I'm in a bit of a quandary:
The Dilemma: 
If you've followed my recent post, I dumped my wonderful stupendous and awesome Mark Lawton MD2000 ( I loved 'em! ) because my ears are too sensitive these days to handle the bass impact after an accident. Even an HD650's bass is right on the line these days, swaying into the "too much" region.
The Response: 
So I purchased a K701 which I like a lot. It brings Vocal Trance to life, and makes it fun and "headphoney," as in accurately reproduces all the effects you just get lost in, while damping down the pounding bassline that makes Trance fun in a club but not in a headphone!
But comparing it to the HD650, it sounds kinda "cheap" sounding: a little plastic, a little thin. And it really fizzles in dramatic moments, like when the music stops for impact with a bass drum / cymbal hit. The 650 gives you impact, depth and slow decay. pa-POW! SSSSssssss..... The 701 well, doesn't. At all. 'pop'... gone.
Don't get me wrong: it has great lower bass reproduction and superior control! And it's lack of bass impact is what I need for my ears. But, y'know, the dramatic impact needs to be better, if at all possible. Also the 650, while not nearly as spacious and clear, sounds smoother and richer and seems to have better quality sound reproduction.
The Solution? 
I'm wondering what I can find in a K701 sound signature with that awesome accuracy, precision and soundstage, that sounds a little smoother and higher quality. ( I didn't like the 650 because it is a bit muted sounding, and muddy on detailed passages to my tastes, and the soundstage isn't nearly as wide as I like. For example, the 701 picked up many details the 650 totally left out ).
The Source: 
My source is a Glow Audio One tube amp which I love, and MP3 players. I cannot upgrade my production source because my entire collection is on MP4 files, and will continue to be as it grows.
The Requirements: 
I listen to Vocal Trance mainly when I use headphones: think Ferry Corsten, John O'Callaghan, Cold Blue, iiO, Ocean Lab, Dash Berlin, Armin van Buren, etc. This type of music has lots of layering, drama, pan effects, effect sounds, strings (electronic) and female vocals and/or harmonies.
What I'm looking for in a headphone, which is all based on Vocal Trance demands, for example:
Sweet, luscious and intimate midrange for female vocals
Clear highs that are not shrill highs
Awesome, spacious soundstage
Excellent detail and reproduction of effects
Thin, weak bass impact, but still deep, accurate bass
Beautiful and realistic female choral and string reproduction
The Budget: 
Budget is limited to about $500 or less, because of other commitments. And I'd have to sell off my other cans ( my HD650 with Cardas cable upgrade is already for sale here, $450 ). Thanks much, David
Edited by Kouzelna - 8/10/10 at 3:04pm
