what kind of sound signature for rock???

Ok, I'll give this a stab.  A lot of Grados (my RS1's included) have a upper mid or lower treble hump that gives guitar a lot of presence and energy.  Makes rock come alive.  As for a closed phone that has this same characteristic, I don't know.

 

I would say Ultrasone has the best rockin' closed cans at that price range. Either the Pro 750 or the HFI-580/780 depending on your preference. I've heard it said many times though, that rock doesn't really have a "best" sound signature that goes with it, unlike some other genres, but whatever your personal preference for sound signature is will sound best with rock.

x2 on the Grados, but they are open.

ATH-A900 perhaps?

MDR-7509HD for sure.

X3 on the Grados

X2 on the HFI-580, they are great for rock, but they lack the forward midrange that only a woodie grado has shown me.

they are okay but nothing like a grado.

 

I find Klipsch Custom 3 IEMs sound signature is close to Grado and they are amazing for rock. But now Klipsch released Image ONE closed headphone and they share the same sound signature. BTW Audio-Technica and Denon closed cans are good for rock genre.

x2, Closed headphones like my Denons are perfect for rock. They tend to have a upper mid hump that is perfect for this genre of music. Open headphones tend to be less colored and have a larger soundstage which may not be the best for rock.

 

They are fine...but the clamping force makes them uncomfy for some people. 

 

Take a look at the ATH-ES7's 

I don't think the A900 will give you the bass you want to feel the music. In my opinion, rock phones should just be really fun to listen to, not incredibly detailed. Of course detail can't hurt, but I'd much rather have a fun can to rock out with than sit down and analytically pick out every small detail (for this genre anyway). I also wouldn't go with the D2000 because the distant midrange detracts from electric guitars. Sticking with what I said earlier, I would pick the HFI-580 because I like an exciting and fun sound sig.

Again this is just me, all of the cans you mentioned are great and you may or may not like the same one as me depending on your preference.
Edited by macrocheesium - 4/22/11 at 11:20am

 

I have only heard the D2000. It sounds pretty decent unamped and significantly improves when amped.