I don't know about the Senn, but the HARX 700 is a terrific value for the money. Can't go wrong.

Sony XB 1000 -harsh in the upper range Runner up: Beats Solos-poor value, muddy.

You may very well love the XB1000. I don't have an alternative because that is the only 70mm driver I'm aware of. If I was looking in that price range  and a similar bass response, I would probably research a Beyerdynamic DT 990/ 880 or a Ultrasone. Haven't heard them but they seem well-liked...

I can't recommend it. It was the only HP I've sold and I don't miss it. My issue was with the lower part of the higher frequency range. Voices tended to sound sibilant or distorted. I thought in general it was harsh. Bass was fine, but I don't think the XB 1000 did anything else well. I think...

If you are patient you can find the Sennheiser HD 650 at the top end of your range. A terrific HP and highly regarded here.

CDs, an occasional iTune.

Quote: +1. I have the repair parts just in case, but the nut driver is a puzzle.

Quote:   Quote: Well worth it. Spend your "mmoney." The D5000 is a terrific HP and the replacement version of it is something like $700. If you can find a "like new" set for $500ish you'll be glad you made the investment.

Quote: Maybe you can find them used on the for sale section here.

Quote: +1.  The 600 series of Sennheiser are great headphones. Love the HD650 and if you can scrape up another $100 it would be well worth it. I wasted a lot of money early on by not stepping up. 600 I'm sure would be a good value at $300.

Quote: Possibly the Denon AHD 2000 if you can still find one. Lots of folk here like the Beyerdynamic DT 880 or 990. It's really a matter of taste. Have you been here?: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-full-size-sealed Really good opinions and recommendations...

Quote: Really happy with the Schiit Asgard, a steal at $250.

Try a different source. If you are getting L/R audio is is not the headphone.

Quote: Because they are made there?

XB1000 cables are not detachable

Quote:   Good for you! Great price on a great HP.

Quote: Replacements are easily found for about $10 each. I picked up some from Sweetwater but there are lots of sources.

Quote: +1. In addition to those "expert" reviews and recommendations, there are the hundreds (thousands?) of owners in this and other forums who have expressed their happiness with the M50. I'm not saying it is a perfect HP, just a very good value for the price.

Quote: I have both. The M50 is far superior in my opinion. I'm not one for lengthy analysis, but in comparison, the XB700 high-mid to low-high range sound too sharp to me. It is a bit shrill. Also there is a lack of fullness in all but the low end, which lacks warmth. The M50 is better...

Smartest guy in the room, very generous with his time and opinions. Mal's recommendation was a big factor in the purchase of my  D5000. I'm grateful for his insight and many contributions.

Quote:   The M50s are very good buy there are many folks here who will disagree with that statement. You can find them fairly often at $109. I would pass on the ebay offer and maybe look at The Sound Professionals or Amazon. In my view, a headphone amplifier is always a good idea because...

Sound Professoinals ATH M 50s for $109 and "open box demos" for $99   http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/ATH-M50   from the email- both free shipping

Quote: Definite upgrade over the HARX 700 (and I like the 700, it is a great HP for the $) Can't opine about your sound card.

Quote: Agree with RPG. For portability, get an E11. Otherwise the E9/E7 will do just fine.

Sold by Amazon, you are safe.