Am I to guess that there aren't any IEMs that fulfill my requirements? I've tried the Shure SE425 - but the cable pooped out after a few months, and the sound was only okay.

Budget? I'd like to keep it under $500, though I'm open to trades or used gear, if necessary.

I have Sennheiser HD800 headphones, and want a similarly good IEM. I know, that's a big field, so I'll narrow things down: 1. I like treble detail, and detest bass boom. In other words - good balance. 2. Comfort is a big concern. I've tried Etys, and they felt almost painful. (And the sound was...

I've enjoyed an HD800 phone for years. I'm not considering selling it. But I'd like to get a contrast headphone that will let me listen to music that's more fun. I detest bass bloat, but I also like it when a pair of phones render music with more impact. I want it to be easy to drive, no amp...

I'd get one of these - maybe if there were a Fostex TR-xx9! (We can only hope.)

These phones remind me of the K1000s - which is why the HD800/HD800S is so comparatively attractive for most. And here's a factoid that's worth chewing over: with Dekoni lambskin pads, the HD800 suddenly has a lean, smooth bass. I believe the main attraction of upgrading to an HD800s is to get...

That's where I'd like to be - a good amp and clean sound, without harshness or strange artifacts. But I've learned a few things here: (1) one thing that will substantially improve sound is top-notch amplification, (2) mods may make things better, but rarely solve an audio issue entirely, and...

You make a good argument. It makes sense to purchase an HD800S - but probably less so if you already own an HD800. From what I've read, the DuPont mod will help reduce the resonance, and without much effect on the Dekoni pads (which I already have). The biggest issue is an audiophile fact of...

This is an interesting discussion, but my narrow question is even more difficult to answer: An HD800 with Dekoni calfskin pads VS An HD800S. In your opinion, is the upgrade to the HD800S significant enough to sell my old headphone and get a new one? Or is it one of those "incremental"...

Here's my question - and I'm certain someone here has an answer. I'm an early adopter of the HD800 (#595), and last year, I replaced the deteriorating foam pads for the Dekoni calf-skin pads. The difference, before and after Dekoni, has been quite noticeable, especially in the mid-bass...

Thanks for the fast recommendation on the Massdrop phones. I did some research, and also discovered that used versions of these phones are going for very good prices ($315-425).

I really, really like the HD800 - and have no intention of selling them. However, I'm looking for headphones that will give me a "fun," energetic sound. Among the competitors so far? 1. Denon AH-7000, 7200: I don't like headphones with flabby bass, but these are said to deliver bass with power...

Anal C*nt Anal Vomit

Kansanturbakomissio (They're also called KSMB; they're Finnish.) Impaled Rektum (Finnish metal.)

My HD800s sound great, but the pads are starting to wear. It's time to get new pads.   The problem is, the pads cost between $75-85 - and that's way, way more than pads for other phones.    What's a less expensive alternative for the foam Sennheiser 534411 pads? Does any headphone have pads...