Rap in general, male-fronted pop-rock/punk (I don't know why but I REALLY hate it when the male 'vocalists' start singing), and metal in general.

Eh, they're not my type.

No improvement to me. Unless your tracks are mastered really soft, you shouldn't need an amp for the 225.

You might be able to use the k701 with your onboard sound card. I've managed to pump out music at a decent volume with my k601 plugged directly into my laptop. However, if your sound card is bad, you'll want a DAC. The difference between a bad sound card and a decent DAC is quite noticeable...

I've tried all the Prestige Grados and I can safely tell you an amp is not necessary for them.

Although I slightly prefer the k601 sound, the k701s are, in my eyes, possibly the best-looking headphones ever created. The old Grado RS-1s come a close second.

Some report wearing headphones slightly forward and low gives the best sound. I would agree with that.

Have you personally tried the headphones yet?

Quote: Dr Dre said the same thing about the Beats.

Hi, I'd love recommendations for portable amps that can drive a pair of AKG k701s to a decent volume. I'm wondering if a Stepdance could do it.   Thanks in advance.

Hey guys.   I currently own a pair of Grado SR80s. I'm looking to get an upgrade, and my budget's around $250. I play music from my Fuze, and I have a Stepdance.    I mostly listen to traditional pop (Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat 'King' Cole - stuff like that), with a little bit...

Where would the MS2s be on this list?

I find the highs OK. 

Oh my. I shouldn't have looked at this thread.

According to these forums, you can't go wrong with the Audio Technica M50. Personally, I haven't tried them yet, but they're quite highly spoken of around here.