Just a couple Warehouse Deals worth mentioning   Two pairs of SR325is in Used - Like New for $266.10 (usually $295), with free shipping: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000J1N3HW/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&condition=used   One pair AKG K181DJ in Used - Good...

Quote: I can vouch for this seller: I bought refurb HD25-1 IIs from them through Amazon for something like $85.  It turned out to be an erroneous listing (HD25-SP) on Amazon's part, but they honored the price and shipped me the 1 IIs rather than cancelling. 

One ATH-WS70 at Warehouse Deals for $69.85, Used-Like New condition http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004M210S8/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&qid=1322174264&sr=1-319&condition=used   Several DT 990-600s for $180-$190, Used-Good to Used-Like New...

Quote: I cannot say with certainty, having not seen/handled a known genuine pair, but based solely on my impressions of the quality of the construction and materials, I'd bet an additional $108 that they're legitimate.  All the little details are right, the leather on the pads and the...

Quote: For anyone considering jumping on an Amazon Warehouse deal in the future: These just arrived today, and overall I'm very satisfied with the purchase from an initial condition/value perspective.  I had previously purchased a pair of DT770s in Used-Very Good condition from...

There's at least one ATH-ESW9A left on Warehouse Deals @ $108.33 in Used-Good condition.    http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0030O0Q2U/sr=1-398/qid=1321764409/ref=olp_tab_used?ie=UTF8&coliid=&me=&qid=1321764409&sr=1-398&seller=&colid=&condition=used

Quote: Call J&R.They were at somewhere between $180-$199 just a few months ago, bet they're lower than ebay currently.  J&R is almost always going to have at least a competitive price, in my experience.  

Quote:   I would not categorize them as heavy.  My apparently large ears don't agree with the earcups unless they're perfectly positioned, and as such they can get uncomfortable for me when used >1 hour, however I believe I am part of a small minority in that regard.  I find them...

Quote: These two Used Very Goods are now down to $137.99  

A few Beyer deals that look good to me from my incessant browsing of Amazon's Warehouse Deals, if only the 990s were 600ohm I'd probably have snatched one: T1: Used Good - $931.99 (x2), Used Like New - $983.99 [Not sure what street price on these actually is, may not actually be a deal] DT 880...

     Quote: That picture link is broken, but I think I know what you're referring to.  My right cup has it, left does not.  I wish I'd not noticed it because I see it every time I look at them now, but I don't imagine it's anything to worry about.  

Have a look at this thread (started yesterday ) http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/557686/cheap-amp-for-w1000x

I'd second the AKG K81DJ recommendation.  Quite bass-heavy, very portable, pretty sturdy, and the isolation is outstanding.  Also note for shopping purposes that the K518DJ and K518LE are identical, to my knowledge, except that the LE has a one meter cord, which may or may not be to your liking.

     Quote:   In what situation could one possibly want FLAC for archival purposes when said FLAC is converted from MP3?  There is absolutely no benefit in so doing, and there are many detriments.   Let's say I'm going on a hike in the desert.  I bring along one gallon of water in a...

Just called J&R again to confirm my prior post, still $199.99 shipped. Quit fooling around, people! :D   Edit: Denon AH-D2000s, in case that wasn't clear

fwiw, J&R quoted me $199 on new D2000s a few weeks ago, can't say where they're at currently.

Quote: It's not a blind test if you're manually switching between files that you can see on a media player.  Further, I don't even think the Nano will play FLAC.   Try foobar and the ABX Comparator plugin if you really want to perform a double blind...

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/475618/matrix-m-stage-amp-review-simple-cheap-and-excellent/1665#post_7450429   Have a look at the posts here and following, and see if that does anything for you.  The sound you describe is different than what I've read there, but perhaps it's of the same...

Good to know, thank you both!

...impedance cans, both of which are exactly opposite of my findings if I were to trust the label on the back of the unit.  So, my questions...   * Both switches down (away from ON, 0dB in instructions, 20dB on label) is relatively the quietest, I can turn the volume knob to one or two...

Hope none of these are repeats, though I've a feeling at least the the first might be.   We begin with Amy Lee of Evanescence, who clearly has the best taste out of all of them, and has them on correctly, which is more than can be said for others:   Next up are the Sony fans...

I was in a similar position as you with regard to the DAC/amp decision. I don't know whether it's placebo, as I can't perform a blind test, but going to a DAC from Realtek onboard on a Dell was a huge step up in terms of SQ for me. I would imagine that just about any DAC is going to be better...

I realize this is somewhat limited, but figured it might be worth posting for those in the market to keep an eye out for. I got a very nice set of 600 ohm DT 770s through Amazon Warehouse Deals for $120, specifically through this link...

Fair enough, thank you both Currawong and jude for the clear and reasonable explanation. Consider me warned, and I will take my campaign to the main forums.

That's a very valid point. I probably could have refrained from editorializing, but thought it less spammy than just dumping some links. I'm sure they are lovely headphones, that's not my issue with Monster. Monsanto probably engineers some very nice seeds: Were I in the market for seeds, I...