Upgrade headphones for $200-300?

I'm looking to upgrade from my AD700s to something a bit more high-end. I've had these 'phones for almost a year so I'm itching to get new ones. I'm asking for them for my birthday (Sept 11) and my budget is around $200-300 (flexible though).

I listen to most genres of music (except country), but I focus on rock, hip-hop/rap, dubstep, techno, stuff like that. I would definitely like more bass compared to the AD700 but I'm not too much of a basshead so nothing really bass-heavy. Isolation wise, open or closed--doesn't really matter to me. I really like the airyness/soundstage of my AD700, but because I want some more bass closed (or semi-open) would be fine. With my current phones, overall, I need more bass and the highs may be on the verge of being too sparkly/bright.

The DT880/600 seems to be popular around here, so I was looking at those. By the way, I'll be building an amplifier with whatever 'phones I get so amplification isn't a problem. I also glanced at the K701/2 but the bass may still be lacking for me. Looked over the D2000 too.

Thanks for any suggestions/comments!

Quote:

Originally Posted by stang 

I would say K701 are an excellent upgrade from the AD700, but you want more of a sidegrade, something that is of smiliar quality, but has more bass etc. DT880/600 have quite neutral bass, and maybe that is something you like. DT990/600 I feel would be better for you, looking at those genres. Possibly even a pair of D2000. Mids may be lacking too much for you though. MarkL mod may fix that a bit.

I'd probably like everything but the bass on the K701, but, like you said, I want more bass than the completely open 'phones give me. I'll research on the DT990/DT880 some more...The DT990 have a bit more bass than the DT880, not too sure what else is different. The D2000 looks really good also, the soundstage seems good even though it's a closed can. I would probably end up modding them, looks fairly involved but doable I think. Hmm...

I haven't looked too much into Senns yet, but the HD650 seems out of my price range :/ The HD600 looks closer though. I'll look into those as well.

Any comments on the Ultrasone Pro750? The highs look too harsh for what I'm looking for I think...

Quote:

Originally Posted by violinvirtuoso 

Are you OK with buying used? You can find mint condition HD650s for under $300.

Yeah, as long as they are mint or close to it.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik 

Yes, you should be able to find a used HD-650 under $300.  I sold mine for around $275, IIRC.  The HD-600 shows up used around $200.  You might be able to find a used HD-580 (about the same as a HD-600) for even less.  Take a look around.

 

I've heard the 750 at a few meets, but I've never come across an Ultrasone that I've enjoyed.  YMMV, of course.

Alright, I'll be on the lookout for used 'phones as well. The HD650 seems to be picky about its amplification (moreso than the others), my budget for an amp is around the same as this, so I'm assuming I should be able to build something that will do them justice. So you think the HD650 would suit me better than others? I've heard good things about those as well as the DT880/990 mainly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azariel 

I have a pair of 2005 880s that I enjoyed pretty well but no longer use.  However, they sound airy, for lack of a better word - huge soundstage.  I've since switched to a pair of HD580s that I got for about 180$ used, so they're within your budget.  Amped properly they have more than enough bass for me, and more than the 880s do.  I'd recommend both, with which you pick depending on your preferences.

Well, I'm sure I wouldn't mind the soundstage, coming from the AD700. (you're implying that you didn't like that aspect of the 880, right?). It seems most of the Senns in my price range (or above, if I find them used) are recommended--I'll keep researching about them (in addition to the Beyers).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pratt 

I'd stay away from Senn's if you like rock or a clear, sharp, lively sound. Senn's are too laid back and veiled for that imo. They are for more "naturally" recorded music, like classical, acoustic, jazz, not for quick synth oriented stuff or hard rock/metal.

 

The Denon 2000's I'd look out for too, they are supposed to have flabby and loose bass for one thing. Some say their mids and highs are terrible too. I don't know about that, but boomy inarticulate bass criticism is one reason I've never got them.

 

I just got the Beyer 770 600ohm and they have good bass: not too much, but not too little like my 702's (I actually do like the 702's bass, it's fine as I'm not a big bass head, but it's not enough for others) or 225i's. However the highs are kind of glarey and cold/hard. So you might not like that. Mids seem fine to me, not too recessed or anything. So bass and mids are good, but the highs could be disliked by many (I'm ok with them so far...on some material and at higher volumes though they get fatiguing).

 

So I guess I'm throwing the 770's in here too. Cheaper than others as well.

Well, based on your description of the Senns they might not be the best for me. I do listen to some classical, but not too much of it. I've heard about the D2000 bass as well...but the Markl mod is supposed to fix that as well as improve other things. Your thoughts on the DT770 highs seem to be similar for the DT880 as well, not sure how I'll like the highs.

I was looking at a Hybrid DIY amp for the headphones I get (maybe a Minimax) so that may help the sound. Also, the 'veil' with Senns (from what I've read) seems to either go away or not be as obvious if it's paired with the right amp. The modded D2000 are an option, but I'd rather buy headphones that are great initially instead of having to mod them to get what I want.