Quote:
Originally Posted by
LithoJazoSphere 
Ohms are only part of the story though. Sensitivity and other factors can mean even if a headphone can be driven loud enough, it may still not sound near its potential. The D2000 do generally seem to be regarded as some of the easier cans to drive of those that benefit more from amping. And picking the lowest ohm is not necessarily the wisest option. For example, the DT770 also comes in a 32 ohm version, but most people seem to find it inferior in sound quality to the high-ohm versions.
I like the DT770, but I don't really think it's the best suited to your needs. The bass response is too slow and cumbersome for Slipknot, and I think most people would say the mids are too recessed for Lady Gaga. The D2000 is probably a better choice, though they're out of stock and a little high priced right at the moment. The Ultrasone HFI-780 and Sennheiser HD25-1 II are a couple of other options to consider.
Couldn't agree more with this post!
I personally have listened to the Ultrasone HFI-780, previously owned the 580's, and currently own the Pro 900 ( a bit above your budget). I can assure you that these will play your selection of music quite admirably ( and enjoyably ) for the price, even without an amp (but amping helps!).
I haven't had the fortune of hearing the HD25's or the incredible Denon line, but I definitely agree towards recommending the Ultrasones.
While I could go into detail why they would be better, I think I'll touch on why the 770's won't be best ( I had them for a wonderful year before selling mine, 80 ohm).
Cons:
- As previously mentioned, the bass is a bit sluggish, your metal will not sound as aggressive as I believe most people would like. ( Yes amping helps, but the 770's still struggle with attack/forwardness)
- The mids/highs of the 770's are good, but they won't be very engaging.
- Almost required to have an amp (80 ohm). They just don't wow without one. If you're playing these straight through a standard laptop jack, then they may sound "good", but I assure you there is MUCH better to be had with these with a better source.
Pros:
- Super comfy, just melts on your head comfy, I've had gaming sessions 5+ hours and forgot about them, which leads me to my next point...
- Soundstage/Imaging is quite intense, you'll surely enjoy gaming/movies with these.
- Bass is quite legendary, but not very tight or thumping, more booming than anything. Great for EDM! But metal/pop... eh.
- Pretty decent sound isolation, and not much sound leakage in general!
- Super long cord! Great for moving around the house/wherever you listen.
Now for the Ultrasones (580/780), compared to beyers 770:
Cons:
- Nowhere near the comfort
- Not as much bass "quantity" ( but pretty darn close )
- Not as immersive with regards to soundstage ( s-logic technology is a bit gimmicky IMHO )
Pros:
- More aggressive sound signature
- Bass slam! ( it doesn't feel like your bass is trying to catch up to the song, it'll be there when needed on your fast paced musical listenings)
- Less veiled mids/highs
- About as much sound isolation as the aforementioned.
- Performs well unamped ( save money! which is kind of interesting to say on this forum, haha) but performs even better with one.
Anyways, I could go into greater detail, but I hope you or anyone reading this would get the general gist. There are plenty of threads doing more detailed explanations of these 'phones.
Also, my 2 cents on the Fiio products = Value!
I've had a Fiio e7, performed extremely well for the price, and I expect the e17 to blow it out of the water ( which according to Mike on headfonia, it does just that). Also, since you don't seem to have any regard for portability, the e10 is head and shoulders above the e7, which would explain why I sold mine for the e10! Be wary though, the e17 has an expected price of almost double the e7/e10. Pick your poison, and enjoy!
