Hello all. Trying to avoid starting a new thread, but I want as much input as feasible.
I am looking for headphones to be used primarily at home or in the office. Looking largely in the 200-300 dollar range, but could be persuaded to move a bit upward. No amp/dac yet, I'll make that decision after the headphone purchase. Will plan to use with MBP, iMac, and iPhone 4s.
Thus far, I've focused on the HD 598s, B&W P5s, and AKG K 550s. From these you can probably tell style is at least a bit important to me, but not for the traditional reasons. Rather, I need something that won't look too aggressive/out of place in my office (attorney). So although a lot of people like the looks of them, the DNAs, Beats, etc. would be out for the same reason. If all things were equal I'd already have the P5s, if that tells you what I'm looking for in appearance. I'm not going to client meetings with them, but I don't want them look bizarre sitting on my desk.
I listen to largely Americana, folk, classic rock, classical, blues and jazz. Very little rap or hard rock. Some country but it tends toward the folksy/Texas variety. Would love to have the portable option, but more for the minimalist look many carry rather than my need to listen to them on the go. Isolation isn't important to me, my office and home are quiet.
Experience thus far is largely with IEMs. My go to are Triple Fis. Part of my question is if I went with a more portable, like the P5s, is the upgrade from the UEs going to be there? I have listened to a lot of popular models of headphones, so obviously I know the Sennheisers will provide the immersion in sound I'm looking for, but will the P5s nonetheless be an improvement? What other suggestions may fit my need for "business casual" headphones that still impress?
Thanks for your help, excited to be here.
