Looks like I can make it, can't wait

I wonder how Denon will be able to justify the nearly $900 asking price. It seems a bit steep in my opinion, especially compared to the TH-X00. I guess we will have to wait and see how they sound. 

I'll hopefully be able to make it, the only bad part is it is the weekend before finals. If I can make it, I will bring my Fostex TH-X00 and a Schiit Asgard 2/Bifrost. 

Honestly though, you probably will not get a huge improvement out of getting an external dac/amp combo for the X2. It is such an easy headphone to drive. 

You will get the best isolation by far from an IEM. Personally, I have the Aurisonics Bravo Kicker and they are wonderful and fit everything you describe. They are have deep, powerful bass, some of the best isolation ever (I get nervous walking around campus with mine on because of the removal...

Thanks guys, looks like I won't be going wrong with either of these headphones.

I am looking into buying one of these headphones as they are an upgrade to the sound signature that I enjoy. So I was wondering, between these (or any other similarly priced planars), what should I get and why? I will be running it out of a schiit bifrost and Asgard 2.

Yeah the vali 2 would probably work nicely for you. You could maybe find a used Asgard 2 on the for sale forums here, that is where I bought mine.

You can't go wrong with either of them, perfect starting points. I am a fan of schiit products though, I think I just like the looks, but they also sound really good and I can tel Lyon first hand that you won't be disappointed by the modi.

And to expand on the point, the OTL tube amp should work perfectly with your DT990s as they are 250 ohm. The tubes should somewhat tame the treble of the 990s (I had a pair bit the treble was always too much for me). However, this is the problem to having headphones with varying impedances, a...

I'm no expert and I am far from understanding the science behind it but OTL headphone amps use tubes as the output stage instead of transformers and as a result have higher output impedance. Low impedance headphones when used with high output impedance amps tend to become loose in the bass as...

I am interested in installing a software EQ, such as Equalizer APO but I was wondering how it would interact with my Bifrost. My Bifrost is connected via USB, however when I install Equalizer APO, it does not change the audio at all. So my understand is because I am bypassing my motherboards...

Look for a sale on an woox produced X2, should be around $200, more refined than the X1 and has removable pads.

I'm looking to spend around $200 on an IEM that has a similar U-shaped sound signature as the THX00. I'm not new when it comes to OEMs but I have no idea what to look for in an IEM. 

Don't be swayed by the higher price of these two IEMs compared to the cheaper pair suggested by fjrabon. Price doesn't mean they will necessarily fit your sound preference. Considering you find the 770 to be lacking in the bass frequency, I am sure you would be disappointed by the Dunu and RHA...

I think the Brainwavz HM5 pads are compatible with the ATH-M50 (you might want to double check me) but that would probably solve all of the comfort issues. And my vote is with the M50's. They are a good starting headphone that isolates fairly well and has pretty good bass impact. Beyer's tend to...

Yes, I would recommend the X2.Considerably more cost efficient and has a sound signature that you more than likely would find pleasing since it is similar to the HD650 and would sound great off of your gear. Just be careful, read the head-fi forums and reddit posts on /r/headphones about the X2...

The 650 sounded constrained, in comparison to the X2 and TH-X00, on the magni/modi. It was being held back and didn't impress me nearly as much as the X2 did on a less expensive DAC/amp. The X2 provides a lot for its price and sounds amazing doing it but it is lacking some of the fine detail...

One thing to consider though, the HD650 takes a lot more power to drive it than the X2 does. Personally, I had to upgrade to a Bifrost and Asgard 2 because my Modi/Magni stack wasn't cutting it and my 650's felt veiled (which they no longer do). 

I would second this and add that the X2 packs more sub bass than the 650. I don't think you would regret purchasing either one though. 

It is unfortunate that the X2 is uncomfortable for you because to me it is the most comfortable headphone I own, in comparison to the TH-X00, HD650 and DT990. I know the Fostex TH-X00 isn't in your list, is hard to find and is more expensive, but if you can find them, I think they would give you...

I have the Fostex TH-X00 and it is quite impressive, while being more reasonably priced than the TH-600 and having less sibilant highs. If you can find a used pair, I think it would be a good pick up. Or you can wait around and see if Massdrop releases a second run of them. 

Philips Fidelio X2 fits the sound signature you described and from personal experience, I really enjoy this headphone. You shouldn't have any problems driving it with your Macbook so no need to worry about an amp. 

My bad, I didn't see his price range. 

I am really enjoying the Fostex THX00. Overall solid headphone that fits the sound signature that you describe you like, only problem is that it will be difficult to find since it was a limited production run.