I thought I would share my setting with the e17 as I've been tinkering around with them a lot and found these to be the best for myself.  Maybe this will encourage others to share their settings as well.  Even those these work well for me they might not work for you depending on the type of...

Back on for $249 at amazon.com

Congrats to all those that managed to nab this thing @ $150, you guys got a steal of a deal.   Chalk one up for the bad guys!

  My thoughts are is that your suppose to put the headphones over your ears not on your face.  This technique will significantly improve sound quality, even more so then replacing the cable, give it a try and let me know if it works.  The difference should be night and day

  Based on some of the earlier comments and research in this thread, the mediabridge on amazon or   http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021816&p_id=9765&seq=1&format=2#description   is your best bet for value (not royal blue though)

Amazon.com has these for $249

Are there any more people that can give feedback for he-400 vs x1 that have listened to both?   I'm starting to lean towards the x1

Wow the X1, HE 400 and HE 500 are all tied in the polls

Lots of good discussion here and looks like the fidelio x1 is slightly ahead on the polls.  I might have to try out both the x1 and the he-400.  Either way it sounds like either headphone would be a great choice

So I currently own the m-50s which are great but now I'm looking for an upgrade .   I listen to mostly hip hop and rap.  Don't need them to be portable.  They will be driven from a fiio e17 or just an iphone/laptop.  My sources aren't that great (128KB mp3 or even youtube)   I like bass...

I currently own the m50s and am thinking about picking up the HD 700.  Would their be any point if the only thing I have driving this is a fiio e17?   I mostly listen to hip hop music and generally don't have good sources.  Hell I'll listen to music from youtube from my PC with an dedicated...