Hey all,
 
I've been using the same pair of HD 439's for about 2 years now (first pair of headphones, only other pair I own is PC363D), and I've decided it's time for an upgrade. My budget is AUD$100-300. Could you guys please give me some suggestions as to what I should get? Preferably non-amp. I'll be using these on the move, so something more portable would be great (travel case not necessary, but lightweight would be awesome). Circumaural, because I really hate the feeling of on-ear headphones.
 
I love listening to rock, metal, post-hardcore kind of music (bands like blessthefall, A Day To Remember, Sum 41, Foo Fighters etc.), as well as electronic & classical. Strong bass would be great, but I certainly do not want to compromise on the treble, as I love that sparkly feeling.
 
Thoughts?
 
Cheers,
 
 
Magnetbrain

I'm not familiar with the 439s, so I can't say how they compare. Look into AKG K550. Bass is well-extended, but not emphasize (you an give it some EQ boost). And they have a fanstastic soundstage for closed headphones. For a little bit warmer sound, the K545.

Hello and welcome!
 
Take a look at the ATH-ES700

You might want to look into the Shure SRH840.  I think it suits the genres that you listed well, and it sounds great unamped.  It comes with a leather carrying bag, and it folds, making it more portable than the HD439.  It is definitely heavy, but you can greatly reduce the weight of it by modifying the headband.  It also has very good noise isolation (much better than the HD439) and a pretty good soundstage (considering that it is closed).  In my opinion, it has a similar sound signature to the HD439, but it sounds better.  It may not be a gigantic upgrade, but you should be able to find it near the lower end of your budget, especially if you aren't opposed to buying used.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
 
The K550 seem to have pretty awful reviews around the place in regards to treble... so nah, sorry. Also with the ATH ES700, they get pretty uncomfortable after awhile (would rather something easier to wear for longer periods of time).
 
The SRH840 are looking good so far, but they do seem pretty heavy... how do they feel?

magnetbrain said:

  Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
 
The K550 seem to have pretty awful reviews around the place in regards to treble... so nah, sorry. Also with the ATH ES700, they get pretty uncomfortable after awhile (would rather something easier to wear for longer periods of time).
 
The SRH840 are looking good so far, but they do seem pretty heavy... how do they feel?

Click to expand...

I was fine with the comfort and weight of the SRH840 for about 2 hours at a time, and I did not do any mods with the headband.  At that point, both the clamping force and the weight always became very noticeable and uncomfortable.  I found them to be pretty comfortable for sessions that were under 2 hours, however (maybe just a little less comfortable than the HD439).

bigbenrfan99 said:

  I was fine with the comfort and weight of the SRH840 for about 2 hours at a time, and I did not do any mods with the headband.  At that point, both the clamping force and the weight always became very noticeable and uncomfortable.  I found them to be pretty comfortable for sessions that were under 2 hours, however (maybe just a little less comfortable than the HD439).

Click to expand...

 
That's not too bad, although I've gone through sessions of 5-6 hours straight usage (travel time, school, general not-at-home use) with the HD439 no worries. I obviously understand if an upgrade might not be able to match that, but something 3+ is necessary.
 
Any other suggestions though? So far, the SRH840 are the one.

About to place an order on the SRH940 (going up from the 840's), any last recommendations?