Thanks to everyone on the forum for helping me take the plunge!
I bought two headphones, one for home, and one for on the road which includes a motorcycle.
Home headphones, Grado SR325i. Why? Immediacy, presence, 'on the stage'. I was just listening to Leonard Cohen's Suzanne and it was amazingly real, all his beautiful throat scratchiness, all the touch of the guitar strings.
In ear headphones-Shure ES530. Two reasons, one, because I want the best sound possible on the road without looking like a complete dork on the street/train. The Grados are open and would disturb my fellow passengers and I consider that as rude as people who buy loud open pipes for their motorcycles and give bikers a bad name. The Shures are not as in your face as the Grados and don't do the detail as well, however they have a very pleasant sound and a good velvety bass.
I think-and everyone should say this-YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY! The one thing I have learnt from all my listening and reading over the past two months (fanatically I might add) is that everyone's ears and tastes are different, just like food. I love shrimp with garlic and butter. My wife, who is Czech, does not share that love, she is really into (no kidding) potatoes and good soup. Both are good food but very different. Only trust your own ears and do all you can to demo your headphones before you buy! I demoed for example a Grado SR225 vs a AKG 701 and Senn HD650. MY TASTES go to the Grado, as I like the crispness of the sound. Others like the laid back but good sound of the others.
Good luck all in your fine quest and let us know what you end up with and why!
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