This is EXACTLY what I was looking for.  Thank you.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/639044/500-iem-vs-500-headphones#post_8916623 May be useful

I get that. That's on the box. I wanted to know the specifics of what MADE THEM better. Sorry for not being completely clear.

Thanks but I was wondering more about the comparative differences and the difference in purpose between the two headphones. Not what amp to get. Thanks though

Fiio E10k

Hi, I know there's a long 600s thread but I can't find a post so far comparing them to an open cups. I got the 600s recently as a gift and vastly prefer how light on my head they are. But they sound so neutral, its hard to adjust.   I know the MMX 300s are for gaming/music and have a great...

Hi I'm Dom and I read stuff on here often enough I figured i t was time to register. I am on some Sennheiser 600s and MMX300s at the moment powered by a fiio e10k. Find these forums super helpful. Cheers,

At least in the UK the MMX300s have dropped in price a LOT to your range. For gaming and music, I'm not sure there are better cups out there. Compared with the Sennheiser 360s, too -  from everything I've read they are superior.

A friend of mine swears by the Asus Xonar u7s. I have the Fiio e10k for my HD600s and its great (coming from a Xonar u3). Either one falls in your 'budget slot' and IMO would be fine choices.

If you want good treble I'd hunt eBay for some Sennheiser 600s. I got them almost half normal cost and the treble ( + natural sounds ) are unequaled. Though your idea of the A50x definitely are more dope looking for walking around.