I've done quite some extensive research on my own but still cannot come to a conclusion to suit my needs. I listen to electronic music; specifically, trance, progressive house, and liquid D'n'B/dubstep and these will be used at home where sound leakage/isolation won't be a problem. My previous headphones include the Superlux HD681 and the ATH-M50's. Found both uncomfortable after about 3-4 hours of continuous usage though, the ATH-M50's more than the Superlux's mainly due to the clamping force and the little padding on the headband. While I do listen to bassy music, I don't consider myself a basshead and even find the ATH-M50's SLIGHTLY too bassy. Thus, I want something with nice controlled and punchy bass but not in the amounts of the ATH-M50's. I also love listening to the vocals in trance music so the mids need to be good as well. Lastly, these will also be used for gaming and movies but I won't be gaming competitively so I want these to be fun sounding headphones. So to simplify in order of importance for me:
1.) Comfortability - Will use these anywhere from 4-12 hours a day; have an average-sized head, but fairly huge ears that stick out a bit so earcup depth should be noted
2.) Controlled and punchy bass - do not want excessive amounts of bass
3.) Detailed mids
4.) Good sound stage
Though if nothing fits my budget I can possibly push my budget to $200 but definitely no more than that. Excluding an amp of course.
Edited by lolspops - 11/11/12 at 7:07pm
