Thanks: all are good recommendations. You're right that the Grado sound may not be bass-heavy as some like, but the mid and high clarity and spaciousness, and the accuracy of the bass, are outstanding. I would like to see Grado make a closed, around the ear headphone with tight but heavier bass...

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Best Noise reduction phones: Bose quietcomfort 15, or quietcomfort 2 (used, as a cost saver...I have these and love them: comfortable and great sound and noise reduction). Best open-back phones: grado sr80i: tight but not over-pronounced bass, crystal clear mids and highs, at a great price...

I agree that either they are counterfeits ( be careful on ebay), or, more likely, you are not getting a deep and totally sealed ear fit. I found using the comply T-100 foam ear tips dramatically improved the sound. They come in different sizes: make sure to get the ones that correspond to the...