second the clip+   Covers all your bases: -nice sounding -small -cheap -plays flac -micro sd slot -slightly better screen (imo) - volume buttons have better positioning -no scrolling wheel anymore (iirc)

I still own the previous 420s and I can say that the "analytical" sound was a bit bland for me. Not to say I don't like analytical sound, because my current iem's are the re0s...there is just something about the 420s that seems hollow or missing.

I think with the sound card, you will get enough volume with the senn's, but not the musiscality or presentation of a dedicated amp (I run mine through a gilmore lite). I would suggest something besides the sennheisers personally but YMMV   Ever consider trying some beyers? maybe a pair of...

Perhaps in reverse order, I have heard the fx700 first, and would very much like to hear the fx500 :) Need a good pair of IEMs for classical/jazz listening as my only current listening iem's are re0's.   Also, I know the atrio's are under the radar now, but I was always a fan of them when I...

size restrictions?   you are getting into the territory of portable amps now, so the likes of ibasso products

Sir, I applaud you for coming to Head-fi without going out and blindly buying some bose! Welcome, and sorry for your wallet!   I guess the first thing you should let us know is if you want in ear monitors (like the earbud-type), supra-aural (on the ear), or circumaural (completely surrounds...

1.In my personal experience, I enjoyed the MS1 better. I currently own the AD700s (only got them this week) and I think it is a nice headphone, but I find the sound to be a bit fatiguing...perhaps due to the treble. Take into consideration the comfort though, as all grados are not pillows by any...

looking for bass quantity or quality? I've owned the shures, and say that the mids are the most prevalent. maybe consider the ath-m50 (I have heard these, pretty fantastic) or D2000 (probably will need an amp to tighten the bass though)

If your budget is fixed 250$ then I can't recommend the AKG's. Absolutely need an amp IMO (desktop amp no less, not a portable battery powered one). Never heard the beyers or denons, so I can't comment on those. Grado prestige series I found to be great unamped, so the sr225's should be more...

The entire Phiaton line is pretty "stylish" IMO, check some of those out 

The head-fi community is awesome because you can buy used here and try the sound for much less than new. I got my senns for 280$ here, and have seen them hovering around this price for a good while.    Also, I run them through a glite, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoy the sound. Many...

typing on my das pro currently. Secondary is ABS M1...mechanical keyboards all the way! CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK

In short, NONONO on the k702s. First of all they are full sized, so you walking around would be a pain, and the risk they get damaged, etc etc. Secondly, they are extremely amp dependent, so coming straight from an ipod, it would sound thin and very non-musical (at least this is my experience)...

I own the MS1i and the HF2's with quarter modded comfies and bowls. MS1i's will ship to anywhere for the same price IIRC, which is why the have the widerspread base (since they are grado-ish sound but with international shipping). Also, you could try to snag a pair from the For Sale forums...it...

If you have a mono adapter, I think that would only output 1 channel if I recall correctly?? Not too sure, but that what I thought...you're sound guy should have extra 1/8-1/4 adapters, could you try any of those (a guaranteed stereo one?)