Quote:   Provided you choose shipping via USPS then the only fees you will be charged at the border is sales tax on the declared value of the headphone-- just as if you were to buy them locally.

**** that stuff is old school now? Damn I'm getting old... hahah   If you're looking for bass, you probably won't find what you're looking for in the 701s. They are tilted to the high end and don't necessarily lack in bass, but they certainly don't emphasize it.    HD600s are my go to...

RE: trusting reviews only. The points made so far only address the sound. Auditioning is also important in terms of comfort! Nobody's head is the same! For example, all of the reviews I read regarding the German Maestro GMP 450 Pro said they were super comfortable to wear -- light as a feather...

Quote:   I know the feeling. I'd say most towns are like that. I am lucky to live in a place with a very thriving music community and am spoiled already. I didn't always though -- I feel your pain!

Call me crazy, but I buy my music at my favorite music store in town. Yes, I commute there and browse and actually pay for a physical item :)   For the fellow Montrealers, that shop would be Aux 33 Tours

Damn you can be sure most people would want to try out some headphones before dropping $300, I know I would!

Certainly there's a good hi-fi shop in the city, or a pro audio shop? They will often let you demo cans. Places like B&H do so as well and have a surprisingly large collection.

I think you ought to consider the Sennheiser HDs as well. Can you get to a shop to audition them? It could be a very worthwhile thing to do!

HD600s are my favorite all-rounder and can be had for under $300. DT880s are also a good choice. I'm not a huge fan of k701s because they are much too bright sounding for me. 

H25ii would indeed be a good choice. I don't know that I would want to wear them running, however. But probably a better choice than other, larger cans.

Any resolution to this Msflsim? I am in the market for the 7520s, but this issue is a little disconcerting.

Driven properly, HD600s sound fantastic for classical. They have a very rich sound and excellent dynamics. YMMV

Hello! First post here!   I work professionally in audio and love my HD600s. They have a bit of "a sound" -- but once you learn it they are fantastic tools. Not to mention beautiful for simply enjoying music.   I second Jmstrmbn's suggestion of the Bottlehead Crack (plus Speedball...