Companion for my iPod Classic and FiiO E7

I recently acquired a FiiO E7 to be used with the FiiO E9 as desktop audio DAC + Amp and it is working fine. However, I also have a an iPod classic so I order a FiiO L3 to connect my FiiO to my iPod but I dont know what to use as headphones/IEM.

I have always preferred headphones over IEM, mostly because of comfort and the absence of microfonic noise (the noise you hear when you touch the cable of an IEM). I've looked at a couple of headphones but I am not sure what to get.

I've looked at the Sennheiser HD25 II and Audio-Technica ATH-M50, and I think I prefer the HD25. Can you guys provide me with some advice? Are there any other headphones I should look at? What are the best IEM's at this price range?

I have looked at that thread and I got a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information that is in there. But the real thing I am interested in is the big difference between IEM and portable headphones. I used a sennheiser HD201 with my iPod for a while now, and I like them. It is not that good of a sound (compared to my lovely HD598's I use at home). Mostly the lack of a good soundstage bothers me. This is mostly due to the fact that the 598's are open vs the closed nature of the HD201. But I will use it on the go, including school and public transport, so I will need a closed headphones.

I heard and read a lot about the HD25 II's, and most things I read, I like. The sturdy nature of it, the good sound quality, the way you can replace a lot of parts yourself and the looks are good too (not that that matters a lot). But a lot of people mention the fact that the soundstage lacks.

But what I also read was that IEM's have a better soundstage, this intrigues me. I have never used quality IEM's so I will need some advice on this subject. The microphonic noise, can that be avoided/prevented? What are the best IEM's for ~180 euros?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaliKot 

Most microphonic problems are solved by wearing the IEM over the ear. As for soundstage, it varies greatly, but nothing beats the IE8 in terms of that with its headphone-ish wide soundstage

Thanks for the reply! I looked into this IE8 and I think I may be able to stretch my budget to get them but I am not sure yet (I never am). Can you tell me how the IE8's handle the "weather"? I will want to use them on my bike, even when it's raining. Is that doable?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassiopeia 

The Audio Technica is a great pair of headphones (... almost like best for the buck)

The bass is quite good, perfect amount for me. Not to much neither to little, but they lack on mids.

 

You could take a look at Shure SRH840 or Beyerdynamic DT770/80 ... Hope it helps

I think that if I want a set of cans, I will go with the HD25, mostly because of the replacable parts, I like that a lot, and I heard the sound is better. Too bad there is no store nearby where I can try them out...