[goodyfresh]

   
I like Beyer headphones and own 7 of them.
But you might consider checking out Audio Technica headphones,
They offers models that are only 40-Ohms, so easier to drive then the Beyer's your looking at.
So getting an external headphone amplifier is more optional.
Maybe the ATH-AD900X? ($145 at Amazon).

If you're going to recommend something to him like the AD900x, I'd say something like teh Sennheiser HD558 or HD598, in the same general price-range, would be a better choice.  About as easy to drive, but arguably far better sounding, in my opinion.  Significantly less distortion and ringing in the measurements, for one thing.

 

[PurpleAngel]

 
If you're going to recommend something to him like the AD900x, I'd say something like teh Sennheiser HD558 or HD598, in the same general price-range, would be a better choice.  About as easy to drive, but arguably far better sounding, in my opinion.  Significantly less distortion and ringing in the measurements, for one thing.

 
I do like my HD558s, but I believe my Audio Technica headphones to be more musical, more "life" to the sound.

 

[goodyfresh]

   
I do like my HD558s, but I believe my Audio Technica headphones to be more musical, more "life" to the sound.

Interesting.

How about the AKG K7xx ????  They should be obtainable in the OP's price-range if he searches around on massdrop and ebay and the like, and by all accounts are truly superb.  They measure even better than EITHER the AD900x or the HD598 on websites with measurements.  And everyone just says they sound amazing for their price.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Interesting.

How about the AKG K7xx ????  They should be obtainable in the OP's price-range if he searches around on Massdrop and eBay and the like, and by all accounts are truly superb.  They measure even better than EITHER the AD900x or the HD598 on websites with measurements.  And everyone just says they sound amazing for their price.

 
I have the AKG K7XX headphones and they are my preferred open headphones, but they really need to be used with a decent headphone amplifier.

 

[goodyfresh]

   
I have the AKG K7XX headphones and they are my preferred open headphones, but they really need to be used with a decent headphone amplifier.

I did figure the K7xx probably sound better than either the Sennheisers or the Audio Technicas, based on reviews and measurements that I've seen

It looks like this guy is fine with the idea of getting an amp, anyway, so I don't think that would be a concern for him in terms of whether he'd rule-out getting the K7xx.

 

[cel4145]

Another vote for the K7XX. Just such a nicely balanced headphone that a wide range of people should like

 

[DCofficehack]

Yes, the k702 always comes up in discussions of classical music. Here's why I'm leaning against them:
1. While everyone says it's great for some classical, I'vee read plenty of comments that indicate it's not much good for other things, not even all classical. It's not a good all-arounder but rather works well as part of a collection of cans.
2. Price. It's not a lot more than the dt880s, but still.
3. I've read that many think it's really uncomfortable.

 

[i019791]

The K-7XX is more all-arounder than the K-702

 

[DCofficehack]

The K-7XX is more all-arounder than the K-702

The K-7xx?

 

[i019791]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/743280/the-akg-k7xx-massdrop-first-edition-thread

 

[DCofficehack]

I hadn't realized that people were referring to a specific model when writing k-7xx! That does sound good.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I hadn't realized that people were referring to a specific model when writing k-7xx! That does sound good.

 
I guess Massdrop naming the headphone K7XX is kind of an inside joke, to headphone collectors.

 

[Itbesandrodoe1]

i do not have the 880s but i have the 990s and use a schiit stack with them for my macbook! works wonderfully and the sound stage is huge!