Below 200$ is in the "easily attainable" range, i'd say, what you could call cheap. But i also feel like another commenter here, that it's probably best to avoid the term "cheap", as it's so subjective and a bit derogative. 200-500$ is mid-range, anything above is high-end. Don't really have a good term for the 1000$+ "Endgame" headphones, because as we all know, once you get there you sure won't stop with headphones 👀
Sivga makes some great value offerings for sure. I'd say headphones under $300 falls in this "Cheap/affordable" category. Look at the new offerings from FiiO, FT1 ($150) and FT1 Pro ($200). Another is the Aune AR5000 ($299). Honorable mention, Sundara Closed ($150) and Dekoni/HiFiMan Cobalt ($250). Here we have an open and closed back offering from a dynamic driver headphone and open and closed from planar driver headphones. A nice complete collection for under $900 with tax and shipping. Then you can have enough for an awesome DAC/amp to drive them to their best. Love your videos! Thanks!!
I kinda feel like you nailed it. $200 or less for headphones, I consider “cheap”. For headphones. Although, inexpensive, or value- priced are more palatable terms. And there are more and more players on n this space. Fiio FT1 and FT1 Pro are also under $200. Hopefully the trend continues.
Inexpensive vs Cheap. When I think cheap headphones, I think Walmart plastic phones with bright colors that you buy for a child. When I think inexpensive, I think Sennheiser HD599, Sony MDR, DT770, or AKG 371. Inexpensive implies you’re getting the real product but at the lower(or lowest) end of the price spectrum for that product.
@ the Senns are on sale and pretty tempting, but I REALLY would like to try the Sivga. I know the build quality is really plasticy on the Senns and I appreciate that someone else sells a competitive product with much higher quality at a similar price. The only thing in my way is my wallet! 😁
audiophile 200=cheap. normal consumer 200=expensive. i have many friends that would not have ever bought themselves 58x jubilees themselves due to cost, but i have given out several of them to friends over the years.
I saw a review you did for the Sivga Orioles. If I remember rightly, you loved them. I'll keep in mind that it's closed versus open-backed but how would you compare them?
The Orioles are a bit more punchy down low, but also a bit more coloured across the whole frequency range. I think the Anser is a more balanced overall sound.
Thx again for the amazing review. I just purchased the LTA Velo. Still thinking about the Chord TT2 or the LTA Aero dac. My question is what headphones would you recommend to pair with the Velo to bring out the warmth and soundstage? My budget would be probably no more than $3000. Also, any IEM recommendations for similar objective? Really appreciate your advice!
Congratulations on the Velo! Some headphones I'd consider to go well with it are the ZMF Atrium, Sony MDR-Z1R, ZMF Bokeh (closed - I haven't properly tried the open version), HiFiMan HE1000 SE (or the new Arya Unveiled, but I'm yet to try it), Focal Clear MG and HEDDphone 2 GT. Those are in no particular order and all have different strengths and weaknesses.
I'm glad you liked the review, but the HD6xx will run from almost anything. Like all headphones (some more than others) it will get lots better with a great amp, but that's true for the Sivgas as well.
I got the KZ Crinacle iem for 50euro and they sound very similar to my Stax L500. Koss ksc75 and Koss kph30i both sound fantastic, especially at 30euro. Even compared to my Sennheisser HD660s.
I started with HD414 (15 pounds sterling) fifty years ago. Twenty-five years ago I splurged on HD580s ($200). Old style Sennheisers suffer from cable failures, typically lasting
Speaking of cheap headphones or some people would like to call them inexpensive, head headphones, I would love to see your take on the new FiiO FT1 Pro planar magnetic headphones? I hear really good things about them. I think they retail for 200 bucks. Excellent review as always.
My price range for cheap is pretty broad. It’s something that is at the cost/value sweet spot before we start chasing dininishing returns (this is subjective per person), would satisfy “one-and-done” (flexible enough to make any genre sound ‘good enough’), and “buy-it-for-life”. Aside from that dynamic driver (for durability), easy access to spare parts, and something that i can repair/maintain myself. The HD560S was my ultimate choice. Even after looking at headphones upto $3k. It’s just a lot of bang for your buck. Easily moddable (and therefore also repairable), and plenty of parts available from Sennheiser. Koss portapro coming up close behind. I think the WA7 is cheap. It’s a nicely dialled in a dac/amp all-in-one package that seems to make (almost) any headphone and IEM sound warmer and smoother, but retaining detail and clarity. It would cost more in the long run as we buy/trade dacs and amps just to get the same sound. (But thankfully i decided on a pair of headphones that runs happily on the apple dongle)
I do add that after about a week or so. I don't include it immediately because it reduces the number of views as people assume they're not interested in "product X" but they might be surprised so I try to make it interesting enough that they'll click through and can then decide if it's interesting based on its characteristics, not its brand or name. After a week or so, I add the product brand and name so that it comes up in search results for that product.
Affordable - midrange - high end - keeps things simple :) They also do the SV21 closed back headphone. Are these at the same level of loveliness as these? Use case = dad listening at night, most people sleeping = would like a great sounding closed back headphone
That's definitely not the sound of the Ansers so they might work better for you. Sivga tend to make a range of different tuned headphone so they don't have a house sound as such.
Thanks for the video! The HD6xx have great build quality, but the clamping force makes them slightly uncomfortable (however they do loosen up over time). What I wanted to say was that I seriously doubt that the Anser are built better than the HD6xx, because almost nothing is :)
They feel better in the hand and are more comfortable to me (although I find the HD6xx very comfortable too). The Sivgas are largely wooden and metal and seem very well built compared to the plastic HD6xx (which I really like so this isn't intended to insult one of the best headphones ever made)
Depends on the economy. Four years ago a thousand dollar headphone was reasonable but lately I need the money for groceries. Now a $100 headphones is reasonable.
Nah, man. For 500 you are able to get the top of the line Bluetooth headphones from nearly any company. People don’t see these as cheap. They are an investment for many people. We are a broken group who can justify to themselves that spending multiple thousands on several pairs of headphones is well worth it. I’m over 50 pairs in and feel like such an asshole every time I look at my headphone wall
Up to about £150 I would call cheap/entry level pricing. For example I own a pair of AKG K92 at around £50 and a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 250ohm at around £125. Both are really great. If my finances would allow I'd probably go for a pair of Meze Elite/Focal Utopoa/Abyss Diana. Dream on😊
Outstanding as always Lachlan. To me "cheap" is $100 USD or less. Budget would be $200 - $101. I own both the HD560S & HD6xx and the HD6xx is by far a better headphone so you have me intrigued by the Anser. I've never heard any Sivga headphones but your review here might make me pick up a pair of the Anser's. Thank you and keep up the great work.
I got my personal proof that cheap headphones can be brilliant, 6XX didnt make it for me but DT880 (600) slightly modded could be my only headphones. Luckily I can own more pairs and enjoy them all for what they are 👍
@@MadelnMachines well custom cans did it for me, they are dampened with mass loaded drivers + recabled to use balanced cable, I never had issue with treble or bass, both my amps are pretty strong (tubes or solid state)
@@MadelnMachines Just need to find the right amp, an 880 600ohm on a good OTL amp or a vintage SS power amp is very rich in bass. Personally my Sennheiser 660s2 is my favorite “all-around” headphone, it fits the sweet spot of comfort to wear for hours and a pleasant midrange. And this is coming from someone who owns a Utopia and Susvara.
well , in a sort of relative manner , US$100 is probably the threshold of being cheap , a $199 price tag is not unreasonable and is indeed economically priced in and among many of todays inflated price of headphones on the market ; but among all one cannot really say its CHEAP some might think in term of how the variety of headphones are priced , the threshold should be much higher , but CHEAP as a concept had to be levied against the buying power of the wider public population and in term of their disposable income , not the price the Mfr wanting to had
We live in a big world, different financial situations, currencies and even headphone pricing sometimes so it might be good that people are arguing about this, it's not something we need to agree on. my own opinion is sub 150$ for headphones and sub 50$ for iems
If you want to talk 'good quality' cheap headphones. For me, the Sundara's are the cheapest ones I own. IEMs is a different story, the SGOR Lunas are really good for $50 AUD I love them over the 7Hz Timeless
$199 is indeed a cheap headphone, and whilst good cheap headphones exist they aren't as plentiful as cheap IEMs. I'm currently very happy with my IEMs and ancient closed back headphones. But I am looking for open back headphones and I have been considering both of these as well as the ATH-AD700X.
I was never a fan of the Edition XS, but I just got a pair in because you can now get an easy, pre-made grille to modify them. I've got that review coming soon to see if it makes them a better headphone...
The compression needs to be reduced and more control over the de essing, lisp on the vocals for these videos. It takes away from the message being delivered and becomes distracting.
Thank you, but value is equally subjective and contentious in other ways 🙂 I've learned just to say what I feel is appropriate and let others argue in the comments. 🙂🙂
@danilaros I've tried both and would take the Ansers, I think. I'll have the FT1 for a proper review soon so we'll see, but it's also closed vs open so they're for very different purposes.
@@PassionforSound there also the FT1 Pro now that is open back and a planar. I’m curious how it performs. Hi will try the Sigva’s, from you review sounds that is a good one🙂 good times, there are are so good headphones at a affordable price😀
Oh, and Lachlan, if you ever DO review these (already reviewed by Randy, Zeos, and DMH), here are a few suggestions/tips: Give them a little time to burn in. Replace the pads with Koss Porta-Pro pads for better comfort (ignore using Grado pads. Not worth it). Also, these can be used balanced or unbalanced out of the box. Cheers!
Maybe under 100 € could be considered cheap, 100-200 € attainable cost, 300-500 € mid, and everything clearly over 500-1000 € more of less expensive 1000+ ...well seriously expensive. Have something from every range, yet considered Arya Organic and HE1000Stealth overly expensive...yet thinking about Empyrean II or HE1000SE.
I think I put a message on screen about that because I forgot to discuss it. The reason I forgot is that it's fine, but unremarkable. Good separation and width and the price, but depth and layering is just ok. It's about on par with the HD560S but with slightly different presentation.
cheap headphones are crappy chinese amazon bluetooth devices below £20 (i have bought lots of these because i always lose my earbuds). average headphones are £20 - £100 (like jbl or sennheiser). anything above £100 is ultra expensive.
Yes, that's the projection I mentioned in the opening. I understand it, but it's a subjective term so I think that's important to remember on a global platform.
It's a question of priorities, Scott, and has nothing to do with snobbishness (though some audiophiles have tendencies in that direction). If you look at any hobby, enthusiasm, or sport, the minute you move into specialist gear, the prices go up. If that's your obsession and you can afford it, you will buy it. That does not mean you look down on people who are not enthusiasts and buy more inexpensive gear. I choke at how much friends will pay for running shoes, golf clubs, bikes, TVs, watches, sunglasses. If you are going to call everyone who buys any of these items at above mass market prices snobs, then you are insulting half the developed world.
Below 200$ is in the "easily attainable" range, i'd say, what you could call cheap. But i also feel like another commenter here, that it's probably best to avoid the term "cheap", as it's so subjective and a bit derogative.
200-500$ is mid-range, anything above is high-end. Don't really have a good term for the 1000$+ "Endgame" headphones, because as we all know, once you get there you sure won't stop with headphones 👀
Sivga makes some great value offerings for sure. I'd say headphones under $300 falls in this "Cheap/affordable" category. Look at the new offerings from FiiO, FT1 ($150) and FT1 Pro ($200). Another is the Aune AR5000 ($299). Honorable mention, Sundara Closed ($150) and Dekoni/HiFiMan Cobalt ($250). Here we have an open and closed back offering from a dynamic driver headphone and open and closed from planar driver headphones. A nice complete collection for under $900 with tax and shipping. Then you can have enough for an awesome DAC/amp to drive them to their best. Love your videos! Thanks!!
I kinda feel like you nailed it. $200 or less for headphones, I consider “cheap”. For headphones. Although, inexpensive, or value- priced are more palatable terms. And there are more and more players on n this space. Fiio FT1 and FT1 Pro are also under $200. Hopefully the trend continues.
About to post exactly this. Well done, BassDad and Get Out of My Head !
@ lol!
Inexpensive vs Cheap. When I think cheap headphones, I think Walmart plastic phones with bright colors that you buy for a child. When I think inexpensive, I think Sennheiser HD599, Sony MDR, DT770, or AKG 371. Inexpensive implies you’re getting the real product but at the lower(or lowest) end of the price spectrum for that product.
I literally have the HD 560 S in my Amazon cart right now. Great timing!!! 👍
Are you swapping to the Sivgas or sticking with the HD560S? Both are good headphones.
@ the Senns are on sale and pretty tempting, but I REALLY would like to try the Sivga. I know the build quality is really plasticy on the Senns and I appreciate that someone else sells a competitive product with much higher quality at a similar price.
The only thing in my way is my wallet! 😁
@superspeeder I feel you! It's a tough call
audiophile 200=cheap. normal consumer 200=expensive. i have many friends that would not have ever bought themselves 58x jubilees themselves due to cost, but i have given out several of them to friends over the years.
I saw a review you did for the Sivga Orioles. If I remember rightly, you loved them. I'll keep in mind that it's closed versus open-backed but how would you compare them?
The Orioles are a bit more punchy down low, but also a bit more coloured across the whole frequency range. I think the Anser is a more balanced overall sound.
Thx again for the amazing review. I just purchased the LTA Velo. Still thinking about the Chord TT2 or the LTA Aero dac. My question is what headphones would you recommend to pair with the Velo to bring out the warmth and soundstage? My budget would be probably no more than $3000. Also, any IEM recommendations for similar objective? Really appreciate your advice!
Congratulations on the Velo!
Some headphones I'd consider to go well with it are the ZMF Atrium, Sony MDR-Z1R, ZMF Bokeh (closed - I haven't properly tried the open version), HiFiMan HE1000 SE (or the new Arya Unveiled, but I'm yet to try it), Focal Clear MG and HEDDphone 2 GT. Those are in no particular order and all have different strengths and weaknesses.
Nice review. Don't forget the dedicated amp you would need with the 650/6XX.
I'm glad you liked the review, but the HD6xx will run from almost anything. Like all headphones (some more than others) it will get lots better with a great amp, but that's true for the Sivgas as well.
In “my” world of headphones, cheap is anything
I got the KZ Crinacle iem for 50euro and they sound very similar to my Stax L500.
Koss ksc75 and Koss kph30i both sound fantastic, especially at 30euro. Even compared to my Sennheisser HD660s.
I started with HD414 (15 pounds sterling) fifty years ago. Twenty-five years ago I splurged on HD580s ($200). Old style Sennheisers suffer from cable failures, typically lasting
I have the KSC75s too and I agree that they're brilliant.
Speaking of cheap headphones or some people would like to call them inexpensive, head headphones, I would love to see your take on the new FiiO FT1 Pro planar magnetic headphones? I hear really good things about them. I think they retail for 200 bucks. Excellent review as always.
I've just arranged a pair of FT1 Pros (and FT1s) to come over so that's coming in the future, but it's a little way off.
My price range for cheap is pretty broad.
It’s something that is at the cost/value sweet spot before we start chasing dininishing returns (this is subjective per person), would satisfy “one-and-done” (flexible enough to make any genre sound ‘good enough’), and “buy-it-for-life”. Aside from that dynamic driver (for durability), easy access to spare parts, and something that i can repair/maintain myself.
The HD560S was my ultimate choice. Even after looking at headphones upto $3k. It’s just a lot of bang for your buck. Easily moddable (and therefore also repairable), and plenty of parts available from Sennheiser.
Koss portapro coming up close behind.
I think the WA7 is cheap. It’s a nicely dialled in a dac/amp all-in-one package that seems to make (almost) any headphone and IEM sound warmer and smoother, but retaining detail and clarity. It would cost more in the long run as we buy/trade dacs and amps just to get the same sound. (But thankfully i decided on a pair of headphones that runs happily on the apple dongle)
I wish you could include the product brand and model both in the title and thumbnail somewhere to help us find and sort through your videos
I do add that after about a week or so. I don't include it immediately because it reduces the number of views as people assume they're not interested in "product X" but they might be surprised so I try to make it interesting enough that they'll click through and can then decide if it's interesting based on its characteristics, not its brand or name.
After a week or so, I add the product brand and name so that it comes up in search results for that product.
Affordable - midrange - high end - keeps things simple :)
They also do the SV21 closed back headphone. Are these at the same level of loveliness as these?
Use case = dad listening at night, most people sleeping = would like a great sounding closed back headphone
I haven't tried the SV21 so I can't comment on that one. Sorry. The Ansers are excellent though so I think they're a safe bet.
@@PassionforSound The SV21 are bass cannons, I have them, and didn't return them, but haven't put them on again since getting them Sept 2021
That's definitely not the sound of the Ansers so they might work better for you. Sivga tend to make a range of different tuned headphone so they don't have a house sound as such.
Thanks for the video! The HD6xx have great build quality, but the clamping force makes them slightly uncomfortable (however they do loosen up over time). What I wanted to say was that I seriously doubt that the Anser are built better than the HD6xx, because almost nothing is :)
They feel better in the hand and are more comfortable to me (although I find the HD6xx very comfortable too).
The Sivgas are largely wooden and metal and seem very well built compared to the plastic HD6xx (which I really like so this isn't intended to insult one of the best headphones ever made)
$500 and below is cheap for headphone world.
$300 and below is for for IEM world.
I agree
Literally beyond +95% of all people😅
I'd say a cheap headphone is around $100 or below and with IEMs below $30.
Depends on the economy. Four years ago a thousand dollar headphone was reasonable but lately I need the money for groceries. Now a $100 headphones is reasonable.
Entry level ranges 😅
Nah, man. For 500 you are able to get the top of the line Bluetooth headphones from nearly any company. People don’t see these as cheap. They are an investment for many people. We are a broken group who can justify to themselves that spending multiple thousands on several pairs of headphones is well worth it. I’m over 50 pairs in and feel like such an asshole every time I look at my headphone wall
Up to about £150 I would call cheap/entry level pricing. For example I own a pair of AKG K92 at around £50 and a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 250ohm at around £125. Both are really great. If my finances would allow I'd probably go for a pair of Meze Elite/Focal Utopoa/Abyss Diana. Dream on😊
Outstanding as always Lachlan. To me "cheap" is $100 USD or less. Budget would be $200 - $101. I own both the HD560S & HD6xx and the HD6xx is by far a better headphone so you have me intrigued by the Anser. I've never heard any Sivga headphones but your review here might make me pick up a pair of the Anser's. Thank you and keep up the great work.
I'm so glad you like the video! If you do buy the Ansers I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Affordable is the word I would use. 200 to 250 is the range in Sri Lanka.
I got my personal proof that cheap headphones can be brilliant, 6XX didnt make it for me but DT880 (600) slightly modded could be my only headphones. Luckily I can own more pairs and enjoy them all for what they are 👍
How did you mod your 880s? I really don't like the lack of bass or over emphasised treble. Selling them
@@MadelnMachines well custom cans did it for me, they are dampened with mass loaded drivers + recabled to use balanced cable, I never had issue with treble or bass, both my amps are pretty strong (tubes or solid state)
@@MadelnMachines Just need to find the right amp, an 880 600ohm on a good OTL amp or a vintage SS power amp is very rich in bass. Personally my Sennheiser 660s2 is my favorite “all-around” headphone, it fits the sweet spot of comfort to wear for hours and a pleasant midrange. And this is coming from someone who owns a Utopia and Susvara.
well , in a sort of relative manner , US$100 is probably the threshold of being cheap , a $199 price tag is not unreasonable and is indeed economically priced in and among many of todays inflated price of headphones on the market ; but among all one cannot really say its CHEAP
some might think in term of how the variety of headphones are priced , the threshold should be much higher , but CHEAP as a concept had to be levied against the buying power of the wider public population and in term of their disposable income , not the price the Mfr wanting to had
We live in a big world, different financial situations, currencies and even headphone pricing sometimes so it might be good that people are arguing about this, it's not something we need to agree on. my own opinion is sub 150$ for headphones and sub 50$ for iems
If you want to talk 'good quality' cheap headphones. For me, the Sundara's are the cheapest ones I own. IEMs is a different story, the SGOR Lunas are really good for $50 AUD I love them over the 7Hz Timeless
To me under $300 is budget, $301-$999 is mid tier, $1k-$2k is high end & $2k+ is summit
Please review fiio ft1 pro
I'm going to try to get them in
$199 is indeed a cheap headphone, and whilst good cheap headphones exist they aren't as plentiful as cheap IEMs. I'm currently very happy with my IEMs and ancient closed back headphones. But I am looking for open back headphones and I have been considering both of these as well as the ATH-AD700X.
Check out the edition xs ... Stunning headphone for under 300 bucks now
@l67swap1 thanks so much.
I was never a fan of the Edition XS, but I just got a pair in because you can now get an easy, pre-made grille to modify them. I've got that review coming soon to see if it makes them a better headphone...
When I here "cheap" I think of an inferior product, negative connotations. I would use inexpensive instead.
Cheap is below 200 USD, reasonable priced is below 800 USD. Medium is 800 - 2500 USD, and expensive is above 2500. For headphones OFC ;)
The compression needs to be reduced and more control over the de essing, lisp on the vocals for these videos. It takes away from the message being delivered and becomes distracting.
I'm not using compression...
Me:
it's very cute, you're trying to share good quality stuff with her too. hope she comes around
Hey mate, does that mean all your gear just HAPPENED to cost $50?
@@PassionforSound to the cent mate
@Wyd4 amazing! What an incredible coincidence 😂
Lachlan - just replace “cheap” with “value”. That tends to not trigger whiners as much.
Thank you, but value is equally subjective and contentious in other ways 🙂
I've learned just to say what I feel is appropriate and let others argue in the comments. 🙂🙂
Lachlan, if you're having trouble with semantics, try using the terms "inexpensive" and "chintzy". ~_^
LOL. I don't have any issues with semantics, but it seems a lot of commenters do. 😉
$150 for HD58X... Cheap and excellent!
FiiO FT1 is the same price and better imo.
@danilaros I've tried both and would take the Ansers, I think. I'll have the FT1 for a proper review soon so we'll see, but it's also closed vs open so they're for very different purposes.
@@PassionforSound there also the FT1 Pro now that is open back and a planar. I’m curious how it performs. Hi will try the Sigva’s, from you review sounds that is a good one🙂 good times, there are are so good headphones at a affordable price😀
@danilaros I've got the FT1 Pros coming soon, but the review will be a fair way off...
To me cheap is under $100 as I can blind buy it and if it's terrible I won't feel bad about it.
I would consider anything $200 or less cheap. Anything $300 or less is pretty cheap. 😉
If ya wanna go cheap, then review the Koss KPH40's. Forty bucks.
Edit: Sorry, thats $40.00US, maybe $70.00-ishAU?
Oh, and Lachlan, if you ever DO review these (already reviewed by Randy, Zeos, and DMH), here are a few suggestions/tips:
Give them a little time to burn in.
Replace the pads with Koss Porta-Pro pads for better comfort (ignore using Grado pads. Not worth it).
Also, these can be used balanced or unbalanced out of the box.
Cheers!
Maybe under 100 € could be considered cheap, 100-200 € attainable cost, 300-500 € mid, and everything clearly over 500-1000 € more of less expensive 1000+ ...well seriously expensive.
Have something from every range, yet considered Arya Organic and HE1000Stealth overly expensive...yet thinking about Empyrean II or HE1000SE.
Cheap is a relative term.
💯
Maybe use the word affordable instead of cheap, that should satisfy most. :)
You'd be surprised. The reality is that there'll always be a group of people who want to take issue with any subjective term.
@@PassionforSound Unfortunately right! Keyboard warriors are everywhere...
Soundstage??
I think I put a message on screen about that because I forgot to discuss it. The reason I forgot is that it's fine, but unremarkable. Good separation and width and the price, but depth and layering is just ok. It's about on par with the HD560S but with slightly different presentation.
@PassionforSound thank you!
$30 dollars is cheap for me. (I'm from Brazil tho)
Sennheiser is already kinda dead next to Hifiman and cheap AKG K702s in Europe
I think Sennheiser will have a place in the market for as long as they make the HD6__ series
oh look headphones cheaper than his 600 dollar USB CABLE
$100
lt cheap if it's less than similar headphone with the same sound performance and other paramiters.😅
cheap headphones are crappy chinese amazon bluetooth devices below £20 (i have bought lots of these because i always lose my earbuds). average headphones are £20 - £100 (like jbl or sennheiser). anything above £100 is ultra expensive.
Cheap? Below 199
Cheap, at least for Americans, can carry a connotation of low-quality or shoddiness.
Yes, that's the projection I mentioned in the opening. I understand it, but it's a subjective term so I think that's important to remember on a global platform.
I guess I don't make enough money to consider a $200 headphone to be "cheap". Audiophiles seem like incredible snobs to me. Sorry.
It's a question of priorities, Scott, and has nothing to do with snobbishness (though some audiophiles have tendencies in that direction). If you look at any hobby, enthusiasm, or sport, the minute you move into specialist gear, the prices go up. If that's your obsession and you can afford it, you will buy it. That does not mean you look down on people who are not enthusiasts and buy more inexpensive gear. I choke at how much friends will pay for running shoes, golf clubs, bikes, TVs, watches, sunglasses. If you are going to call everyone who buys any of these items at above mass market prices snobs, then you are insulting half the developed world.
$100 USD or less is cheap for me.