HELP ! tried a bunch of phones. Haven't found the right sound yet.

Orthodynamic headphones might be your answer.

-Try a Fostex T50RP, they're known to sound extremely natural and great on mids. They're even cheap as dirt and heavily modable to boot. You can basically 1.5x it's performance with a few cheap mods

-Higher end orthodynamic headphones would be Hifiman or Audeze LCD-2

OP, my short listens with my Fostex T20v2 have provided what you're describing.  They're not high-end by any means, but they're lovely cans that, based on your wide price range, should be enough headphone for you.

sounds like you need hd 650s, wayy different than hd 600

I was gonna mention LCD-2's/orthos, too, but if the 880's are your favorite among the cans you've tried so far, I don't know if an ortho would be the ticket.  Which 880's did you try?  If it was the 32 or 250 ohm, maybe something like the 600 ohm is the trick.  I think my 600's are a step up in mids over the 250's I've tried and with a tube amp, they positively shine in that respect. 

Just an idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishsammy 

I was gonna mention LCD-2's/orthos, too, but if the 880's are your favorite among the cans you've tried so far, I don't know if an ortho would be the ticket.  Which 880's did you try?  If it was the 32 or 250 ohm, maybe something like the 600 ohm is the trick.  I think my 600's are a step up in mids over the 250's I've tried and with a tube amp, they positively shine in that respect. 

 

Just an idea.

You make a good point. If you listened to the Beyer DT-880 on a lackluster SS amp, you'll find that you're missing quite a magical and warm midrange that only OTL tube amps or really high end SS amps seen to be able to bring out in the them. They probably aren't as great or as grainless as high end Orthos but it's different enough that you might like it.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelostMIDrange 

I tried the 250k version of the 880's. Don't have a dedicated amp for a 600k version. Might look into a simple tube headphone amp though.

I'll tell you, of all the $1000 worth of phones I've tried, nothing beats the 30 year old AT athv7's for basic enjoyment of music with no artificial

sounds or distractions. Technology has 'progressed' in a sad direction IMHO. Clarity at the expense of midrange and natural sounds.

Moded Denon 2/5ks. Turn them into open back and you will have super tight, textured bass, seductive forward mids, and detailed treble. Sound stage is huge when these cans are allowed to breathe!.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelostMIDrange 

If I have to modify a $00 headphone, or any other audio component, it's not for me. I'm a carpenter, not an electrical engineer and am paying for them to get it right.

Fair enough. Didn't cost me anything though to test this mod ;). But I am paying someone to cut the holes in the cups for me as I don't want to risk messing it up myself. You'd probably be more inclined to do this mod yourself since you are a carpenter after-all lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelostMIDrange 

I guess you're right, I could do some materials modding. I though it was with the components and or electronics.

Nope. I actually wouldn't recommend upgrading the cable. Well then again it depends on what you replace it with. I for one wouldn't do the open-back mod and then put a silver cable on the denons as that would make them too bright. After doing this simple mod they are amazing. If they were still stock I'd have them up on the for sale forum right now lol.