$400 budget for *comfortable* closed headphones + amp (if needed).

I've been on the hunt for several weeks for a headphone that is both comfortable and sounds good for vocal trance and other electronic music.

I've already owned or demoed a number of headphones in this price range:

Sennheiser Momentum

- owned for about a week

- loved the sound

- returned due to comfort issues (ear cups too small, found myself having to constantly readjust them to relieve pressure points)

Sony MDR-1R

- owned for about a week

- also loved the sound

- extremely comfortable, disappeared on my head

- returned due to build quality issues (any head movement would cause the plastic to creak or the loose headphone jack to rattle)

AKG K550

- demoed at Best Buy

- comfortable

- hated the sound signature (lacked bass and sounded sterile)

Denon D600

- demoed at Best Buy

- loved the sound

- did not buy due to comfort issues (headband is poorly shaped and too narrow to properly distribute the weight across my average-sized head)

ATH A900X

- demoed at Best Buy

- a little less bass than I'd like

- wing system did not fit properly causing the cups to slide down my head

If I had to rank the sound of the above, I'd say D600 > Momentum > 1R > A900X > K550. Based on my sonic preferences, what else is there in this price range? Again, comfort is priority number one for me. Portability is also a plus, since I'll be bringing these to and from work every day in my laptop bag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemonFox 

 

 

The a900x is a great can but the bass is by no means weak but it just isn't upfront. Has pretty good extension and can play all genres of music but if I only listened to edm out of them I wouldn't be very satisfied either... Great all around-er tho

 

I did enjoy the sound, but the ergonomics killed it for me (the cups slid down on top of my ears). I think Audiotechnica changed their wing system with the X series, because I don't remember my old A500s having this problem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemonFox 

The Ultrasone Pro 900 is where you should start and end you search. Its' super fun for under $300 and comes with a ton of goodies. Extra velour Pads, Two cables, Nice carrying case, demo CD and Head shaking well controlled bass. They look good and are comfy as well plus  while adding an amp is also a fun option they really don't need much more than a Fiio e11 or e7k if you want the DAC. But that right there to me is the best way to go hands down. 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-PRO-900-Professional-Headphones/dp/B001F00F0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1362873533&sr=1-1&keywords=pro+900

 

These came up several times during my search, but I'm hesitant for a few reasons:

- First, and foremost, comfort. I've looked into other Ultrasone models (e.g. 580), and many complained of the extreme clamping force and pressure on the top of the head.

- Fatiguing treble

- Creaking plastic as mentioned here (which is why I returned my MDR-1Rs): http://www.head-fi.org/t/653978/ultrasone-pro-900-vs-beyerdynamic-dt770-80-ohm-updated-review 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalVeauX 

Heya,

 

Mr Speaker Mad Dog + Alpha Pads, paired with a Fiio E12.

 

Other options:

 

Beyer DT770 PRO LE 32ohm

 

The Mad Dogs are top on my list to try next. As for the DT770, why do you recommend the PRO LE 32ohm and not the more popular Pro 80ohm with velours (non LE)? Also, how do the COP fair in comparison?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GloryUprising 

Although I didn't care for them, V-Moda's M-100 is pretty good for EDM.

 

Everything I've read about these suggests I would like the sound. Unfortunately, I've read so many complaints about comfort due to clamping force and shallow ear pads that I know I won't enjoy these. I won't pull the trigger on these until the XL pads come out.