Short answer: the Mackie MC-250. It ranks #81 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $89.99. The Capra Audio Satyr 4 ranks #123, rated 4.0/5, at $79.90, $10.09 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Mackie MC-250: A preference score of 83 for a closed-back headphone is strong, and bass from 60 to 200 Hz is about 1 dB above target for a slightly warm, full low end. Watch for: A 5 dB dip near 4.8 kHz and presence about 2.5 dB under target make vocals and snare snap sound a little recessed.
Why pick the Capra Audio Satyr 4: Tuned close to the Harman target that most listeners prefer in blind tests (preference score 81). The tradeoff: Treble about 3 dB below target from 3 to 10 kHz, which can sound dull or veiled next to brighter headphones.
Buy the Mackie MC-250. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $10.09 you would save on the Capra Audio Satyr 4 does not close the gap.
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A preference score of 83 for a closed-back headphone is strong, and bass from 60 to 200 Hz is about 1 dB above target for a slightly warm, full low end.
Amazon $89.99 eBay
Tuned close to the Harman target that most listeners prefer in blind tests (preference score 81).
West3D $79.90 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie MC-250 | Capra Audio Satyr 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.99 | $79.90 |
| Ranked | #81 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #123 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 81 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.95 dB standard deviation | 1.69 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.68 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm | 2 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 38 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB | - |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
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