry planars driven loud enough with room to spare on a tube amp.

I’m currently using them in bed with the Qudelix 5k balanced and I don’t feel like I’m lacking much compared to my bigger amps. The Qudelix sounds brighter/harsher than the Schiit Magni Piety and the Elekit TU-8200DX but It’s no big deal since the Qudelix is not as fatiguing out of the balanced port compared to the single ended port, at least with the T50RP. Amps can make a difference, but it’s not this huge night and day difference. In the T50RP’s case, it helps with the punchiness and bass, but it doesn’t change the sound dramatically.

I’ve found it pretty hard to find a bassy headphone under $500 that isn’t muddy or too bright or lacks detail/clarity. The TH-X00 was it, although it was pretty harsh with the stock earpads. Sadly, they don’t make them anymore. The only other option I found besides modded T50RP’s (I’m probably forgetting something) with deep bass and clarity for $200 or less are IEMs. I personally don’t like how most IEMs fit and they all sound tiny/too closed in, but you could be the perfect candidate for them.

I remember your post. It sucks that I didn’t get to reply before you returned them because these can easily turn into bass cannons. They’re literally pounding my ears right now just by swapping the earpads, adding a thicker baffle foam disc, and taping 4 baffle vents. They can get boomy though depending on the earpads. Still, I didn’t have to open them like I did with the MKIII since they got really boomy when increasing the bass that way.

They still retain all that detail after modding them, but they kick like a horse now. I didn’t like how bright they were but I knew a pad swap would take care of it. Right now, the Brainwavz oval pads sound the best to my ears. My opinion may change once I open them and tweak them a bit.

I don’t have the Purplehearts, but I have the mahogany TH-X00. Trust me when I say the modded T50RP MKIII basscannons have more bass than the TH-X00 and they’re wider sounding. Only problem is they require an amp since the mods make them less efficient than they already are and the mods cost money, especially the pads.