M50's are amazing for around $100, not overrated at all. But if you want the best for around 200 then a used pair of Denon D2000's actually the D2000's are 1 of the best closed headphones of any price range. Also the beyerdynamic DT770 are worth a listen and come in a version for no amp Ipod use (32 Ohms)

For your preferences of music, I actually find myself recommending the Sennheiser HD-25 I II. They are easily driven by an iPod or phone (which cannot be said of many other under-$200 recommendations), are warm right where you want it, and have enough bass punch to satisfy without ever going overboard into the mids. However, some people find wearing on-ear headphones such as them uncomfortable.

Sincerely,

listen to most of the same stuff as you and my Beyer DT770 fit perfectly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zedaristo 

listen to most of the same stuff as you and my Beyer DT770 fit perfectly.

I don't have experience with Beyer's DT line, but from specifications it doesn't seem that any version of the DT770 currently cold would be properly driven by an iPod? Am I wrong?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssrock64 
I don't have experience with Beyer's DT line, but from specifications it doesn't seem that any version of the DT770 currently cold would be properly driven by an iPod? Am I wrong?

All Beyerdynamic DT770/880/990 need to be used with a headphone amplifier, even the 32-Ohm & 80-Ohm ones.

The Beyerdynamic DT 32-Ohm and 80-Ohm need a headphone amplifier to bring out their best.

For the same high price you pay for the 32-Ohm version, you can get the 250-Ohm version and a decent headphone amplifier.

The OP stated that they wish not to amp, so my suggestion of the HD-25 I II was in line with a low-impedance, high-sensitivity standard employed when in such a situation. While the Beyers may sound good when amped, the OP stated that they wish not to amp.

I believe the story is with the Audio Technica ATH-M50 is they are great for music (stereo 2.0), but not a great sound stage (?).

Also the ATH-M50 can fold and stand up to the wear and tear of traveling.

They are also great when they sell new for $120, not so great when they sell new for $160.

If you can get your hands on a pair of Denon 2000s for even slightly above $200.00 (I heard Electronic Expo has some open box specials) they are well worth the money IMO. Try and call them and see if you can get them in that price range. I don't think you'll regret it :).

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

I believe the story is with the Audio Technica ATH-M50 is they are great for music (stereo 2.0), but not a great sound stage (?).

Also the ATH-M50 can fold and stand up to the wear and tear of traveling.

They are also great when they sell new for $120, not so great when they sell new for $160.

Seconded. Their soundstage is quite cramped, but they're the most durable cans I own. They're a good deal around $100 or a bit more to my ears, but once they're over $135, they're not to good.

I think that the HFi780 is a much better headphone than the M50 but concerning the bass department, the M50 is more punchy. The HFi780 is a more aggressive and detailled headphone having good quality bass with detailled mids and clear treble. Its an excellent all rounder for the price.

If you want to audition some headphones before committing to one, Guitar Center may let you.  They let me audition the ath-m50's, sennheiser hd25-1 II, shure 750dj & 840 at my local store.  Personally I didn't like the clamp of the hd25-1 II and build on the shures.  I still like my ultrasone hfi-580 over the ath-m50, both can be found for about $120.  As lee730 said, a denon d2000 open box can be found for $200.  Search around and you can find people's impressions on the d2000 (generally great from what I've seen).