[50an6xy06r6n]

Quote:

I want something to bring my music to life, with a bit of weight. I will be using it for many genres, but I've currently got the HD448 which is great for vocals and acoustic, but I want some cans that will extend on the atmosphere of a song. I also like black space between notes. My main focus for these are Metal. I'm thinking the Sennies aren't the best choice (although I haven't heard them), and I could buy the FA-011 AND a modded T50RP/D2000 since the FA-011 is only ~$120 and the others around $200. I don't know.

Maybe try both of those, then keep the one you like better. I think the FA-011 and D2000 would be your best bets, if you're not modding the T50RP yourself.
 


Quote:

I can get the HD25 but they're out of my budget (€177 and €229 for the Adidas) and it wouldn't look nice on her anyway. The Phiaton MS400 is not available here sadly.
For now, I've narrow it down to:
AKG K272HD, Audio Technica M50, Denon D1001.
The source will be an iPod Nano, unamped, music is varied so a good all rounder headphone will suit her best, I don't think she really cares about soundstage though, maybe headphones that impresses her is more important. I'm leaning towards the AKG K272HD for her though, looks good to her and probably sound good as well (not sure). I could get it for €120 but will it work well unamped, plugged into an iPod nano?

Well, i can tell you the M50s will look a bit strange, so she might not like that. If you think she'll like the AKGs, I just say go for it, sice it seems like your selection is pretty limited.
 

 
Quote:

PS. Total nub -

Just for curiousity sakes, I'm just a typical headphone user who goes beyond 5 hours a day with headphones on. I'm currently using a basic *cheap* set-up incomparable to the thousand dollar sets-ups a lot of true audiophiles have.

I'm currently using the following:
Shure SRH 440 w/ 6.3mm 
Fiio E7 + Fiio E9 (Which i'm very satisfied for how it sounds)

I was hoping to slowly invest into a pair of headphones such as the Sennheiser HD700's for long term usage and as an upgrade from my SRH440's. Do you guys believe it would be worth buying the HD700s straight away while being used with a USB dac/amp combination such as the Fiio's? 

The cans *at least to me* seem to be the biggest player of musical reproduction besides the audio files being used to play back the songs.

I know that the HD700's won't be released until March, and i'm willing to wait for reviews to come out following the release. I just want to ask those who are willing to help without throwing a hissy-fit for a poor student such as myself. Because if i think more of short-run terms, i'd be wasting much more than a thousand dollars on multiple pair of headphones, and i believe i might as well get it over with by going for a higher end model which i might be very satisfied with for quite a while.


Thanks if you're able to give me your ideas and thoughts about this decision.

I think you might be able to nominally drive the HD700s with the E7/E9 combo, but you'll have to ask Jude or someone else who has some experience with them. However, they might not be at their full potential until you get a better amp, which could set you back another couple hundred dollars. For your setup, maybe stick with something slightly easier to drive like the HD598, DT880 250 ohms, or Q701, then sell them off if you want to upgrade later. All of these are still excellent cans, however. 
Basically if you don't have the amp yet, don't go for the top-tiers, unless you want to get an amp now.
 


Quote:

how does the Etymotic ER-4PT compare to the Vsonic gr07? agin thanks for the time helping.

[size=1.7em]  [/size]

I have the GR07s but not the ER-4s, but from what I've heard, the GR07 will have more bass emphasis, whereas the ER-4 will give you more microdetail. It boils down to personal sound preference, really.
 

 
Quote:

hi!
 
Is this a good deal for the Shure SRH750DJ for 80£? http://www.izonedeals.co.uk/headphones-earphones/shure-dj.html
 
I wanted to get the Audio Technica ATH-M50 at first but the price difference between these Shure headphones and the cheapest Audio Technica I could find is around 50£ which makes quite a big difference for me. Any opinions? Thank you!

Where do you live? That might give a better idea of what your selection is like. I haven't heard a ton about the SRH750s, but from what little I know, they have pretty big bass, but clamp hard. I'd say the M50s might be better, but probably not for twice the price. See if you can find Ultrasones or something at a more reasonable price, for more options.
 


Quote:

Hey,
 
Just posted new topic when i noticed there was this topic (newbie in here)
 
So, I have hard decision between few cans. My budget is allowing me to buy hd600+amp, but do i really need amp if Ill choose "better" cans?
Ill listen music on my computer and theres only integrated X-fi soundcard(good for games though), but I'd like to listen music with better quality.
Is the only way to get dac/headphone amp or is my soundcard just good enough to drive some good cans?
And if I need some kind of amp/dac for phones, where do I find those?
 
I have about $700 budget, so I can't buy too expensive set, but what do you prefer?
 
Thanks for advices!

The thing is, the "better" the headphones, the more amping you'll need, and your soundcard won't be able to supply enough power for anything better than the 600s, and even then it's a stretch. Your soundcard might be good for the HD598s, but with $700, you would be able to get the HD600s and a good dac/amp as well.
 


Quote:

For rock/dubstep/metal/rap/dance
I need them for the bus/class
Open or not? i dont know...what is the best?

Definitely closed. Some options, on an increasing price scale: AKG K81, Creative Aurvana Live!, Koss DJ100, HFI580/780, M50, HD25, M80, D1100/2000.
 


Quote:

Plz suggested me portable amp should be suitable for DT990 pro 250 ohms

Maybe something like the Fiio E17 if you want the DAC, iBasso D-Zero/T5, among others. Those are just the ones I've heard of, there's probably a lot of others.
 

 
Quote:

 
[size=10pt]Hello, I'm new here and not a native English speaker, so I apologize for any mistakes [/size]

[size=10pt] [/size]

[size=10pt]I'm looking for on-ear headphones as replacement for my broken Skullcandy's. I listen to 80's punk-rock and sometimes jazz. I listen to it mostly at home and also in public (on the bus), so closed design is in my opinion the best option. My budget is 70$ (50€). I almost bought AKG-K430 (about 60$ here), but then I read in some threads from this forum that they have weak bass. And I'm not a bass freak, but I want the best quality for that price. I like their design, portability (case, foldable) and they have great frequency range.[/size]

[size=10pt]So, can you tell me if those AKG's are good, and if they aren't, please help me with my decision.[/size]

[size=10pt] [/size]

[size=10pt]Thanks in advance.[/size]

Maybe also see if the K81s will work for you. It's sometimes hard to recommend based on a budget to those outside the U.S. because pricing can change drastically depending on location.
 


Quote:

I'm looking to upgrade to some better headphones.  I've had the Sennheiser HD 280 pro's for a while.  I'm looking for something under $300 that is comfortable.  If at all possible I'd like better bass response than the 280 pro's with maximum comfort.  I was considering the HD600's until I read about the "death grip" on your head.  I hated that about the HD 280's - so much so that I disassembled them and made them a little more loose.  I don't want a pair of headphones that require a headphone amp.  My idea of comfortable - my JVC RX900's.  I'd also like the headphones to have excellent immersion (or whatever you call it).    
 
So in review:
1.  Under $300 (or around there)
2.  Sound quality better than HD 280 Pro (particularly bass response) 
3.  Comfortable - No death grip!
4.  No amp necessary.  
 
 

So are you going to use them exclusively at home? If so, open cans might be better. Something like the HD598s would be super comfortble.
 

 

[yakapo]

@ 50an6xy06r6n
 
 
HD598's are exactly what I was looking at (for the past 30 min. or so).  Yes, i will be using them exclusively at home.  I wish there was some place I could demo them.  I'm excited to upgrade - even my 280 pro's sound better than my overpriced Polk RTI 12 tower speakers.  

 

[rocketmonkeys]

Looking for new headphones to replace my worn ones.  I have a Sennheiser HD497's (about $60-70) for the past 5 years or so that have been just great.  I've always had cheap headphones before then, so these were really eye-opening.  I always planned on upgrading to the HD555's eventually when these broke.
 
My cord is now worn & starting to break, so perfect time to upgrade.  However, last I checked (a long time ago) the HD555's were $150 list, but were regularly about $100 on sale.  Now they're $170, and the replacement HD558 is $180.  Quite a huge jump from what I was expecting.  Yes, I should have bought them a long time ago when they were cheaper.  I was expecting to spend $100, maybe $125, so $170 is a bit of sticker shock.
 
What I'm looking for:
-Open Design. I really like that about the HD497's. Haven't heard too many other headphones, but I'm pretty sure I prefer open.
-Will be listened to in my office, PC soundcard source.
-Wide mix of music, I really appreciate how the HD497's have detailed bass (not exaggerated/boosted bass, just that I can hear what's going on, not just *thump thump*) and very clear highs (sounds very muffled going back to other, cheaper headphones.  So I guess more or less neutral sounding is good.
-Comfortable.  I'd like to stay away from designs like the grados.  I like the HD5xx and HD6xx designs (big ear cups, velour pads).  I also like the design of the AKG 7xx series, and DT990.  I think those are out of my price range, but they at least look like they'd be comfortable.
 
So my questions:
-Why are the HD555 & HD558 priced so much higher now?  I realize the HD555 is discontinued, but it still seems like a huge jump from $100 most of the time to $170 w/o any discounts.
-Are there other headphones comparable to the HD555 for around $150 or less?
-Should I just bite the bullet and spend the $170?  Or jump for the HD558 for $10 more?
 
Thanks all, any help is appreciated!
 
For background, I also own:
KSC-75 - good portable cheap set.  Slightly exaggerated/boosted/muffled bass, highs are there but not as clear.
Etymotic ER-6i - incredibly clear on highs, *very* light bass.  Ok, but not as fun as the others.

 

[AddisonTaras]

 
I was originally thinking of getting the ATH-M50 but now I'm thinking different.
I haven't completely said No to them, but I'm open for other headphones.
 
Another one I'm thinking of getting and leaning forward to more now is the Shure-440.
 
As for music I listen to (if this matters) I listen to everything.
But here are some of my favorite artists:
 
Rammstein (favorite band and most listened) (they're Industrial metal/Neue Deutsche Harte though their later work has lots of orchestral stuff in them, hard to categorize them)
Kanye West (Hip Hop)
Disturbed (Nu-metal/Heavy Metal/Alternative Metal)
David Bowie (Rock)
Notorious B.I.G. (Hip-Hop)
Coldplay (Rock)
Childish Gambino (Hip-Hop)
Paramore (Rock/Pop-Punk)
Nas (Hip-Hop)
 
That pretty much covers it, I mean I listen to a lot more but, you get the idea.
 
At the moment I have the Superlux HD681B which are good (especially for the price) but I need a definite upgrade from these.
Plus the highs on these headphones are pretty bad, almost ear piercing bad with some songs (gotta mess with the equalizer)
 
Can you recommend some good headphones based on the music I listen too, or just some good headphones?
I'm not much of a bass guy, I like bass but it's not the most important thing to me but it's not like I want NO bass and flat headphones.
 
PS
I asked this before (someone told me to ask this here)
but someone recommended Grado's headphones, and ATM I'm looking at the Grado sr60i.
 
So between the ATH-M50, Shure-440 and the Grado sr80i (or sr80? I dunno the difference), which one should I get?
or can you recommend something even better?
 
PS, I do not have a high budget, like 150$ the MOST.

 

[LimeANite]

Quote:

I want something to bring my music to life, with a bit of weight. I will be using it for many genres, but I've currently got the HD448 which is great for vocals and acoustic, but I want some cans that will extend on the atmosphere of a song. I also like black space between notes. My main focus for these are Metal. I'm thinking the Sennies aren't the best choice (although I haven't heard them), and I could buy the FA-011 AND a modded T50RP/D2000 since the FA-011 is only ~$120 and the others around $200. I don't know.

If you want two, I think the T50RP would be a better match with the FA-011 then the D2000.  I own the FA-011 and D2000, and they're very similar.  The FA-011 has better mids and more (but looser) bass.  While I prefer the FA-011 mids, they're not hugely better.  The D2000 is significantly more comfortable and does pretty much everything else better (I prefer bass impact to quantity), so it's become my go-to headphone while the FA-011 sits on the rack more often than not.  The FA-011 might be a smidge faster than the Denons as well, but not enough that it's readily apparent (might make a difference for metal though).
 
Honestly, if you're looking for something for metal, consider Grados.  They're considered the gold standard for rock/metal genres due to their fantastic guitar reproduction.  The highs can be a bit harsh though (too much for me, tbh), so just be warned about that.
 
I can't really comment on the T50s at all, since I've never heard them (modded or otherwise).
 
 

 

[Rezound Sound]

Which out of these headphones has the best sound quality, comfort, and least sound leakage?
-Denon D1100
-Audio-Techinca ESW9A
-Klipsch Image One
-Klipsch Reference One

 

[LimeANite]

Quote:

Which out of these headphones has the best sound quality, comfort, and least sound leakage?
-Denon D1100
-Audio-Techinca ESW9A
-Klipsch Image One
-Klipsch Reference One

The D1100s will probably have the best comfort and isolation because they're the only ones that will actually fit over your ears rather than sitting on them.  Sound quality is gong to be a toss-up between the ESW9s and the D1100s.  The Denons will be bassier though.
 
I have to say that the ESW9A is one of the better looking portables out there, but then I'm a bit of a sucker for woody headphones.
 

 

[Rezound Sound]

Quote:

The D1100s will probably have the best comfort and isolation because they're the only ones that will actually fit over your ears rather than sitting on them.  Sound quality is gong to be a toss-up between the ESW9s and the D1100s.  The Denons will be bassier though.
 
I have to say that the ESW9A is one of the better looking portables out there, but then I'm a bit of a sucker for woody headphones.
 

Sounds like the Denon's are way better for their price! I can get a used pair off Amazon for $100. But the only problem I currently have with those headphones, is that the headband curves out pretty far from your head when worn. It looks kind of embarrassing.
 
 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Looking for new headphones to replace my worn ones.  I have a Sennheiser HD497's (about $60-70) for the past 5 years or so that have been just great.  I've always had cheap headphones before then, so these were really eye-opening.  I always planned on upgrading to the HD555's eventually when these broke.
My cord is now worn & starting to break, so perfect time to upgrade.  However, last I checked (a long time ago) the HD555's were $150 list, but were regularly about $100 on sale.  Now they're $170, and the replacement HD558 is $180.  Quite a huge jump from what I was expecting.  Yes, I should have bought them a long time ago when they were cheaper.  I was expecting to spend $100, maybe $125, so $170 is a bit of sticker shock.
What I'm looking for:
-Open Design. I really like that about the HD497's. Haven't heard too many other headphones, but I'm pretty sure I prefer open.
-Will be listened to in my office, PC soundcard source.
-Wide mix of music, I really appreciate how the HD497's have detailed bass (not exaggerated/boosted bass, just that I can hear what's going on, not just *thump thump*) and very clear highs (sounds very muffled going back to other, cheaper headphones.  So I guess more or less neutral sounding is good.
-Comfortable.  I'd like to stay away from designs like the grados.  I like the HD5xx and HD6xx designs (big ear cups, velour pads).  I also like the design of the AKG 7xx series, and DT990.  I think those are out of my price range, but they at least look like they'd be comfortable.
So my questions:
-Why are the HD555 & HD558 priced so much higher now?  I realize the HD555 is discontinued, but it still seems like a huge jump from $100 most of the time to $170 w/o any discounts.
-Are there other headphones comparable to the HD555 for around $150 or less?
-Should I just bite the bullet and spend the $170?  Or jump for the HD558 for $10 more?
For background, I also own:
KSC-75 - good portable cheap set.  Slightly exaggerated/boosted/muffled bass, highs are there but not as clear.
Etymotic ER-6i - incredibly clear on highs, *very* light bass.  Ok, but not as fun as the others.

Best price on the HD-558s is $149-$159.
The HD-555s going for $170 would be old stock that has been sitting on a shelf for years.
Or some retailer wants to sell headphones to a sucker.
AKG 7XX, DT990 and HD6XX, are not headphones you want to plug into the built in sound card on a PC's motherboard.
They need a $150 sound card or an external DAC/Headphone amplifier to sound right.
 
 
 

 

[tuffstuff07]

New here looking to start into audiophile world.  I am getting a asus xonar sound card for my bday. This one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006.  Now I am looking for a great sound quality headphone for around 60 bucks.  If it is on new egg that would work best because I just want to get the sound card, wifes compact flash card, and my headphones all in one order.
 
I want them for traveling/vacations listening to music at home on the computer and maybe gaming but dont have to be for gaming.  Most of the music I listen to is rock/alternative. But I do listen to rap/hip hop/country/r&b.  I would like sound quality probably more than bass but if they have some good bass to them that would be a plus.  Open or closed design am open to both designs.  I know that is alot for probably a 60 dollar pair might be willing to go a little higher just looking for options at the moment because I am not sure which ones would be the best.
 

 

[50an6xy06r6n]

Quote:

Looking for new headphones to replace my worn ones.  I have a Sennheiser HD497's (about $60-70) for the past 5 years or so that have been just great.  I've always had cheap headphones before then, so these were really eye-opening.  I always planned on upgrading to the HD555's eventually when these broke.
 
My cord is now worn & starting to break, so perfect time to upgrade.  However, last I checked (a long time ago) the HD555's were $150 list, but were regularly about $100 on sale.  Now they're $170, and the replacement HD558 is $180.  Quite a huge jump from what I was expecting.  Yes, I should have bought them a long time ago when they were cheaper.  I was expecting to spend $100, maybe $125, so $170 is a bit of sticker shock.
 
What I'm looking for:
-Open Design. I really like that about the HD497's. Haven't heard too many other headphones, but I'm pretty sure I prefer open.
-Will be listened to in my office, PC soundcard source.
-Wide mix of music, I really appreciate how the HD497's have detailed bass (not exaggerated/boosted bass, just that I can hear what's going on, not just *thump thump*) and very clear highs (sounds very muffled going back to other, cheaper headphones.  So I guess more or less neutral sounding is good.
-Comfortable.  I'd like to stay away from designs like the grados.  I like the HD5xx and HD6xx designs (big ear cups, velour pads).  I also like the design of the AKG 7xx series, and DT990.  I think those are out of my price range, but they at least look like they'd be comfortable.
 
So my questions:
-Why are the HD555 & HD558 priced so much higher now?  I realize the HD555 is discontinued, but it still seems like a huge jump from $100 most of the time to $170 w/o any discounts.
-Are there other headphones comparable to the HD555 for around $150 or less?
-Should I just bite the bullet and spend the $170?  Or jump for the HD558 for $10 more?
 
Thanks all, any help is appreciated!
 
For background, I also own:
KSC-75 - good portable cheap set.  Slightly exaggerated/boosted/muffled bass, highs are there but not as clear.
Etymotic ER-6i - incredibly clear on highs, *very* light bass.  Ok, but not as fun as the others.

1) I might be wrong, but I think the MSRP of the 558s is higher than the 555s were, as it's only $20 under the 598. Could be wrong though. The 558s were like $150 at one point, but they jumped up recently.
2) Maybe something like the Audio-Technica AD-700 will do it for under $100.
3) I think you might be best off just going for the 558s tbh, if you like the Sennheiser sound, and want a direct upgrade. Also, definitely go for the 558s over the 555s, as they're supposed to be a significant improvement.
 
Quote:

 
I was originally thinking of getting the ATH-M50 but now I'm thinking different.
I haven't completely said No to them, but I'm open for other headphones.
 
Another one I'm thinking of getting and leaning forward to more now is the Shure-440.
 
As for music I listen to (if this matters) I listen to everything.
But here are some of my favorite artists:
 
Rammstein (favorite band and most listened) (they're Industrial metal/Neue Deutsche Harte though their later work has lots of orchestral stuff in them, hard to categorize them)
Kanye West (Hip Hop)
Disturbed (Nu-metal/Heavy Metal/Alternative Metal)
David Bowie (Rock)
Notorious B.I.G. (Hip-Hop)
Coldplay (Rock)
Childish Gambino (Hip-Hop)
Paramore (Rock/Pop-Punk)
Nas (Hip-Hop)
 
That pretty much covers it, I mean I listen to a lot more but, you get the idea.
 
At the moment I have the Superlux HD681B which are good (especially for the price) but I need a definite upgrade from these.
Plus the highs on these headphones are pretty bad, almost ear piercing bad with some songs (gotta mess with the equalizer)
 
Can you recommend some good headphones based on the music I listen too, or just some good headphones?
I'm not much of a bass guy, I like bass but it's not the most important thing to me but it's not like I want NO bass and flat headphones.
 
PS
I asked this before (someone told me to ask this here)
but someone recommended Grado's headphones, and ATM I'm looking at the Grado sr60i.
 
So between the ATH-M50, Shure-440 and the Grado sr80i (or sr80? I dunno the difference), which one should I get?
or can you recommend something even better?
 
PS, I do not have a high budget, like 150$ the MOST.

Where are you planning on using your headphones? If you'll be using them in public, I'd cross off the Grados, as they don't isolate and leak sound all over the place (the SR80i is just the updated SR80 btw). If you don't like piercing highs, both the Grados and the SRH440s have harsh treble, from what I've heard. Along with the M50s, consider the SRH840s, and Ultrasone HFI580/780s.
 

 
Quote:

Sounds like the Denon's are way better for their price! I can get a used pair off Amazon for $100. But the only problem I currently have with those headphones, is that the headband curves out pretty far from your head when worn. It looks kind of embarrassing.
 
 

Unfortunately, most fullsized cans look a bit odd when worn, but that's the price you pay for sound quality, I guess. Portable sets tend to be a bit better in this regard, but you pay for that convenience.
 

 

[chebo]

Hi head fiers! I'm new to this and willing to get into the audiophile world!
 
First of all I'd like to apologise for the other thread I made, I didn't know abiut this one. That being said:
 
I am looking for a good set of over ear headphones for use at both private and public places, the headphones would be used with my desktop pc and my ipod touch (3rd generation). What i'd like is a set of headphones which delivers really good bass and overall sound quality, for around 450 dollars. I listen mainly to electronic/dance, use them for gaming(dont take this into account, im not looking for a gaming set) and to liston to a liiiitle bit of rock and pop.
 
On the other thread they told me the ultrasone pro900 would suite well, and i researched for a while and got to like a lot! And as i didnt have the money to buy both a portable and a desktop amp, i ended up thinking of buying the FiiO E17 which served as both.
 
What do you think about the pro900s and the FiiOe17?? Would you suggest another amp??
 
Would you suggest something else?

 

[compoopers]

Hello Everyone.
 
First post on Head-Fi.
 
I have researched headphones before but I am making a new purchase that seems to not be as common, so I turned here.
 
Here's the lowdown:
 
I own Sennheiser HD555s with foam mod. I have had them for 3 years and they have treated me well. Although the plastic snapped a little as typical with these headphones, I taped it and it seems okay.
 
However, I am going to be moving into a dorm soon and I feel like these open headphones will annoy my roommate. Even if I only put them at 30% volume on my computer (I don't have an amp) they are loud enough to be heard like speakers especially in a quiet room if my friend was trying to sleep. As a night owl I will be up late and I feel bad annoying my roommate like that.
 
I was looking at Denon AH-D2000 closed headphones. I have heard that these do leak some, but I feel like it couldn't possibly be as bad as my HD555s leak right now.
 
However, I know little about how bass and trebles work and I don't know if Denons are a good match for me. I don't even know if they are better than my sennheisers. 
 
I listen to primarily jazz (big band and quintets and ballads and what not) and also hip hop and classical music. Very instrumental stuff typically.
 
Let me know if the Denons are a good choice. I am also considering the AH-D5000s, but they are 200 dollars more expensive and I don't know if it's worth it.
 
Thank you.

 

[BeYourSound]

I will make this short and sweet for you guys.
 
Ultrasone hfi-780 or Audio Technica ath-m50
 
Listen to:
75% trance (AvB, A&B, Cosmic Gate, etc.)
15% Rock (B4MV, Killswitch, Avenged Sevenfold, etc
10% Rap (Eminem, Young Jeezy, Kanye, Jay-Z
 
I know there is little difference between the two, but if possible what would these differences be?
 
Thanks in advance 

 

[50an6xy06r6n]

Quote:

Hi head fiers! I'm new to this and willing to get into the audiophile world!
 
First of all I'd like to apologise for the other thread I made, I didn't know abiut this one. That being said:
 
I am looking for a good set of over ear headphones for use at both private and public places, the headphones would be used with my desktop pc and my ipod touch (3rd generation). What i'd like is a set of headphones which delivers really good bass and overall sound quality, for around 450 dollars. I listen mainly to electronic/dance, use them for gaming(dont take this into account, im not looking for a gaming set) and to liston to a liiiitle bit of rock and pop.
 
On the other thread they told me the ultrasone pro900 would suite well, and i researched for a while and got to like a lot! And as i didnt have the money to buy both a portable and a desktop amp, i ended up thinking of buying the FiiO E17 which served as both.
 
What do you think about the pro900s and the FiiOe17?? Would you suggest another amp??
 
Would you suggest something else?

I think the Proo900/E17 will work very well for what you have in mind. It will however, run you closer to $500, depending on what you get the Pro900s for. 
 

 
Quote:

Hello Everyone.
 
First post on Head-Fi.
 
I have researched headphones before but I am making a new purchase that seems to not be as common, so I turned here.
 
Here's the lowdown:
 
I own Sennheiser HD555s with foam mod. I have had them for 3 years and they have treated me well. Although the plastic snapped a little as typical with these headphones, I taped it and it seems okay.
 
However, I am going to be moving into a dorm soon and I feel like these open headphones will annoy my roommate. Even if I only put them at 30% volume on my computer (I don't have an amp) they are loud enough to be heard like speakers especially in a quiet room if my friend was trying to sleep. As a night owl I will be up late and I feel bad annoying my roommate like that.
 
I was looking at Denon AH-D2000 closed headphones. I have heard that these do leak some, but I feel like it couldn't possibly be as bad as my HD555s leak right now.
 
However, I know little about how bass and trebles work and I don't know if Denons are a good match for me. I don't even know if they are better than my sennheisers. 
 
I listen to primarily jazz (big band and quintets and ballads and what not) and also hip hop and classical music. Very instrumental stuff typically.
 
Let me know if the Denons are a good choice. I am also considering the AH-D5000s, but they are 200 dollars more expensive and I don't know if it's worth it.
 
Thank you.

The Denons are good headphones, but they tend to be darker and have a strong bass emphasis, so i don't know if that will be an ideal headphone for your music, which seems to be a bit less bass-oriented (not including the hip hop). Maybe something like the HM5s will be better for classical, though in general open cans are best for that because of the soundstage. If you don't mind the bass, though I think the D2000s can work, given that they have a pretty wide soundstage for a closed headphone. I don't think you'll have issues with leakage, either.