This is good advice and good to keep in mind.   I iphone is not great in this way and some companies rely on the iphone to power the DAC (hello Schitt) instead of powering it from the wall.   There are work arounds but it requires more $ and cables but for a fixed option maybe that is ok.    One...

Is it really two times as much?  That seems like a lot.   I got my Asgard 2 (b-stock) for $209 (+10 shipping).  I did not research it, but did not think the 02 Amp and O2 dac could be had for $100.  If so that is a good price.   I would bet dollars to donuts the Asgard sounds better but I have...

Might check out the Asgard 2. 

To add to that, people on this forum are seeking expert advice from experts on what to buy and thus don't buy headphones based on advice from basketball players or dr Dre. The expert advice they get here leads people away from buying beats.

I think you in the wrong forum. I am not being snarky but you may get more responses in a hip hop or rap forum. Maybe college people. Right or wrong that is what I perceive as the target market for beats.

  That is my assessment also for the M50x.  I am going to return mine.  Good pair otherwise if you like the sound signature.    For my work pair I am using the HD598 paired with my HA-P50 and its soft and mellow sound is great so far while maintaining moderate concentration on another task. I...

If both are working properly, same digital signal to the DAC.  No difference.   I got the MODI 2U for the extra inputs because I wanted the options for more inputs and an external power supply. 

I am pleased with the Modi U2 and Asgard 2 on my nightstand.  Not too large and the quality of sound from the pair is IMO, outstanding with my HE-400i Hp.   I have a TEAC HA-p50 on my desk at work plugged into my laptop and for portable applications.  

Yes, larger, but longer battery life and more options requires a bigger battery and housing.  Someone will suggest something better. 

I concur.  While the M-50X are nice, seem well built, and have good sound, they are bass heavy, but you may like it.   To the OP, you have to go listen or try some of these out.  The M-50X are often available locally so you can see how YOU like the sound.  Some people like rock with a strong...

TEAC HA-P50  $200 or less.   many options and direction connection to iphone and has internal dac. 

I have the MODI 2U.  No complaints.  I doubt I could tell the difference.   I would pair the modi 2U with the vahalla 2.  What headphones?     Are you getting a deal because the difference appears to be $300 retail. 

I wonder if you are the first person to ever listen to m.A.A.d city through those HP.  I like the vocals by Beth Hart in "I'll take care of you" (live version) and "Am I the One" on my HE-400i hps.   I find Adele to be too much autotune or . . . something.  I am not even sure it is a human voice...

I just started listing about 1/2 hour ago after letting them play on their own for about an hour.  Got them at lunch on sale for $150.    I would say they are safe. I don't find much annoying about them.  Treble is not bothersome.  Bass is present and a bit strong but that is ok for the volume...

What about hum or buzz?  I thought I read that every efficient - low impedance HP or iem may pick up a hum.  I could be mistaken. 

I don't think much of IEM and don't listen much with just one ear.  I'm not very chatty either.    I like your idea of the TubeMagic D1 Plus DAC .   Nice selection of digital inputs and you have get both the analog input for just the amp and the preamp out put (with our without the tube) from...

Just to take things in a different direction, have you considered full size over the ear headphones?   Might provide the sound you are after. 

 I did some searching and perhaps the ATH-M50x would work.   On the frequency charts the treble seems rolled off a bit (which would be good for my application) but the bass seemed a bit boosted.  I will look at some reviews.   Not sure about a closed headphone.  I don't mind some leakage.  I...

I guess that would narrow it down to the HD599.     There is a big cost jump (more than double) $143 to $328 for the jump between the two.    I am looking for a mellow pair of HP for the office.  Lent my HD598 to my Dad.  I have the HE-400i at home but I think it is too detailed and expensive...

Helpful link   http://www.anandtech.com/show/8554/the-iphone-6-review/11

I am listening to an old set of Plantronics Gamecom 377 headphones.  I think they sound great with a nice soundstage.  Very mellow sound for the office, but yet still some detail.   Tight clamp though - wow.    I think they were $50 about 5 years ago.  Even have a microphone. Now if I could just...

I don't have as much experience as others here on the forum, but for similarly priced headphones I think much of it comes down to what you prefer and how your ears work.  One person's ears and preferences may differ from another's ears.    Between those two, I think one is a cone driver and...

My ears would bleed.  I wonder if your iphone has the volume limit set.   Although, I run my asgard from the Modi U2 so maybe there is a difference in its output compared to the iphone (which I also use).  Did you ever drive HP from your iphone?

Have you listed to both the 400s and the HD600? 

I have been looking at those too, and the one by Woo Audio.  I have read that the stands you post are not at the same level of quality as the originals, but can be made better with some tlc and a few coats of lacquer.   The Woo audio stand does not compress the ear pads.