The amp looks like a pa2v2 to me.  

With a few tweaks the indeed/bravo amps sound **** fine.

I haven't heard the dt990s so I can't really comment on them, but they are supposed to be a more lively or fun presentation. The dt880s are fairly neutral. Trebles are slightly boosted but not ear piercing to me, bass is pretty good for an open phone. These are by no means bass monsters. I would...

You might watch the for sale forum for a used pair of beyerdynamics. They are exceptionally comfortable and used dt880's or dt990's should fall in your budget.

I would read through this thread. The differences between the 250 and 600 ohm versions appear to be small to nonexistent.

I had this issue with the used TF10s I bought and used superglue. Just apply a little at the joint between the two pieces, maybe use a toothpick to apply and spread the glue out. Mine has been fine after repair for about a year now.

My Bravo v2 has no problem driving a pair of K702s, I usually have the volume at around 9 o'clock.  If you get a Bravo do yourself a favor and read the threads here and on rock grotto about them.  There are several cheap diy mods that make a major improvement in the sq, and good cheap tubes for...

They sound pretty good out of the Bravo/Indeed hybrid tube amps.  I have a bravo v2 that I've upgraded the mosfets and fixed the crosstalk on and I feel they synergize pretty well.

The 840 pads are deeper than the stock pads, even compared to brand new stock pads. Imho this makes them quite a bit more comfortable, it is probably why the soundstage increases a little too.  I think they are a big improvement overall.

If you've ever had a car headunit with a "loud" setting they sound kind of like that.   There is an emphasis on the bass and treble with recessed mids.

From the thread on rg it appears that the regular hd681 is the bass oriented one and the b model is "balanced" with less bass.  http://rockgrotto.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=review&action=display&thread=5352

I have both the pro 700s and the hd681s.  I'd go for the pro 700s if there is a reputable seller still around, otherwise the hd681s sound amazing for the price.  There are a couple of long threads about them on rg http://rockgrotto.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=review&action=display&thread=4559...

The pro 700 sounds ok out of my mackbook unamped.  Here is a review http://www.head-fi.org/products/dbi-pro-700/reviews#3893

I have both the dbi pros(both kinds) and the m50.  I honestly couldn't pick between the m50 and pro700 as to which sounds better, there are pro700s available on ebay again for $40 shipped and that is imho an incredible value.

The superlux hd681s have been getting a lot of attention on rockgrotto, I've been meaning to pick up a pair to see what all the fuss is about.

If you can find the dbi 700s they are great. I would take them over the 705s, they have richer mids.  Between the 700 and the m50 its a harder choice, I find the m50 more comfortable but the mids are a little recessed.

Its a shame the supply on ebay has dried up.  They were an absolute steal.

There is another thread where someone tried both the 440 and 840 pads.  He said the 840 pads are different, softer than the 440s.

brianf did have his auctions set up so you could make an offer, doesn't appear to be that way now.  You could always try sending him a message on ebay.

I didn't notice any major change to the sound, it did seem to increase the soundstage a little.  They are much more comfortable to me, they are fairly cheap too so if you don't like it you're not out too much.

Now you have an excuse to try out the SRH840 earpads :)

They're on ebay for 70 pounds and free shipping, don't really know how good a deal that is though.

If you're in the US Newegg has the Aurvana Live for $63 shipped.

If it does go out of production I wonder what the replacement would be?  Good to see another m50 fan in the metroplex!

If you're located in the U.S. you might check out the dbi pro 700s.  They go for ~40 shipped on ebay.  Search on the forum for reviews on them.