[Salvatore]

Hi guys!
 
Just bought AKG K550's and I really like them a lot. I love the detailed and natural sound across the entire sound range. They are also very comfortable even for long listening sessions. The thing is, however, that I also need an open-back or semi-open cans since my friends kid broke my old phones (Philips SBCH1000). So I bet you guys have some good suggestions for good open phones costing around 200 euros with sound and feel similar to those of K550's.
 
Just to let you know I have recently tested Sennheiser HD 598's (way too warm and bassy for me) as well as AKG K701's (too cold and analytical for my taste / not the most comfortable headband) and Grado 225i's (not very comfortable and warms you ears quite a bit) and have been following closely the hands-on and previews of Philips Fidelio X1's (seem to be a bit too bass heavy on my liking?). I also like the ear cups to fully cover my ears and replaceable cord would obviously be a big plus.
 
So any suggestions?

 

[TwinQY]

Have you considered the HD600? If price is an issue, find a used pair of HD580 (same as old driver HD600s) for ~100-200. They are less warm than the HD5x8 series, replaceable cables, and fits nicely around the ear. Very, very balanced sound.

 

[tdockweiler]

Quote:

Have you considered the HD600? If price is an issue, find a used pair of HD580 (same as old driver HD600s) for ~100-200. They are less warm than the HD5x8 series, replaceable cables, and fits nicely around the ear. Very, very balanced sound.

 
HD-600/580 less warm than the HD-558/598? Definitely don't agree with this.
 
My stock HD-600 is almost too warm and the 598 is perfect. HD-580 is really nice though and well worth the $150 used. I'd pay up to $200 for a pair in mint condition (without HD-600 grills or HD-650 cable).

 

[TwinQY]

Quote:

 
HD-600/580 less warm than the HD-558/598? Definitely don't agree with this.
 
My stock HD-600 is almost too warm and the 598 is perfect. HD-580 is really nice though and well worth the $150 used. I'd pay up to $200 for a pair in mint condition (without HD-600 grills or HD-650 cable).

Have you heard the newer HD600s? I feel with the slight treble bump, that warmth goes down a bit, just enough to be slotted slightly below the HD5x8s. They are definitely more balanced, so the warmth is less distracting. IMO, of course. The listening was all done with the O2 and DAC1, which are less warm than most amps. 

 

[Salvatore]

I'm participating in an hifi exhibition next month and will take some hands-on time as many phones as I can. I'm definitely interested of Sennheiser brand if there are models less warm than the HD 598. I've tested the awesome HD 800's but those are obviously out of my price range. Oh and thanks for the replys so far.