XB700 vs. Fostex T50-RP for EDM Production? Any input would be appreciated!

Hey guys! I've been lurking on this forum for a while now but I've decided it's about time to make an account because- well I need a new pair of headphones!

Okay, so I'm not looking for a $200+ studio monitoring headphones, but I'd need a pair of headphones with good bass (I can slightly sacrifice mids and highs for good sounding bass) because my production tends to revolve around Moombahton, Dubstep, and Drum n' Bass- all of which have emphasis on the lower frequencies.

I've temporarily narrowed my search down to the Sony MDR XB700s and the Fostex T50-RP, for a few reasons. Both these headphones seem to have good bass without smashing the other frequencies entirely. In addition, my budget cannot stretch any further. I likely cannot spend more than $85. Exceptions can probably be made for an absolutely exceptional pair of headphones, and I may be able to get some used, but as a general rule, the XB700s are already nearing the top of my budget. Another thing that's worth mentioning, is that my head is pretty big, and if headphones are notorious for being small or tight on the top of the head, it's too difficult to tolerate and wear for extended periods of time. I had to return my AKGs for this exact reason :(

I have a few reservations about the T50-RPs because there aren't too many reviews out there on the web, and the reviews that ARE out there usually talk about having to modify the headphones, and the headphones having a limited response range, both would be pretty bad for me, but if anyone has knowledge on the contrary, I'd be more than glad to hear it!

Just another quick note, my main gripe about headphones would be the comfort of the headband- another reservation I have about the T50-RP, the AKG I purchased had no protection as far as the headband went and it was really uncomfortable- just another pro for the XB700s!

I've posted this on a few other forums, looked at a few other headphones, but have denied them all for various reasons: 

Sony MDR V6/7506: Sold out nearly everywhere, and where it isn't sold out- the price has SOARED. If I were to get them used, they'd be in poor condition (from what I've already observed)

Most AKG headphones: Too small and tight, I ordered a pair, loved the sound quality, but had to return it because it was too tight on the top of my head, and rested toward the top of my ears even when extended to the maximum level.

JVC HARX9000: Sold out near everywhere

KRK KNS 6400: Interested, but a plethora of reviews criticizing the lack of bass- which is something that would be detrimental for Moombahton, Dubstep, and most EDM production.

Any help or input would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
-Spaghetee

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelpearce 

The XB700 really don't have the detail and clarity to make good production headphones.  I know you are limited in this price range, but you could have some issues in your recording and not pick them up with the XB700.  Better to sacrifice some bass in order to get clarity--you can adjust your expectations and then listen on bassier systems to get your subwoofer fix.

 

The T50RP are monitoring headphones for a reason.

Very interesting input! Thank you!

Any other input would still be appreciated! Trying to make the purchase/final decision relatively soon :)

Just a basic dissection of what's going on so far:

XB700s: 

Pros:

-Good bass; required for genre of music I'd be producing

-Comfortable earpads/headband (Appearance isn't too important for me)

Cons:

-Bass might affect highs and mids/jeopardize sound quality

-Lack of neutrality

T50-RPs:

Pros:

-Marketed as Studio Headphones

-Possibility of clearer highs and mids

Cons:

-Uncomfortable, no material between head and headband

-Many users recommend modifications

-Possible limited frequency range

-Lack of reviews on the web

Any suggestions would be nice! Thanks!
-Spaghetee

So far the consensus here is a no-go for the XB700- I've been looking at the Sony MDR V6 (which I previously rejected because it's too hard to find in stock) but I may be able to get one in a month or so- when a few websites get back in stock.

All the reviews are immensely praising the headphones, but most of the reviews are from people who have owned them for 20+ years, and someone noted that the failure rate is increasing as Sony continues producing them. The neutral sound seems good- and it seems like a good option, just a difficult pair of headphones to actually find and acquire.

My question, would it really be worth it to go through a lot of trouble to get the Sony MDR V6?

Thanks
-Spaghetee

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeperry 

XB700 is not monitoring grade by a long shot, and T50RP has a very flabby deep bass and doesn't provide a dynamic enough sound for EDM...next?

Well, I'm welcome for any suggestions! :)

Anyways, I sucked it up and just got a Sony MDR V6, even if it'll take 6 weeks to arrive

Thank you for your help guys!