New set of headphones with great soundstage and detail?

Try the HD650 or HD600, Beyer DT series, orthodynamics?

What are you looking to achieve that you aren't getting out of the HD518's you have?

If you like rock with big guitars, you might want to consider the Grado line. They may be more of a side-step than an upgrade, but damn they make rock albums sound awesome. However, they do leak a lot of sound and don't have as nice a soundstage as the Sennheisers (or at least the ones I've owned/tried). If you can find a place to try them, look into the SR225i.

Sennheiser HD598, way under $500, should work with the E11.

What source(s) are you plugging the E11 into?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avada kedavra 

I have the hd518 as of now, and a fiio e11 to go with them. They are my firt set of cans and i am new to audio, but i already want something better. I listen to a variety of music, particularly 80's music(rock, pop, new wave). My budget is about 500, not including a new amp. Any suggestions?

Heya,

AKG Q701

Beyer DT880

AudioTechnica AD900

Sennheiser HD600

Hifiman HE-400

Fiio E9 (or even E10) should get you started.

Very best,

I bought a pair of Sennheiser 518s a few months ago, which was my first pair of decent headphones, as well. I picked up a few more entry level models from a few companies I was most interested in, and I ended up really falling for the Grado SR80is. I still want to hear some BeyerDynamics and hifiman models, but so far the Grado sound is really to my liking. I felt the 518s were too muddy in the low end, whereas the grados are much more crisp (though they don't play as deep). I also love the airy openness of the Grados, as well.

The Fiio will work, if you feel the need to spend more, CI Audio is a good choice. Beyond that, Musical Fidelity, Grace, PS Audio. 

For the genres you're looking at, I'd preference the AKG K701 over the HD600 - but that's me. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avada kedavra 

Thanks for the input! I am leaning toward the hd600 or beyerdynamic dt880. Ive also looked into the grado sr325is but i dont listen to rock all the time. What amp would be good with the hd600 or dt880?

I don't think the HE400 is available yet. 

As far as the K701 and vocals being "far away" - I disagree with that claim. If you want in-your-face though, get a Grado or Sony. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avada kedavra 

Thanks! I will look into that as well. But some have said vocals sound far away, i kind of like intimacy but i have never heard the k701 so ill give it a listen. So far i have only listened to hd518, hd598, hd800, rs2i, 225i, and hd650. I absolutely love the hd800 but im only 16 and dont have that much. Has anyone heard the he400?

Get the Q701 instead, you won't be disappointed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Han Bao Quan 

Get the Q701 instead, you won't be disappointed

Agreed!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avada kedavra 

They (q701) go for 250 on amazon, which are barely more than the k701/2, so looks like ive got a new headphone to buy! Thanks guys. My source is a cowon j3 in all .wav, along with the e11 will these sound good?

Heya,

Yes. The E11 will handle it. The Q701 is the way to go in the AKG "70x" series if you actually like music (hehe).

Very best,