Short answer: the Monoprice Modern Retro, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.0/5 for sound quality (#480 and #479 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the Monoprice Modern Retro costs $29.99 against $34.99 for the Razer BlackShark V2 X, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 481 over-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the Superlux HD 660 Pro 150 Ohm instead, ranked #84 at $34.
What the Monoprice Modern Retro does well: Bass is lifted about 7.6 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. Watch for: Presence sits about 4.7 dB low with an 11.2 dB dip near 11.2 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
The case for the Razer BlackShark V2 X: A built-in microphone makes it usable for voice chat without a separate headset. Watch for: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman score of just 1, so the tonal balance is a long way from what most listeners prefer.
Buy the Monoprice Modern Retro. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $5 less than the Razer BlackShark V2 X.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Bass is lifted about 7.6 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Monoprice $29.99 eBay
A built-in microphone makes it usable for voice chat without a separate headset.
Amazon $34.99 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
| Monoprice Modern Retro | Razer BlackShark V2 X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $34.99 |
| Ranked | #480 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #479 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 25kHz | 12Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 1 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 1 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 5.33 dB standard deviation | 5.39 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -2.95 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -2.96 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+6.7 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Sensitivity | - | 100 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | - | 0.5 lbs (240 g) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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