Of the four IEMs you listed, I've only owned the W2, but I think you'll like them. They're comfy, provide great isolation, and are nice all-rounders.

Oh don't worry, I know that deep doesn't mean bloated/muddy.

Hey everyone, I got tired of listening to my IEMs. I figured my next upgrade should be a great pair of full-sized headphones, so I need your advice.   I listen to a lot of different genres, but mostly rock, pop, and classical. I don't have too many requirements -   - The headphones...

I know Ultrasones have great bass. But are any of them comfortable, completely/almost sibilant-free, and good at reproducing vocals?

What about Ultrasones?

I hope. I'm sure there's gotta be at least one pair of headphones that meets all my requirements. If there's one thing I don't really mind giving up, it's a large soundstage. I can live with a decent sized one, just as long as the music isn't totally in-your-face.

Thanks for the post, it gave me a lot of insight. I don't think the 7509HD are for me, though. FWIR I'll probably find them bass light. I'm not sure if the ESW9 are for me either now since you said that they're only slightly more bassy than the 7509HD.   I should've been more precise about...

Quote:   Oh whoops, got the terms mixed up. Yeah, headstage was what I was thinking of. Well I guess I shouldn't be so worried about the ESW9 then?

Quote: In what ways?

I just read a thread about IEMs vs. portables and now I'm not so sure if I want headphones. I thought that headphones would have significantly larger soundstages than IEMs, but apparently the ESW9 (which atm seem to be my ideal headphones) have a smaller soundstage than IEMs like the IE8. Can...

Quote: Wow, I was just thinking about upgrading to portable headphones. Maybe I should stick with IEMs then.

Quote:   Oh that's actually the reason why I want headphones now. I got tired of the in-your-head soundstages of IEMs.  

Any comments on other headphones like Ultrasones or Phiatons? Do they have what I'm looking for?

Yeah, from what I read the ESW9 seem to meet many of my requirements. What about other choices, like the Ultrasones and Phiatons? All I know is that Ultrasones have great bass.   I've tried on the HD-25-II before and I didn't like them, so those are out of the question.

Sorry to make yet another $200 headphone thread. I searched around and none of the other thread creators were really looking for the same things as I am. I'm looking for:   - Comfy and portable (doesn't have to fold, but that would be nice)   - Lush, clear, not harsh. Easy on the ears...