Sen HD280 vs Ultrasone DJ1Pro

I've tried the Senn 280 pros, and while I haven't tried the DJ1 Pros, I do own a pair of Pro 750's, and am pretty familiar with the Ultrasone House sound.

The Sennheiser 280s are much more balanced then the Ultrasones. Sennheiser's house sound is usually more balanced with much less of an emphasis on the U shaped sound curve you would find on an Ultrasone. Ultrasone is more of what you would call a "fun" can, it has a colored sound signature meant to emphasize the bass and treble, making things seem more dynamic and exciting. Unfortunately, they're not as accurate, and because they emphasize the treble and bass, the mids seem recessed somewhat. Which isn't as good for some genres of music that rely on the midrange.

The Ultrasone bass, though, is bloody fantastic. It's clean, punchy, and tight. It's some of the best bass I've ever heard. However, Ultrasone is very much a love or hate sound.

Since you listen to so many genres (I'm in the same boat), the Senns would be better for some, the Ultrasones would be better for others. What would matter more is what kind of headphone you would prefer, balanced or colored.

Also, if you're looking at the DJ1 Pros, I might also take a look at the HFI-780's on amazon since they're so cheap right now. They're also pretty highly regarded by people that like the Ultrasone sound.

I don't want to influence your buying decision in any negative way, but I always thought the 280 pros sounded flat as well. My roommate had a pair and while I thought they were pretty comfy (they have deep cups, so your ears don't touch the casing in front of the driver), I didn't think they were too exciting. That being said, I was used to the Pro 750's at the time (and am now), which is a pretty colored headphone. He loved them, though, and I have another friend who just picked up a pair as well. It all depends on what music you listen to, and what kind of sound signature you like. Though your music tastes will probably be slightly modified by what headphones you have. I notice that I begin to like genres that are more compatible with my headphones more.