[asmacdo]

My 598s are no longer in the picture. Very sad, but also a great excuse to upgrade.

My favorite thing about the 598s was how clear they were. And how delicate they are be in the high range. I've never heard better reproduction of flutes / sopranos.

Requirements:
Open or semi-open
Genres: all, but optimize for classical (Classical, Romantic, Modern)
Budget: flexible, <$500 in mind
Sources: All, but optimize for flac
Amp: I made a CMOY, but meh. I'm open to buying or building a better amp.

For me it is all about accuracy, clarity, and balance.

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

For all of those, German Maestro GMP 400, they are the most neutral headphones I have heard.

The Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro is also excellent, but if you get the German Maestro you have a good budget left for an amp as they need one,

 

[serman005]

You might check out the HD650. It has a more intimate stage than the 598, but it is much more detailed and images better, IMO. If you like the 598, you will likely really like the HD650. If you want a wide stage like the 598, you might look at an X2 or a K7xx or K712 Pro--all those have wide stages. I would say the AKG's would be the better choice for classical when compared to the X2. Some thoughts, FWIW. YMMV, of course. Oh, yeah--you might also look at an HE400i or HE400S--both are terrific for classical IMO.

 

[asmacdo]

Great starting point, thanks to both of you. I'll report back!

 

[Me x3]

AKG K702 has very big stage and fast transients.
AKG K712 is fuller sounding with slightly smaller stage but improved imaging.