AKG K 240 vs Audio Technica ATH-M50 (or are there better options?)

[Hifi Man]

Okay, so I'm still looking for new headphones. I'm returning a pare of sennheiser HD25 amperior headphones today because they were uncomfortable. I do all of my listening on headphones, because I like to walk around my house during the day. I can't be tethered to one room. You can check my last fm account to see what kind of stuff I listen to http://www.last.fm/user/metaldiscussor
 
Both of these headphones seem highly recommended. The AKG K 240 is recommended by theneedledrop (a popular music critic) 
and the audio-technica seems to be one of the most recommended headphones ever. Within the 300 dollar range, are these what I want? My sources are iPod classic 160gig, iPod touch g1, iPhone g3. I just want comfort and something that won't skimp out on heavy music, but still sound clear on quieter music (I think they call it a sound stage). I'm trying to upgrade from my AE2 headphones.

 

[torturechambers]

K240s are much more comfortable, I can wear mine all day no problem.  They also have a very neutral sound and can really go well with everything
 
They also have great soundstage for the price, where m50s sound closed in and not as well balanced
 
M50s are all hype IMO and didn't sound that great when I used them, and on top of that they heat up on my head and I usually have no problems with that whatsoever.

 

[Hifi Man]

Quote:

K240s are much more comfortable, I can wear mine all day no problem.  They also have a very neutral sound and can really go well with everything
 
They also have great soundstage for the price, where m50s sound closed in and not as well balanced
 
M50s are all hype IMO and didn't sound that great when I used them, and on top of that they heat up on my head and I usually have no problems with that whatsoever.

 
I want to have comfortable studio quality headphones, not headphones for isolation. I want to spend less money for just good quality headphones. Headphones that will last. I want to invest in audiophile headphones not just for the sake of the hype and price.
 
I read on wiki how that you shouldn't spend more than 100 dollars or something on portable headphones. I have about 300 dollars to spend nonetheless. So wouldn't that mean the AKG 240 would just be great? What would be just an upgrade to headphones like the AE2 by bose, that still have the same features as that one, like over ear comfort and sound stage, but can play death metal and still sound accurate and balanced?

 

[Hifi Man]

So I'm feeling like I'm ready to order a pare of AKG K240s because no one has seemed to say that there's a better pare. Can someone tell me if these headphones require amplification or can they be powered by an iPod and still be loud and clear?

 

[torturechambers]

They're pretty well powered by an ipod, you might need a fiio e11 to get that extra "oomph"
 
also the k240 mkII comes with an extra cable and extra velour pads for a bit over $100

 

[Hifi Man]

I'm starting to think the akg 240s aren't for me because the cord is too long on them.
 
I'm actually still looking for new headphones if anyone wants to check out my last thread http://www.head-fi.org/t/661676/what-are-the-best-headhones-for-me

 

[torturechambers]

I don't have a problem with chord length, and I believe the mkII comes with a shorter, more portable cable

 

[torturechambers]

If I'm wrong, you could always braid the cable. Comes to a decent ~3 ft length on my k240s

 

[torturechambers]

Woops, posted twice

 

[Hifi Man]

Okay, I'm going to get the AKG K240s

 

[torturechambers]

Solid choice, mine sounds great with metal and instrument seperation

Heavy Metal is the law

 

[Hifi Man]

Quote:

Solid choice, mine sounds great with metal and instrument seperation

Heavy Metal is the law

You are so right my friend.

 

[Hifi Man]

What amplifier would be the best for these headphones for under 100 dollars?

 

[torturechambers]

I use a Fii0 e11 and it works rather well with the 240s.

I suggest using the LOD cable from FiiO for ~10$ for iPods.

There's also the FiiO e07k, but that's a USB dac/amp, works better with computers

 

[Hifi Man]

Quote:

I use a Fii0 e11 and it works rather well with the 240s.

I suggest using the LOD cable from FiiO for ~10$ for iPods.

There's also the FiiO e07k, but that's a USB dac/amp, works better with computers

So e07k would be the same amplification, but also has a dac, which would kind of make it a better deal? I do plan on using this for my computer. So wouldn't that be the better option?