[thePortsman]

I'm a proud owner of HD-650, and i'm looking for a set that is:
 

1. similar-sounding to HD-650
2. portable
3. durable
4. able to deliver true response for recording rap vocals (amped E7/E10 <-- M-Audio FastTrack Pro <--i7/8GB Macbook Air)
5. able to deliver excitement in casual listening especially in the 808 bass/hi-hat heavy genres (un-amped)

 
 
I understand the qualities of the TMA-1 and the KNS-8400 are quite different, but I am looking for the set that better encompasses the attributes I listed above.

Of course, I'm open to alternative suggestions  in the $150ish price range.
 
Thanks a mil 
 
Crash

 

[tdockweiler]

Whatever you do don't get any of the KRKs if you're looking for something similar to the TMA-1 and HD-650. You'll be majorly disappointed. I love the KRKs, but most people find them bass light. I think that's a bit of nonsense. They have good low-bass extension though.
 
The closest closed match to the HD-650 i've heard is a well amped Koss Pro DJ 100. The DJ100 is a little warmer/fuller sounding and has more treble (weird, I know). Sounds clearer too.
 
The DJ100 actually has a little more low bass, but it's very close. The HD-650 might have more mid bass and less upper mids.
 
Actually..they only do well unamped with a few portable sources. Some of the older Ipods and maybe the Ipod Touch 2G. Sometimes I think my 650 sounds better without an amp

 
If you want to try the KRKs i'd suggest the 8400 over the 6400. It seems to be a bit fuller sounding and has a little more bass presence maybe.
 
You could also look into the Shure SRH-840 (or 440 maybe?). That has more mid-bass than the DJ100 and KRKs and does a bit better without an amp. It's kind of large and awkward to wear though.

 

[thePortsman]

Thanks t doc,
 
The qualm I have with both the SRH 840 and the DJ100 is the comfort level. 
 
the KNS-8400 and the TMA-1 seem to have similar levels of comfort and portability.
 
I'd rather not get the 8400's because of what you said about the low-end. The TMA-1 is the obvious winner in the bass category, but I also want to use it to record vocals and i'm not sure if they will deliver a true vocal representation…
 
any other suggestions? 
 
How about the M80?
 
Cheers