Quote: From OP

I should clarify, open headphones are out of the question. Quote: I'm looking at the $250-$300 price range to beat a solid budget headphone, with plans to get a decent amp/dac a few months down the road. 

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The HD 25/ Amperior line is my favorite looking headphone line to begin with, so maybe I'll try a pair off Amazon and return them if I'm not impressed.  If I do return them I'll probably end up with the Momentum.   

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Quote: That is my main concern with the Mad Dogs, as I am not planning on getting a nice amp for a few months.

I just don't think DT770s are what I'm looking for: a complete upgrade from M50s that will really blow me away. 

The Pro 900s are looking really nice, but their sound seems to be really subjective, ie love it or hate it.  Any comments?

Regarding the Sony's, after some research I've been seeing that the Momentums do everything that the Sonys do well, only better.    How would something like the Momentums stack up against Ultrasone Pro 900s?   

I love the look of the M100s and I've heard they're awesome for portability, but I've read that they're not really much of an upgrade from M50s. 

The Momentums seem awesome, but that price is a little steep.  How would they stack up to Amperiors?  Amperiors can be had for a good price used, but I'm wary towards the clamping force.   

Well, I took a step into the audiophile world about 2 months ago, picking up a pair of AT M50s.  Now, I do enjoy listening to them and they sound much better than the Klipsch S4s that I have been using for two years, but I want something that will wow me.  So, what I'm asking the Head-fi...

I've decided to just go to Amazon with this, as I can beat the system and buy an Amazon gift card at Best Buy.  I love the look of the UEs and I've heard they sound fantastic, but they're a bit out of my price range.   

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Quote: Not the primary criteria, but it's a tad important.