Just don't confuse the M50 with the M50s or the M50x. They're three different headphones (the latter being the only one that is not discontinued). The M50x gets mixed reviews. Check out both the M40x and M50x and compare before you pull the trigger on either. 

2/10.    No seriously. I hate active noise cancelling. Again, this is sort-of subjective and you might feel differently. But do some research on active noise cancelling - you'll see that the technology is actually inserting additional sound waves into your audio to "cancel out" exterior noise...

  What are you talking about? I specifically said "DONT" buy the K701's. Please read my post before you comment nonsense.    Also - the OP never said he was field recording. He's doing mixing / composing while commuting, and also wants to use the headphones for studio mixing at home. Sure the...

It sounds like you didn't read his last post. Grado's are open headphones, which would be completely useless in his "classroom scenario". Plus you said they sound terrible without EQ which the OP probably will not have on the go.        DatGameh - go with your gut. It sounds like you have...

Welcome! I'm a new member too. Always nice to have a friendly hello when you join a new forum. 

    If you decide to go Sennheiser, pick up a used pair of HD600's. 650's will be a bit more bass heavy, but usually come at a hefty premium. 600's are one of the best headphones out there for the money. $250-300.   If you go AKG, go with the K7XX (massdrop edition) or the K702 65th...

Personally I stay away from anything with active noise cancelling. I haven't tried the ANC9, but I have tried the Bose QC25 and I hate them. Active noise cancelling is a "pro-sumer" feature that is totally unnecessary IMO. It always detracts from the sound quaility, and creates a very...

  Agree with Beanlipe. The Philips Fidelio L2 are semi-open back, which mean's other people will hear some sound leakage. 

I've never listened to the B3's. I have the most IEM experience with Ultimate Ears to be honest. I would say if you're going for convenience, IEM's are going to be your best bet. However, I haven't heard a set of IEM that sound nearly as good as over-ear headphones until you get into the $300+...

The Fiio X5 uses the PCM1792A DAC chipset from Texas instruments. It used to be their highest end chip, so i'm sure it sounds pretty good. To answer your question I'd say that the sound quality depends on A) Your source audio and B) your headphones. You need very clean high quality lossless...

  1) The in-ear headphones you just listed are all consumer grade products - they should have no problem being driven by a smartphone. The only reason you would need an external amp with a smartphone is whn you're using high impedance headphones (35ohm+). Usually higher end open air headphones...

  For $82, your choices are a little limited. But I would go with the ATH-M40X's hands down. Best sounding closed headphones for under $100 period.   https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=m40x   These are closed headphones, so they don't have a...

    1) I'm not confusing them. Grado = On-Ear and open. M40X = Over-Ear and Closed. They're designed for different reasons, so it's hard to compare them on price alone.   2) Depends on the headphone. You didn't give me a brand/model so I can't tell you how good the deal is. I've seen some...

I assume you're talking about the Grado SR80e, correct? Those tend to be the most popular model of Grado.    2 things - On-Ear & Open-Air. They're completely different animals. I tend not to like on-ear headphones, so I wouldn't buy the Grado's. They're going to sound different because the...

Oh boy, so much to unpack here.    1) Don't believe anything Trump says. Ever. He's an egotistical chauvinist that spits hot lies. Americans are not living anywhere near 3rd world conditions, even in the lowest poverty areas.    2) I feel you on the breathability issue. My closed back...

    Go with the M40X instead. I just bought a pair and I'm blown away at how good they sound for the money. They're well built (albeit plastic), closed ear (but with huge soundstage), and overall sound like headphones 2-3x the price. I've heard, and read, that the M50X have obnoxious bass and...

It's sort-of a matter of preference at the end of the day. Other than the sound leakage issue you mentioned, I would say that closed headphones  usually offer a punchier, deeper bass (as the ear cups are sealed against your head). Closed headphones can be more immersive as well, for things like...