In my history of headphones I've exclusively used open-back cans since I prefer a neutral sound with good soundstage, but the need has come up for a pair with decent isolation. In the time I've been a semi-enthusiast, I've never heard of a closed set of cans that weren't bass heavy and had...

          Total cost = $5   Stand is a $8 mug rack from Walmart.   Stay tuned for Kickstarter (Early bird price: $19.99).

Quote: He is exaggerating in my opinion. I have the 2ks, and modded them with wood cups. The bass is more controlled with the stock 2ks because the wood cups do not have damping unlike the stock 2k cups. So the upgrade is not necessarily better, it is just different. And I have no idea...

Quote: +1   I wouldn't even recommend them for gaming, especially if they're "bass-enhanced" as these are.

Maybe split your budget between a ~$100 IEM for portable and a used ~$200 full size open for home.

Quote: That's not how economics work. The 600/650 are the highest Sennheiser I'd consider purchasing. Without the 600, their appeal to people who want a neutral headphone in the mid-fi price range will diminish.

If you're not the kind of person to care about size of a portable, get them. You will need the E7 or other amp to use them though.

Quote: Where would you say the weak point of the construction is? I've read that they switched from a straight plug to angled plug with better strain relief. But I did read a review on amazon dated only a month ago that talked about durability issues with the housing.

Quote: What do you think of the build quality on the HF5/3/2? I've read some mixed reviews about that, which is why I'm considering the MC5/3.

Get an ASUS Xonar DG. They can be had for $20-30.   For headphones. None of those, especially none from Razer or those other mousepad companies. Consider one of the headphones mentioned in the Mad Lust Envy thread and attach a boom mic or clip on mic.

My small eared brothers and sisters, where are you?

Quote: Oh, I'm not considering the EtyKids. It's either the MC3 or HF3 since the mic will be handy. Do you have both the Kids and the HFs?

The Beats fad has nothing to do with wanting better sound quality. People who buy Beats don't buy them because they sound good, otherwise they would be buying different headphones. Jewellery is jewellery, Beats just happen to sound better than stock iBuds.

Hi all,   My girlfriend's birthday is approaching and I'm going to be taking this opportunity to introduce her to the world of hi-fi.   I've settled on either the Etymotic HF3 or MC3 as she's also been looking for a hands-free for her iPhone. I was leaning toward the MC3 as I've read...

Quote:   You should really go ahead and spend another $96.01 more.