I've been a happy owner of the Mad Dog pros for a couple of years and am now looking to build out a budget audiophile system for my office. I'm thinking of going with the Schiit Vali2/Modi as the amp/DAC combo and would like some suggestions on open-backed headphones. I really like the sound profile of the mad Dog pros on my main system so if I could find something similar in sound but in an open-backed design I think that might be a good fit. Budget is $250-$300 tops.
 
Any suggestions most appreciated!

Not exactly similar in sound but I think the K7XX "complement" the Mad Dogs very well and are a great deal at $199.

I agree with @k4rstar. The AKG K7XX is the best bargain going. Highly recommended. And you're in luck because Massdrop is currently running that drop for another 5 days.

k4rstar said:

  Not exactly similar in sound but I think the K7XX "complement" the Mad Dogs very well and are a great deal at $199.

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timelord said:

  I agree with @k4rstar. The AKG K7XX is the best bargain going. Highly recommended. And you're in luck because Massdrop is currently running that drop for another 5 days.

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Thanks for the tip on the AKG K7XX, I was not aware of it. I'll need to do some research on it. Any input on how they might compare to a couple other options I've been looking at like the Audio-Technica AD900/ AD900X, Sennheiser HD 598 or even the AKG K612?

ruleof72 said:

Thanks for the tip on the AKG K7XX, I was not aware of it. I'll need to do some research on it. Any input on how they might compare to a couple other options I've been looking at like the Audio-Technica AD900/ AD900X, Sennheiser HD 598 or even the AKG K612?

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Sorry, I can't give you a firsthand recommendation on the ones you mentioned. However, a very trusted head-fier I know loves the HD-598 and has stated they provide 95% of the sound quality of the HD-600. Also, there a lot of people that believe that Sennheisers pair really well with tube gear, such as the Schiit stack you're contemplating.

Based on your budget, if you don't mind going the used gear route, I'd highly recommend the Sennheiser HD-650. I have a pair of these and they're absolutely superb (unfortunately I don't know how well the HD-598 would compare).

ruleof72 said:

   
 
 
Thanks for the tip on the AKG K7XX, I was not aware of it. I'll need to do some research on it. Any input on how they might compare to a couple other options I've been looking at like the Audio-Technica AD900/ AD900X, Sennheiser HD 598 or even the AKG K612?

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The AD900x and the 598 are both very good (I prefer the 598) but a bit bass-light, esp. compared to the Mad Dog Pro. Haven't heard the K612 Pro in too long to say, sorry. One other I would definitely have on my list if I were you, though, is the Philips Fidelio X2. It has excellent bass reproduction and a huge soundstage. A very full sound overall. It could work for you.

ruleof72 said:

  Thanks for the tip on the AKG K7XX, I was not aware of it. I'll need to do some research on it. Any input on how they might compare to a couple other options I've been looking at like the Audio-Technica AD900/ AD900X, Sennheiser HD 598 or even the AKG K612?

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The Audio Technica ATH-AD900X and HD598 are very easy to drive.
So you would only need to spend less then $100 for something to drive them, like a FiiO Q1 ($70).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1186552-REG/fiio_q1_portable_headphone_amp.html

I just "joined" the drop on the AKG K7XX and looking forward to getting them next month. Now I need to get an amp lined up. I'm thinking of the Schiit Vali2 and it looks like it should offer more  than enough power for the AKG's. Anyone have any feedback on that?
 
Thanks for the help and suggestions as always!

ruleof72 said:

  I just "joined" the drop on the AKG K7XX and looking forward to getting them next month. Now I need to get an amp lined up. I'm thinking of the Schiit Vali2 and it looks like it should offer more  than enough power for the AKG's. Anyone have any feedback on that?
 
Thanks for the help and suggestions as always!

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I have the original Vali that I've played around with. I have not been impressed with it. It has strange characteristics, such as audible ringing after plugging in your headphones that takes several seconds to quite down. I don't know if the Vali2 has corrected such issues.
 
For a budget DAC/amp stack, I prefer the Objective DAC (ODAC) revB and the Objective Amp 2 (O2) which are more commonly referred to as O2/ODAC. If you're unfamiliar with them, they have a very colorful history you can read about here: http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/07/o2-headphone-amp.html
 
The design is available for anyone to make, as long as you follow the licensing stipulations. As a result, there are a few manufacturers that produce the O2/ODAC. JDS Labs and Mayflower carry it all the time, while Massdrop brings the drop periodically. Massdrop has the least expensive price, but it may not be available when you want it.
 
All that said, the O2 is a solid state amp, while the Vali2 is tube based. There are people on both sides (tube vs. solid state) who will argue one sounds better than the other, but you are the best judge for what sounds best to you.